Feingold Association, anyone?

but my DS6 1/2 is definitely *more* than the average little boy. In his case I put it down to not getting enough activity to use up his boundless energy, and I'm hoping that will help him settle down from some of his awful tantrums - they're getting worse instead of better somehow. At the least little thing he goes off like a whole box of roman candles, and DD dearly loves to be the spark to his fuse!!

so... yes, cut down on the junk he eats where possible - if it's a seriously unnatural colour it's best avoided in my opinion! But also make sure he's getting plenty of exercise and also intellectual challenge. I would think though that he already gets both of those, so yes, if you're sure there's more to it, look further. Have you tried a doctor yet, or are you worried about the almost inevitable diagnosis of ADD?? I know I would be, especially in the US. Wanting to help your son doesn't have to mean getting him dosed up on Ritalin, although I know it really genuinely helps a lot of people (have to be careful people don't get defensive!).

Lots of sugar and/or caffeine can do lots of damage too, never mind the additives. Without making changes, perhaps you can monitor his 'diet' for a few days, see what might be triggering any problems, or where he's having too much of a bad thing.

Other than that I don't know, ebcause I'm not getting anywhere much either. If being able to tear round the garden all day doesn't help DS I don't know what will. Lots of exercise would be my first choice - cycling, roller-blading, skipping... particularly things which require some concentration. If he you know he can sit down and concentrate for a while on something (even if he doesn't do it often) I don't think you need worry about ADD. DS can become totally absorbed in a book or in a drawing, despite the fact that he can outlast a Duracell battery!

And remember to hang on! REALLY tight! If my DH makes comments like that I usually relieve my frustration by giving him a really tough thump between the shoulder blades. There again, he's pretty big size these days and he likes it because it loosens his stiff muscles!!

Kerri.

We don't follow the Feingold protocol per se, but we do try to avoid foods with artificial coloring and/or flavoring, artificial sweeteners, and overly processed foods. I do believe - quite firmly - that it makes a difference for DS7. When he does have food like that (for example, at class parties) his behaviour changes and he starts bouncing off of the walls.
I agree with Kerri about the need for lots of exercise. I bought a small trampoline for DS7 ($20 at Walmart) for him to use when it's too blustery outside for him to run around and work off his excess energy.
Some other things that I have found helpful:
1 - getting rid of the TV. Yes, this is radical. Our TV broke last August and I opted not to replace it immediately. Just to see what would happen, you know? Eight months later, I still haven't replaced the TV and I have absolutely no intention to buy another one any time soon. It's been great all around. DS7's attention span at school and at home has improved drastically. We can still watch DVD's on the computer, but that is more purposeful than the mindless consumption of whatever is on Cartoon Network.
2 - we do some "sensory diet" exercises found in the book, The Out-of-sync Child.

I'm writing a small novel here .. I could go on about this forever! Send me a PM if you'd like to discuss this further.

Rose

I love the trampoline idea. DS once did a photo shoot which involved him jumping up and down on a small trampoline with a little girl a year older than him. Both the little girl and the parent-onlookers were exhausted long before DS was. When they finally got him t do as he was told he'd been jumping on a trampoline almost solidly for 5hrs!!! And he wasn't even out of breath!

I also agree with the television. Wish DH would agree to me getting rid of it entirely. I could easily live without the f programmes I watch, and I've always noticed that as I let the kids watch more television they get far more rowdy. Then I go cold turkey for a while and gradually increase it. Now I don't let them watch any commercial television, only videos we've had for ages. I could wish that wehadn't just acquired The Incredibles, because now DS is imitating Dash, and he's going drive me nutso!

Jana, like you say DS eats better in all those ways than DD. It just occurs to me that DS is the one with fairer and more sensitive skin and he's the one who gets rhinitis. I wonder whether that increased sensitivity spills over into what he consumes. They only drink water and some milk most of the time, but like you say, almost everything has *something* in it, especially according to the Feingold list. I do remember looking at it a while back, but I think really following it would be more for people with extreme food sensitivities. As you say, the rest of us would do better to avoid too much processed food. Cut back, rather than cut out.

Can't say as I blame you on declining the medication either.

If he has trouble winding down, maybe you need to ensure things are quieter in the evening. No television after a certain time, no junk food after a certain time, a very specific bedtime routine that is rigorously enforced, maybe some soft music played each evening to signal bedtime is getting near... It's worth a shot, based on what you describe. Mine still share a room (for now, but not for much longer thank goodness!) and they do tend to chatter after lights out. But I put DS to bed first and he'll be asleep by the time DD is finished with her much slower shower. Careful routine is more important to some kids than others, but of some importance to all children, *and* their parents!

Kerri.

I have used the program for over 2 years now and the improvment is wonderful. The whole family is on it and it has become a way of life for us. I would highly recommend you join, they send you a wealth of information in the package. It may seem daunting at first but it becomes second nature very quickly. Good luck!
Tina

I know that I am replying to a really old posting, but if it helps someone, I would be happy.

Yes it works for a lot of families. I used to work for a non-profit that worked with families that had children with various issues. I used to advise some of them to try the diet. It also works on teenagers who voluntarily stay on it when they lose their "brain fog." Also, look into trying the diet, plus fish oil, magnesium and vitamin B6. Good luck