My Dad likes to take people to movies. Mostly I think that he likes to see movies and wants to share that joy with his family. So it came as no surprise when he suggested taking the kids to go see Shrek 3. I don’t take my kids to movie theaters. It is expensive and tends to be very frustrating because Gleek can not sit still. She is honestly incapable of remaining still when she is excited by something new. She will sit wonderfully still for the first half of a movie, but after that she just has to move. This used to mean that she would be running up and down the aisles and climbing on any available railing. She’s gotten better. Now she just bounces in her seat and kicks her legs constantly and furiously. Somehow the physical motion helps her concentrate on the film.
Fortunately for everyone, we had a row to ourselves. I put Gleek down next to me and let her kick and bounce to her heart’s delight because it didn’t bother anyone else. It worked pretty well. I’m still not going to take my kids to expensive movies, because if I pay that much I want to be able to fully enjoy the show. However, I may take them to some of the discount shows that are available locally. Maybe. If I’m feeling up to it.
The kids all really enjoyed Shrek 3. I didn’t as much, but that’s okay. Mostly I was along for the trip to help the kids have fun being taken to the movies by their Grandpa.
Hi, I’m a friend of Janci and saw your post on her friends page. It really sounds like Gleek may have ADD (not sure if she is too young to be diagnosed). The reason I say this is because my husband has ADD and that’s what those with ADD have to do to concentrate. Basically, as I understand it, those with ADD lack a chemical. This chemical can be produced by moving around. So when they don’t have enough, they move around to try and produce more. When they get medication that gives them the chemical, they can calm down and just pay attention without moving around. There might be other alternatives to taking medication, but I don’t know what is out there for it. I do know that when my husband forgets, he can only sit still for about a half hour (maybe a little longer) before he starts getting fidgety and bouncing his leg.
Just a thought. I’m no expert. It’s just that my husband’s parents didn’t know he had it as a child. His teacher would get after him for “daydreaming” in class and not paying attention. She would then tell his parents who would lecture him about it. This made him feel very stupid (also the fact that it was harder for him to learn in school because of this problem added to his feeling stupid). He didn’t find out till after we were married that it wasn’t his fault. It still means that he has to try harder than others, but at least he knows why, he knows he’s not stupid, and he has medication now that helps.
Don’t know if you care, but just thought I’d let you know in case it helps you with Gleek.
Hi Jillenabean
You’re right. Gleek’s behaviors are fairly classic for Hyperactive ADD. The odds of Gleek having ADD are high since her older brother is diagnosed and medicated for inattentive ADD. For the moment we’re making behavioral adaptations to help Gleek rather than seeking diagnosis and treatment. Since her behaviors aren’t too severe I’d prefer that she be old enough to make her own decisions about medication.