Any ideas for creative outlets for a destructable 4 yr old?
By toe_ster
@toe_ster (770)
United States
May 21, 2007 7:21pm CST
I have a very destructive 4year old. He finds most amusement in destroying things. He is not really into anything in particular. Nothing holds his interests long, and it always varys, depending on his mood. He finds hidden things. Like markers, scissors, pens crayons, jewelry, keys medicine... anything he is not spposed totouch. He has a nose for it. He has flooded our bathroom numerous times, painted our 18 month old(who was only 6mos at the time) colored on himself ,others and furniture or walls with permanent markers. He breaks all his brothers toys and school projects, it is wierd. His preschool teachers reccomend us finding a creative outlet for him. Any suggestions?
2 people like this
4 responses
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
23 May 07
Martial Arts and Musical Instruments.
Both are great for kids who have a lot of energy but lack a way to channel it. They both allow the kids to "lash out" and blow off that constant head of steam, while at the same time, learning something valuable.
Just a suggestion though, have your kid tested for food allergies and/or Restless Leg Syndrome. What you think is just a rambunctious 4 year old, could be a kid trying to work all the wrestless pangs shooting through his muscles.
1 person likes this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
23 May 07
Medical doctors often overlook allergies that don't cause immediate symptoms. If you are into any kind of alternative health choices like Chiropractice try one of those. If not, then talk to a nutritionist, they are usually pretty good with that too.
A good martial arts teacher can help a student channel the fighting spirit. Of course, if you start and see that he is becoming aggressive with it, and the sensei can't get through to him.. then it's time to quit.
Music is great for channeling energy. For a 4 year old with energy to spare, get him a small drum set, small keyboard or something equally noisy ;~D. Find a teacher who is comfortable working with kids. You will be amazed at what your investment (your hearing and peace at first ;~D) will get you in return.
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@toe_ster (770)
• United States
23 May 07
These are some really good suggestions. I can't wait to discuss them with my husband. Martial arts worries me only because I have two other boys at home. Boys like to fight and rough house. Its in their nature. Do you think at 4 years old they are mature enough to understand its not real fighting? I always wondered myself. I never thought of musical instruments as an outlet. But I really like it. And the allergy thing, what does that mean? I am really curious, because as a child we wondered if allergies pertained to him and the doctors always nixed it. Thank you so much!
1 person likes this
@fuzzEbluebathrobe (378)
• United States
22 May 07
Try leaving washable markers around only and put other stuff on topshelves. Try bringing him to a toy store on a mission to buy his brother an "I am sorry toy". It does not have to be a big thing.
Let him know that if he stops destroying the house and toys next time he can pick something out for himself. It seems that he does not need a creative outlet and may be bored by the whole "ok let us sit down and be creative" thing. He may need a physical outlet
Most towns have pee-wee soccer clubs for 4 year olds. Help him burn off some of that excess energy.
1 person likes this
@toe_ster (770)
• United States
22 May 07
Those are very helpful ideas thank you. I will try them. As for the markers and things. They are in the highest cupboard above the shelves or in the desk in the garage. He has a knack for finding th 'hidden' things. We are going to try soccer out this year. I hope it works. Usually when we go out to play in the middle of whatever we are doing he just walks away or sits down. I hope that doesn't happen during the season.
@fuzzEbluebathrobe (378)
• United States
23 May 07
Don't worry when he sees other kids playing soccer he will have an example to follow and a group of peers to be a part of.
1 person likes this
@rusty2rusty (6771)
• Defiance, Ohio
22 May 07
I suggest you buying him lots of blocks (for his age of course). That way he can build with the blocks and knock them back down afterwards. Big size lego's approipate for his age will work wonders as well. Good luck and I hope you find something that works.
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@Rozie37 (15499)
• Turkmenistan
22 May 07
Have you considered taking him to see a counselor. I am not saying that something is wrong, but I believe that they are pretty good at finding solutions and creative outlets for children.
Without knowing your child personally or his history, it would be hard to say what is best for him. That line about painting the six month old is colorful to say the least, pun intended. I just wanted to help you relax and know that everything will be okay. He's an adorable child.
1 person likes this
@toe_ster (770)
• United States
22 May 07
Yes. His dr. recommended him getting into therapy. He was tested. Nothing is mentally or physically wrong with him. He is just one of those strong willed children I was told. I was encouraged to get him involved in anything and eveything until we find something that sticks. Thank you for the comments
