Is It ADHD or Just Toddler Energy?
When 'Can't Sit Still' Might Mean More
You're watching your little one bounce off the walls, and everyone keeps saying "it's just the toddler phase." But something feels different. That nagging feeling that maybe this is more than typical energy? You're not imagining it.
What's Typical vs What to Watch
Typical Toddler Energy
- Bursts of activity followed by rest
- Can focus on preferred activities (books, puzzles, favorite shows)
- Responds to boundaries with practice
- Growing ability to follow simple instructions
- Developing emotional regulation skills
Signs That Might Mean More
- Constant motion, even during quiet activities
- Difficulty with any task requiring sitting still
- Impulsive actions that seem beyond their control
- Trouble transitioning between activities
- Intense reactions that last longer than expected
Remember: Every child develops at their own pace. These aren't diagnoses, just patterns to notice. Trust your instincts, but also give yourself permission to seek guidance when you need it.
When It Might Help to Seek Support
You don't need to wait until you're certain something is "wrong." Support can be helpful when you're simply noticing patterns that feel different.
Daily routines are consistently challenging
Getting dressed, meals, bedtime, or leaving the house regularly become battles that leave everyone exhausted.
Social situations are difficult
Playmates, daycare, or family gatherings consistently result in meltdowns or your child seems unable to regulate their energy.
Your gut is telling you something
That persistent feeling that this is more than a phase. Parent intuition is real, and it's worth exploring.
You're feeling overwhelmed
Managing your child's needs is affecting your mental health or family dynamics. Support isn't just for your child - it's for you too.
What to Capture with indi
Before your next appointment, indi can help you track the patterns that matter. You don't need to analyze or diagnose - just notice and record.
Energy and Activity Patterns
- • When does high energy happen most?
- • What activities help them settle?
- • How long can they focus on different tasks?
- • What triggers the biggest reactions?
Daily Life Impact
- • Which routines are hardest?
- • How do they handle transitions?
- • What helps them feel calm?
- • How are you feeling through it all?
With indi: Simply voice what you're noticing. "Today was tough getting ready for daycare again. The rushing seemed to make everything worse." indi captures these moments so you can see patterns over time without the pressure of remembering everything.
Gentle Reminders for the Journey
This phase of wondering and watching is incredibly hard. You're trying to be the best parent you can be while navigating uncertainty.
You're not overthinking it
If you're noticing patterns that feel different, that's your parental intuition working. Trust it. Seeking information or support doesn't mean you're giving up on your child being "typical" - it means you're being thoughtful.
Early support changes everything
Whether it's ADHD or something else, getting the right support early makes a huge difference. The sooner you understand your child's needs, the sooner you can help them thrive.
Your feelings matter too
It's okay to feel overwhelmed, worried, or exhausted. Taking care of yourself isn't selfish - it's necessary. Your child needs you to be okay too.
Common Questions
At what age can ADHD be diagnosed?
While ADHD can be diagnosed as early as age 4, many professionals prefer to wait until age 5-6 when children start school. However, you can start tracking patterns and seeking support much earlier if you're noticing concerning behaviors.
Is it normal to worry I'm just being an anxious parent?
Absolutely normal. Most parents go through this internal debate. The key is that if you're consistently noticing patterns that feel different, it's worth exploring. You're not being dramatic - you're being attentive.
What if I track everything and it turns out to be nothing?
Then you've gained valuable insight into your child's patterns and needs. Understanding what's typical for your child is never wasted effort. Plus, you'll have developed tools for paying attention to their development going forward.
You don't need to be sure. Just capture what you're noticing with indi, even if it's just a feeling.
You can explore indi at your own pace. No pressure, just purpose.
"Built by parents, for parents, because you shouldn't have to do this alone."