I know I’m no doctor but my 3 year old displays all signs of ADHD. There’s no help for her at this age and honestly I hate to brand my baby like this in her medical records so is there any advice or methods you have personally used to correct this? My daughter is getting out of hand, discipline of any sort does not help so please anything else. .
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They started my little brother on a low dose of medication at 3. Who told you there was no help?
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Research diet changes and environmental changes. Don’t go straight to drugs. They did that to me and it was awful!!!
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As someone diagnosed with ADHD as a child I really think you should try as many alternatives as you can before medication. The meds made me a zombie. I had no love for life and lost my personality. It was worse than the ADHD itsself.
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Check for sensory issues, before ADHD is labeled.
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There’s actually a ton of help available. Occupational therapy would really be a great place to start. First step is to talk to her Pediatrician and ask for a referral for an evaluation.
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We use this mixed in a roller bottle. Roll on back of neck. Makes a big difference in behavior for us…
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A lot of parents of kids with adhd swear that cutting dyes and sugars and stuff like that out of their diets can work wonders! Idk all of them myself So don’t quote me but like red dye # whatever and 1 of the yellow dyes too they say really ramp up ADHD pretty badly. Look into it on the internet ppl talk about it a lot it shouldn’t be hard to find at all. And I’ve heard giving them caffeine like in the mornings before school can really help as well. There are other approaches out there to try long before you go down the road of medications. Do your research, educate yourself and use your judgement also because there’s a lot of bullshit out there as well.
Doctors do not like to diagnose children under 6 with ADHD, ADD, or any other form. Medicating a 3 year old seems pretty dramatic, they cant tell you if they are experiencing side effects nd such.
My 6 year old was on medication for ADHD, he started having suicidal thought so we switched him, then he was like a zombie. Id rather have a rambunctious child than alter their brain to a different person. Diet will help a Ton. No red dye especially.
I hope you can fint something that works for yall.
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Lots of group on Facebook for help and support. Also diet changes can make a huge difference. We found dairy to be a huge trigger. There is help out there that’s not medication related. Discipline is the hardest one to do as they don’t fully understand it. However lots of books out there that help and explain ways to discipline
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Our 4yr old boy I’m pretty sure has it… I am trying to cut out sugar completely and we have a strict routine for him. But for him to go to school we will have to look into meds becuase he just won’t sit still long enough to learn
Regardless of rather you put the kid on meds or not ita about understanding what it means to have ADHD. Do the research, it’s amazing how their brains actually work. My son was diagnosed when he was in 2nd grade and it’s been a battle. But with enough understanding, encouragement, discipline, consistency, and stability it can be tamed. It’s going to get so much worse before it gets better. But I’m happy to say that boy is almost 13 and hasnt needed meds for over a year. It’s hard af and at times you’ll want to just walk away, but in the end the kid will be better for it.
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All 3 year olds are difficult. It’s the age.
It’s difficult to get a true Dx of ADHD until they are at least school age. Usually after 8-9 years old.
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I agree with many above, don’t be quick to label her with ADHD and go to meds. Kids are rambunctious at that age. A structured schedule, healthy foods and loads of patience will be helpful.
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Omg… she is a kid… let her run around the park for an hour or so. She is fine.
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I believe my son is too but we agreed not to meditate until it affects his schooling
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You’re kid is 3 all kids this age show ADHD signs. Smh 
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3yr olds cannot be diagnosed with adhd. Any dr that diagnoses them that young is a quack. They wont diagnose until school age bcuz there is no differentiation between toddler behavior and adhd behavior. Try the book parenting the strong willed child.
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Too young. 3 year olds have no attention span.
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Speak to a licensed professional first. A therapist ,Pediatrician, will help you to determine what to do.
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Diet changes! Cut out all dyes ESPECIALLY red dyes. Even if he doesn’t eat it, (like in soaps, lotions etc) he becomes to where he can’t even function. We’ve found that meat and processed foods make his behavior out of control as well, and noticed a huge shift in behavior and less agrression when we switched to a more plant based diet.
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I think all 3 year olds act like that!! They’re 3!! My son is 7, his 1st grade teacher has been trying to label him ADHD all year, wanting him to get on meds. But his pediatrician, counselor (started therapy to please his teacher), principal, etc., nobody thinks he’s ADHD but her!! They said start with a set routine & diet change then keep him busy. We go to the park as much as we can after school, & he just started soccer!! Keeps he busy & runs out his extra energy.
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Diet and routine. Take away sugar, and keep to a schedule. Kids NEED routine to depend on, that include plenty of play time throughout the day.
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I thought my daughter had ADHD too. Showed all the signs. Until someone told me to try to take red dye out of her diet. I did and now all signs of ADHD are gone. She is now so much more relaxed and easy going. I suggest taking red dye out of diet. I’m sure that will help.
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My oldest son was diagnosed at age 5 after a head injury. We stopped all meds as they made him very ill. We have him coffee in the morning and a caffeinated pop at lunch. The caffeine counteracted the hyperactivity and he was able to get through the day with little to no issues. Now this was 20 years ago. Do some research for alternative treatments, that’s what I did. I also took him off any food and drinks that contained Red 40.
Just a thought 
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You could keep away from red dyes and the like. But honestly I have never met a 3 year old that doesn’t act like that. My daughter was like that a few years ago and my son is like that now that he’s 3. They wild
We thought the same thing with my son. When we brought it up with his pediatrician, she referred us to another program for testing it turned out to be autism. Don’t be to quick to jump to the adhd. Where I live they don’t test for that until age 4.
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Just continue to be strict and maintain discipline.
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You have yourself a threenager. It will pass just like the terriable 2s.
Wait until they’re at least 6 or 7 to start thinking add/adhd may be a factor. Speak to your pediatrician if you’re concerned with her behavior development
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My son has ADHD. after being put on medication for that he had to be treated for violent outbursts and then start having seizures the Dr told me it could take years to find what combination would work for him. I have taking him off all medication everyday is a struggle. But I have noticed as he got older he focuses a little better.try a strict schedule up at the same time everyday the order in which you get dressed brush your teeth eat breakfast the time you get dressed at night for bed the time you lay down every little thing has to be on a schedule it really helps. Also self soothing methods. I don’t remember at which point I actually thought to myself if I’m just frustrated imagine how frustrated they are to be all over the place and not knowing why or how to control it. They have got to be so frustrated!
I was suspicious of my son having it when he was 2 and I was right.
Cut out drinks with red die and processed sugars. It makes a huge difference
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Ignore all the people saying that’s just a 3yr old. There are occurrences of ADHD in children that young and 3 is not too young to evaluate if done properly,* which your pediatrician alone is not equipped to do. A good evaluation can take months and requires the collaboration of lots of different specialists to rule out other things that could be masking as what you observe to potentially be ADHD. Bloodwork, sleep studies, body scans and lots of sessions with psychologists are involved and if it’s not a huge disruption in every aspect of your life, it might be worth trying different strategies before trying to get a diagnosis ruled in or out.
If you do decide to try to pursue it make sure you find a practice that works with a variety of specialists and is committed to the process of finding out what is going on regardless of whether or not it is ADHD.
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Go to a behavioral counselor. They can help you adjust your parenting style. My daughter was 2 when her behavior all started. So I had to do it until she turned 5 and started school to see how it would affect her. She know sees a psychiatrist and is diagnosed with ADHD and ODD. She is on a small dose of adderall to help her get through the school day. Hang in there momma
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Take red dye out of their diet, make the diet healthier put them on a schedule, even if kicking and screaming!!! This will be just as hard on you as your child. But nothing comes easy! I have five and that made a huge difference. Then, when all is set in place… THAT IS WHEN YOU DO AN ADHD REVIEW.
Let me guess…first child?
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She is 3…of course her attention span is short
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Cut back on sugar and feed her healthy foods. If she still has issues when starting school then it could be worthwhile to look into but right now she is likely a bored toddler who is high energy
Coffee milk. It has a reverse effect on adhd
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I think it’s a shame someone asks for advice and gets comments like this. I guess your kids came with instruction manuals. You lucky duck!
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It’s not to late. Talk to your doctor.
A change in eating habits helps. No dyes, processed foods… I’m not sure what else, but there’s plenty of information out there. I’m sure your little one’s pediatrician would refer you to a dietitian
Be consistent and do your homework with Foods. Feed him natural healthy no sugars and no gluten
ADHD isn’t that bad ive had it since i was little. The outbursts are from boredom. They constantly have to move or stay stimulated. Giving multiple tasks 2 or 3 at a time is very helpful. It engages and keeps multiple parts of the brain stimulated. This is the only things that help me. Medications are horrible make you feel like your in a fogged slow motion and unable to focus.
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I had 2 boys, alone, dad left and no family. The oldest was insane! He ran around, screamed, tantrums till he turned blue and passed out then back at it again. I took him to a neurologist and he was fine so I stuck it out. I dealt and stayed patient and kind and kept him busy. We went to the park every day sometimes twice a day and walked everywhere. Now he is 13, he is incredibly responsible and motivated, a good athlete and all around a great person. No meds just lots of exercise and discipline. So glad how it turned out and I got in shape lol.
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Black coffee is sad to have close to the same effect as Adderol on a child with ADHD. My son is on meds for it but I have a friend who does the black coffee and she claims it works
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Red dye is the devil. Avoid it and sugar.
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Get proper diagnosis. All 3 yr old are testing and drive you potty. No harm in over hallung diet to see if has any effect. But get her tested before labelling her
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Let him be boys will be boys hell grow out of it wait before you start pushing pills into him hugs mom
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My brother has ADHD, the dr told my parents to give him coffee at night to make him tired when he was 4, It has reverse affects 
If you think she has it you might as well take her now before she starts school. Im not sure what you mean bu discipline when talking about ADHD. Idk why you would try to discipline ADHD behaviour… Its a chemical imbalance in the brain. Thats like trying to discipline someone with depression or anxiety… Not trying to be rude if it sounds that way.
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Eat only natural foods. Read labels and .make food from natural products.will make a diference to your child
ABA (Applied Behavorial Analysis) therapy may help.
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Try the simple things first hun, change your tone of voice or the way you explain things, make sure your down on her level making eye contact not shouting, the naughty step is used in my house. 1 minute per year… I give 1 warning or a count to 3 depending on the situation , calming place them there and say my.my will give you some time to think and will be back soon. Keep setting her back of she moves no communication then at the end go down speak to her tell her why she was there and ask for an apology, after move on to something else. Super nanny is a great TV show if you need a few other ideas, but she is only 3 give it time. Wishing you all the best! Iknow they said terrible twos but threenangers are definitely worse lol! Xx
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Why does everyone think there’s something wrong with their kid without taking them to the doctor mom doesn’t always know best I thought my kid might have ADHD but no I just needed to get him on schedule
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My son is on meds but we give him espresso on the weekends and CBD oil has kept his meds dose at the lowest level.
I also have ADHD and I’m telling you now, there is nothing worse than feeling, thinking, knowing there is something different and your parents not helping. My dad didn’t believe in meds and it took me till I was 29 to get on them without feeling shame. It has change my life! I was able to complete 2 bachelors and a masters in 3 years thanks to the Intervention.
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Dawn, there are so good suggestions in these comments.
My daughter is now 4 and showed a lot of ADHD signs starting at 2(there is a history of it on her dad’s side, including her dad). When it finally clicked for me at 3 what was going on I changed her food habits, getting rid of Red dye 40 was a huge change in her behavior. She loved fruit snacks at the time, so that was hard but Aldi’s has a huge selection of fruit snacks without artificial dye and flavor, all natural for a cheap price. Also look into ADHD parenting tips on pinterest and Google. Using some of their techniques helped a lot too. She’ll be 5 in October and she’s definitely starting to calm down more, give it time and take a breath.
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She’s three… I wouldn’t be so quick to judge her. At three kids act out and they’re testing their parents. At three all they want to do is play. That’s normal.
I wish parents would stop going straight to ADHD, those meds are HORRIBLE.
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Eye q fish oils about buy them from the chemist used them on our son instead of medication from the doctors worked very well so does evening primrose oil
My boys (twins) are 6, almost 7.
I’ve known they were ADHD since they were about 3… I just knew, but they said they couldn’t be diagnosed until school. When they got to kindergarten, they were struggling behavior wise and school wise, so they were placed with behavioral specialists through a program through the school, who throughout their kindergarten year diagnosed them.
They’re finishing up first grade now and possibly getting discharged from the program because they’re doing so well now…
They told me for a diagnosis, it has to be “seen” in 3 settings. School setting, home setting, and public setting… Good luck!
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Lol girls present symptoms waaaaaay different to boys…cut out addiditves and processed foods and see how ya go… Three yr olds don’t need labels… Also three year olds have short attn spans and are crazy reguardless
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Consistency, follow thu with everything you say , don’t say it if you don’t mean it . It really helped with my son .
I know people who have used melatonin to help
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I would try cbd gummies
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Try removing all preservatives and food dies from her diet. Just feed her Whole Foods. Also giving consistent boundaries. I taught first - 5th grade and worked as a parent educator for pre school in our district. I saw a lot of success through these things. Consistent boundaries with consequences make children feel secure. If you school district has a parents as teachers program you could ask for a parent educator to help you and your child.
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Holy cow sweetie! Try change in diet. Method of discipline, patients. They are learning and very excited at that age. My grandson was on meds at 5 years so believe me I know all about this issue. Not sure you even want to suggest that because sometimes with severity becomes meds and Councelor’s continuously.
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I’m probably gonna be the odd one out of the bunch but just so you have as many opinions as possible.
- You know your child best if you believe they may have adhd don’t just write it off cause people are telling you they are just acting this way because they are a toddler. If my parents did that I would not have gotten the help I needed.
- I do believe your child is a bit young to be able to be diagnosed with anything but that being said there are a few things you could do to help with some of the signs of adhd. Limit screen time (if you don’t already) avoid as much as possible red food dye, an indoor mini trampoline with a bar will do wonders, include her in the things your doing to keep her engaged (cooking, cleaning) sports help a lot like soccer and karate, outside play is a must, make everything you do a game. Also when she gets old enough caffeine has the reverse affect on those of us who have adhd that’s why so many are suggesting coffee. My parents would give me little sips of coke (when I was like 7) when I would have meltdowns, outbursts, or just felt the need to calm down and it worked
- When they are old enough it is 100% your choice to put them on meds or not. Medication isn’t the right choice for everyone cause everyone reacts different and has different values and beliefs. With that being said I am pro medication. I know many people commenting had a bad time with meds and finding the right meds and specialist are really a process of trial and error. I believe I was diagnosed when I was around 7-8 I switched from doctor to doctor around 5-6 times till we found the right fit and medications we tried three different ones then different doses till one worked. On the medication we finally landed on I didn’t have the foggy brain side effects that I did with the other medications which is why we knew it was the correct one. As for the depression Adhd and depression tend to come hand in hand so yes some medication may exacerbate the depression but it’s something you can also medicate for. And yes I am aware that some people will think it’s a lot to put a child on more then one medication or any medication and that’s okay because that is everyone’s personal choice, but I was on two meds and I honestly believe it’s the only reason I am where I am today.
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Welcome to owning a 3 year old “Dr. Not a doctor but quick to self diagnose”. Patience and wine prescribed for you.
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All of these suggestions are great, cutting out red dyes, processed foods, different discipline methods/ tone of voice, etc. But when a child truly has ADHD that only helps so much. Everyone judging her telling her its normal at this age are the reason people like myself with an ADHD child don’t get diagnosis/ help til later in life. It wasn’t until recently I finally found a doctor to listen to me and help me out. Try finding a new doctor because there are things they can do to help at this age and it doesn’t always involve medication. Don’t wait until they are in 3rd grade and falling behind because they are unable to concentrate. Good luck 
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You can’t “correct” ADHD, it’s not just a kid with poor behavior.
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In the same boat with my almost 3 year old boy. They’re too young to be diagnosed. You have to teach them to learn to follow guides instructions and also how to sit and play and not be constantly going going going all the time. He is speech delayed and his speech therapist is helping us with teaching him these things.
Check out the symptoms of autism or asbergers. Tip toes, hand flapping, little or no verbal skills, ect.
My 13 year old is severe ADHD and he was exactly like you describe your 3 year old at that age. He was diagnosed at 5 and started medication.
Schedules, consistently with everything. These kids need instant gratification, then you can use a hourly reward, then get to daily reward with hopes for weekly by teen age. advance as tolerated. These children have other problems besides behavior.Food issues, clothing to tight, can’t tolerate types of material. Sensitivity to sounds, crowds, etc. Relax and check out one thing at a time. Your are your childs only advocate now you may need to insist that your child needs be handled differently. Some kids have bathroom issues.Get your medical diagnosis and then search out resources in your area. Your doing well to start as soon as you think there is a problem. Kids do better the earlier you get intervention started. Good luck. You’ve got this little momma!
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Try herbal remedies. Google herbal remedies for adhd. Alot there that is better than drugs. I took drugs for it from 8 yrs old to 16yr old and had alot of problems because of the medicines
I have had success with a product called Rescue Remedy. A child who had major anxiety and coping issues required this, with assent from the parents. A natural product that just smoothed him out.
You are dealing with a 3 year old…too young to show signs of it. Change diet, plenty of exercise, limit screen time. I just got my son diagnosed 6 months ago and he’s 6…they told me that’s about the age where they can really see it because of being in school…sometimes they just act like turds around mom which most kids do but when you see the fidgeting and concentration in school and the same struggles in all environments then you know that they are truly struggling
Ummm that’s called a 3 year old. Yes you are right no you are not a dr so don’t treat her like she has it unless she is actually diagnosed with it. ADHD is many many things it’s not just behavior.
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My 7 year old is. And its severe. Affects schooling. He cant even sit through a 15 minute cartoon…I refused to believe it (bc everybody uses that excuse, literally everybody) until school forced it. He wasnt completing work over distractions and moving, wouldnt stay still or in his seat, couldn’t keep hands and feet still or to himself. I could go on…They studied his eating habits, sleeping patterns, talked to all his teachers, discipline didnt work of any kind (but praise did)etc… It seems like nowadays everybodys kids have add/adhd… Or a lot seem to. There’s a lot more to it then what you’re describing. so dont assume so just yet. Wait a few years… Toddlers are full of energy. I know i have 6 small kids. These ladies offer good advice though. Its advice i got when i first found out.
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The first week of kindergarten my daughter’s teacher suggested I bring her to the pediatrician for the same reason and the doctor said that’s not something that you can diagnose this young you have to monitor it over the years. I am an adult who struggles with ADD and takes prescriptions and I would absolutely not give them to my daughter.
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Aren’t most toddlers out of hand?
There’s a reason medical professionals dont diagnose children that early…
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Check his diet I believe cut sugar and things with red dye in them. Black coffee should help as well. That’s why they give adderall (a stimulant) to a person who is already hyper.
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Ffs, the kid is 3. Toddlers have the attention span of a squirrel by nature. That’s why most doctors won’t test/evaluate that young.
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It actually could be autism
Medication is not the only answer!!! Please try everything you can before you medicate. My son is very overactive, he struggles with discipline but again hes only thre. Do I think ADHD do i think autism maybe but I also think hes 3. Kids are supposed to have lots of energy and just need guidance and a schedule. Just explore all you options. Medication is not best!!!
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DIET !!! Cut out all processed sugars and you will notice a huge difference in 3-4 weeks
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My husband has one of these more severe adult cases oh ADHD I personally have ever seen. His mother had him medicated by 3 and by the time he left her home at 16 he’s self medicated but never been back on prescription meds since. He’s a musician abd productive.
When I became pregnant I knew the possibility of my child having the same issues was possible so it was something I silently watched for.
Well I saw things here and there that reminded me of his dad but by kindergarten this year we’ve had a few issues brought to our attention by his teacher even suggesting us we take him to his doctor. We cut out 85% of the processed sugar he was eating. He notices a difference. His teacher does. We do. That one single act has corrected sooooooooo much behavior. I wish I would have done it earlier.
Watch “The Magic Pill” on Netflix and try modifying her diet.
Make her sit down with you, be firm and do some, looking at books, have her tell you what she see, she could do coloring book under control sit. But always under control with firm soft voice. That’s if you have time to spend with her.
Cue all the experts with a million diagnosis fir this 3 yr old.
Most 3 yr olds go through a behaviour thing and are hyper . They test so many boundaries at that age.
What exactly are the signs you say she displays.
It could be anything.
Something in her diet could be causing hyperactivity.
Bring her to a doctor rule out any medical or dietary cause.
Something as simple as a brand of juice can cause heightened levels of energy.
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I think that’s just how small kids are, sweet pea.
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Has she seen her Dr about this? That is your best bet.
Try to give her a small amount of caffeine if it calms her then she’s probably adhd
I have 2 kids with add and structure in there day to day really helped.
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Consistency. The same thing that works for autism works for adhd. Another thing that has helped me when my son was that age was making him accountable for his actions. “If you CHOOSE to keep jumping off the couch then you are CHOOSING to go to time out for 3 minutes. What is your choice?.” It works for everything you need them to stop/start doing. Rather then saying “if you don’t stop you’ll go to time out.”
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Most signs of ADHD are also typical 3 year old behavior. This is why its usually not diagnosed until the child is older.
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There is help and getting it won’t “brand” your baby.