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Do you all know that I have a busy Little Boy? Busy. NOT hyper. NOT A.D.D., but BUSY. And I really don't think there is anything wrong with having a busy child. Most of the time anyway, but I will be the 1st to admit - I lost alot of quiet time the day when he stopped taking an afternoon nap! Children are supposed to be busy. Interestingly enough, it seems that many school systems think that kids need less recess/running around time and more teaching of the test time... then they wonder at the behavioral results. But anyway...
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We went to a restaurant on our trip and he was being his usual busy self- playing with some balloons that were in the waiting area and chatting away with other people waiting. Adults. Not the kids because all the kids were silently sitting next to their parents, video games in hand. Well, I guess that is one way to get your kids to sit still. And someone waiting for a table actually asked me if I had my son tested yet for A.D.D (or was it H.A.D.D?)... because did I know - there is medicine for that. EXCUSE ME??? You see, Little Boy doesn't usually sit still. Except he will spend hours doing craft projects or building legos. But in a restaurant waiting room - what is the harm when he is playing with balloons. It wasn't like he was bothering anyone or acting wild or anything like that. Has society forgotten what busy children are like? And busy children are not automatically hyper or A.D.D. either. It isn't like he is off the wall wild or anything like that, he is actually, for the most part, pretty well behaved... he just hops around alot is all.
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And because my son is usually pretty interactive with other people (yes, I really DO have to keep a constant eye on him!) he actually gets recognized by people as a real little person of his own self. I think that sometimes adults are amazed at his chatty little self! Here is an example: A man came out of the restaurant with a big bunch of balloons. Little Boy had LOTS to say about those balloons, let me tell you. Turns out that it was the man's 87th birthday (because LB had to know exactly how old he was!). Who knows - maybe LB will be a detective - he has an amazing ability to get ALL kinds of information out of people... In the end - the man gave all 5 balloons to my son... after some family photos first, of course. That family was absolutely tickled with Little Boys conversational skills - which at times can be never ending. So, now we have 5 balloons in hand when we get seated. To get to our table we had to pass a little girl who was about 1 year old - and LB decided that the little girl needed a balloon to play with. So, we untied one and he went over there to give it to her. Then, the staff sang the birthday song to someone else sitting next to us. Another balloon had to be untied and given to the birthday person near us. And then he proceeded to color in his placemat to make a birthday card. Kept him busy at least (and in pretty much 1 spot) while we waited for our food!
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Yes, he is busy. And aware of other people around him. No, I don't think it is a bad thing as long as I try to keep him somewhat anchored so he doesn't become a pest. Probably nothing worse than hiring a babysitter so you can go out to eat without kids and then having some little boy planting himself at your table. So, I make sure that doesn't happen. But - if he wants to share a balloon or make a card, I don't see a problem with that.
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Anyway, here are some more photos of his busy little self during our last trip! And, as you have probably figured out by now - he is happiest when BUSY!!!
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The top photo - the ferry coming in from either Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket (not sure which one). If you know the boating saying "Red Right Return" you will know that the red channel marker needs to be on the right hand side of the ferry coming into the harbor - impressive how such a big boat can fit through such a small channel! Little Boy had a great run down the beach trying to keep up with the ferry.
We were lucky enough to be at the beach instead of the garage waiting room because my sister picked us up from the garage for a bit... the engine light was on so my car wouldn't pass emmissions to get a new inspection sticker. All fixed now, thankfully with a realatively small repair bill - you never know about these things so I was relieved that it didn't cost a bizzillion dollars to fix!
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We also went to a 2nd grade basketball game (a cousin's team!). This was LB's 1st basketball game and he was all eyes! But his favorite part was after the game - they kept the gym open for another 45 minutes so all the kids could just play. And LB had a great time dribbling that basketball - he does a great job at it too with an interesting technique... he starts with the ball really high and then it gets a bit lower and lower with each dribble until the entire process has to be started over again. He is pretty good at walking while dribbling. Oh my, he did really have fun.
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And what Little Boy doesn't love a merry-go-round ride? The smile alone is worth the $2 ticket - he won't be little forever!
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We had lots of fun goings on with the cousins too including egg dying and a birthday party!
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So, since I've been back - well, I arrived with a terrible cold and really felt under the weather, plus tired from all that driving. Sunday I did pretty much... nothing! Took a shower, took a nap, took a bath, watched some TV, went to bed early. I really needed a down day. By yesterday I was feeling semi-normal again and started my paperwork routines, some housework and a short shift in the restaurant. Plus, LB and I rubber stamped 24 paper bags for his Easter party - which I very cleverly decided to put together and have at school! And today - well... more laundry and paperwork, plus LB and I have to stuff all the plastic eggs with candies for his party. Might even get around to making the cookies today too, but if not - tomorrow will be fine. Fingers crossed that I get caught up with paperwork by tomorrow so I can squeeze some sewing time in... you all don't think I drove right on past Marden's without stopping in for a bit of fabrics, do you? LOL!
P.S. edited to add - not to offend anyone who does truly have a hyper or A.D.D. child - it is just that I was a bit taken aback that a stranger at the restaurant would tell me that there is medicine for normal "busy" behaviour. Oh - and those handheld video games - I don't mind them to an extent (Little Boy really enjoys his portable DVD player, but never in a restaurant), it just seems like I see them around and about an awful lot and the kids who are playing with them appear to have no idea where they even are!
9 comments:
It's crazy what strangers will say to one another sometimes. Little Boy is lucky to have a mama with the time to let him really play!! So many kids don't have enough play time these days.
what a refreshing thing to read a mom say her child is busy and not ADHD!!! thanks for that! i think we "over drug" our children these days just so we don't have to parent! you are awesome!
laurie
How will little boy learn about the world around him if he doesn't ask questions and look into everything. Little boy is obviously a very bright and generous young man, he is a credit to you and your skill as a parent.
I just can't imagine anyone thinking your little guy is ADD! There is so much misinformation out there about ADD - and I believe way too many kids being diagnosed with this who shouldn't be. I hate how drug dependent our society has become! Our kids were always "busy" too - as were my sister and I. No bordom there - just very inquisitive minds constantly wanting to learn new things.
I visited the LL Bean store on one of our trips to Maine - it was fun!
My youngest son had(has) significant learning disorders and ADD (Not ADHD - the H standing for hyperactivity) His was a hyperactive brain with the inability to focus which was a real problem coupled with the learning disabilities. Along with that, he's extremely bright with a very high IQ. We struggled the entire time he was in school but he graduated and went on to culinary school. He now works for the Ritz Carlton and at 20 years old was living on his own and self supporting. Trust me it was not easy but worth all the effort and yes, medication at times when it was needed.
I do agree with the comments that kids can be over diagnosed and over medicated but there are also some kids out there with real problems. I was surprised at times by people who felt qualified to pass judgement on me for treating my son. (The treatment included, therapy, extensive tutoring, and not just medication)
I think it's very apparent reading your blog that you direct your son's energy in positive, fun, and educational ways.
Just to be clear, I'll add an edit of my own: I'm certainly not offended by your by your post in any way and don't mean my comment to be offensive either!
you know I think you do a fabulous job as a very informed and thoughtful parent with LB! I am always floored at how strangers can say or ask the most off the wall things-come to conclusions that seem so left field to me. I agree, busy is different than hyper active. I happen to support boys being curious, active, and not afraid to speak up and ask questions and have conversations-my sons were raised like that and grew up into charming young men.
Amen! I fought that recess battle constantly! The brain needs a break, the body needs a break. LB is just normal. That guy had a lot of nerve saying anything to you!
Busy kids are happy kids in my opinion. LB is obviously very bright and you are doing a wonderful parenting job! My kids are grown but I've gotten some good ideas from you that I will use on my future grandchildren. One of my favorites is how you hug LB at the end of the day and sniff him and say you smell sunshine, sand, sunshine, ocean waves, sunshine... etc. That is sooo sweet and special. Keep up the good work.
You're doing a fantastic job, such a good Mom! These well-meaning strangers have no idea how much energy an active little boy really has.
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