Why Does My Child Get Hyper After Eating?

The expectation that children bounce off the walls after eating sugar is not an uncommon. However, it’s actually based on a myth. Sugar alone does not cause hyperactivity. Nonetheless, after every meal, my toddlers wind up and shoot off into an at least half-hour hyper-fest, whether that meal includes sugar or not, making the first question that needs addressed: Why would eating cause my child to become hyper? The answer to said question should offer insight into how to reduce hyperactivity in children after eating.hyper after eating

Why do kids get hyper after eating?

Sugar itself may not make kids hyper, but blood sugar changes can affect energy levels. For example, if your toddler eats simple carbohydrates, which are found in foods such as fruit, white rice, and yes, candy, he or she will get a fast blood sugar boost which will in turn increase energy levels temporarily before allowing them to crash. Any food that contains carbohydrates can have this effect, though complex carbohydrates, such as those found in vegetables and whole grains, generally have a less hyper-inducing effect. Nearly all the meals you’re serving likely contain carbs. This may make it seem as if the eating is causing your child to become hyper, but really it’s the carbohydrates energizing your child’s body.

In addition, additives like food preservatives and food dyes may also cause hyperactivity in children. Several well-regarded studies have found this to be true, though it should be noted other studies have shown it to be false.

OK, then what can you do to reduce hyperactivity after meals?

Unfortunately, there isn’t that much you can do beyond offering well-balanced meals in regards to carbs. To balance carbs, you need to have ample protein in your meals. For instance, feeding your toddler toast with jam for breakfast should result in a fairly hyper reaction, while the same meal with some bacon or sausage added should result in a less-extreme energy spike.

You may also try reducing food additives and dyes in your child’s diet. Such things are found in unexpected places. Most boxed mac ‘n cheese, for example, contains both.

If you notice extreme highs followed by equally extreme lows, as well as other signs of blood-sugar imbalance, such as irritability, sluggishness, or depression in the morning or after long periods without food, your child may actually have a blood sugar issue. You should seek out a pediatrician for advice.

Does your child get hyper after eating?

Define Discipline vs Abuse: A Mom’s Perspective

I’ve been called a softy in the discipline realm quite a few times, but it still continually surprises me how one parent can define discipline vs another’s abuse and vice versa. Toddlers being so defiant, stubborn, and a bit developmentally prone to be slow to pick up the rules, seem to be a major target for abusive punishments. So, if you ask me, as a mom of four who exemplify the word “gremlin,” what is the difference between discipline and abuse?define discipline vs abuse

 

Lasting marks
Any form of discipline that leaves lasting marks is abuse. I don’t care if you hit your child with your hand or a firm pillow, if there was a mark that didn’t quickly fade it was abuse. I’m not anti-spanking. I do spank my toddlers in cases of extreme danger and importance. Sometimes, they even have a little red mark afterwards thanks to some seriously pale skin, but those marks are never still there within 10 minutes. Beyond lasting marks, if it could cause any injury what-so-ever, it is abuse.

Risk of death
I also support creative punishment. I’m a punishment-fits-the-crime sort of mom. I go easy on that type of stuff at the moment, because toddlers don’t often grasp the lesson, but as they get older, heck yes. However, there is a big difference between creative and abusive. If your “creative” punishment holds a risk of death to your child, it is abuse, not discipline, no matter what you called it.

Emotionally harmful
Finally, if it’s used for soldiers, don’t use it on your child, please. Your child is not an adult preparing to go to war. Things like cold showers have no logical place in disciplining a child. For a punishment to fit the crime, it must also have some logical tie to the behavior. Choosing random things like 50 laps for not picking up your toys doesn’t fit the crime. I realize that my final category seems broad. Many may argue a simple slap on the rump can cause “emotional” harm. What I would suggest is putting yourself in that child’s shoes. If as a child what you are about to do would stick in your mind and have a negative emotional effect on you, don’t do it to your child, whether it actually was done to you or not. Also, keep in mind that your words can often hurt more than you know-watch what you say. Always focus on the act, not the child.

Child Broke, Cracked or Chipped Tooth: What to Do

It seems a universal law that anytime my kids get hurt, it happens on a weekend or after hours–and that includes things like falling on their face and breaking a tooth. As a mom of four very rambunctious kids, I’ve sadly now dealt with more than one chipped or broken tooth. Here’s a quick overview of what to do if it happens to you:

chipped tooth

Alright, so your kid has just slipped, fallen, or had something flung at his/her face and blood is everywhere, what do you do?

First, take at least a moment to breathe, try your best to stay calm and not freak out. Then, start cleaning away blood and identify the source, as this article is about tooth injuries in kids, let’s assume it’s in the mouth. Chances are you’ll find the actual wound is far less severe than the blood level suggests. Head and mouth wounds always bleed a lot.

Apply pressure:

Once you’ve found the source, apply pressure to help stop the bleeding. Luckily, mouth wounds typically stop bleeding fairly quickly (often within about 20 minutes), though blood may be present in drool for a few hours. While you’re applying pressure and offering hugs and cuddles, give the rest of your child’s head a quick look. Chipped and broken teeth are often the result of falls, and there may be other injuries as well.

Evaluate the situation:

Keep in mind that your child’s gums are going to be puffy and swollen which can make things appear worse than they are. For example, the broken tooth may look like it’s at the gum line even if it’s just broken in half. Many dentists recommend that you wait until the swelling resides before trying to assess the situation. Offering anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as Motrin or Ibuprofen can help your child feel more comfortable and bring the swelling down.

If there are no other injuries outside of the broken or chipped tooth, and the injury isn’t severe, don’t bother with the ER. They can’t do anything but offer pain relief until a dentist is available anyway. If the tooth was an adult tooth, and entirely knocked out, try to find it, place it in milk, and call an after-hours dentist. In some cases, a knocked-out tooth can be put back in. Offer fluids, but be careful of cold/hot options. If the nerve of the tooth is exposed, this may cause pain. Opt for soft foods until you can get a dental appointment. You may also want to watch for signs of a concussion, depending on how the tooth was chipped or broken.

What will the dentist do?

If your child has only chipped the tooth a bit, chances are it will be filed smooth and sealed. For larger chips or fractures, the tooth may be capped or a white filling attached. If it’s a baby tooth and could affect the growth of the permanent teeth under the surface, it may be pulled. A dentist evaluation is necessary in any case.