I have two children with ADD/ADHD. My daughter never stopped moving, etc. and i was directed to a book I first took offense with because of the name. "the Difficult Child" by Stanley Turecki. This book really explained a lot. The author is very loving of children and just had some answers to why kids act this way and how to effectively change this behavior for the better. In short routine, consistency and calmness will prevail. I Underline routine because if a child knows what to expect, they don't act out as much. For instance promises are future BAD if you can't keep them becuase these children NEVER forget something good. Better to wait and tell them you're going to do something fun a little while before you do it. Give them Heads up. "when the Hand is on the 12 we are going to..... NEVER RUSH THEM. Puts them out of sorts. These kids simetimes hyperfocus on their own things, blocks, TV, Puzzle. work them out of it, don't just STOP. The can't sit still. I did not take my kids out to eatr until they were around 6/7. For toddlers, small meals they can graze on.

They are now 14 and 16, Routine will always be how they function best. Hey we all need a plan, right. Life is easier when you know what to expect. Your son is too young to attend a wedding, and if he does, you have to now that you'll probably have to remove him from where youare if he acts up and go outside, to the car what ever. I used to pick my daughter up under my arm, and walk out of stores, etc. and go straight home every time she acted up. I did not scream or say anything. Just went home. True hard to shop, but consistant. If she acted up at a playdate, same thing, she eventually got it.

Hope this helps, please read the book. You can get used copies at Amazon, or your local library. IT REALLY HELPED. SuperNanny GOOD!

Michele G.

I have two sons with ADHD, both are overly intellegent (by dr standards). I don't think the issue here is your son. I'm not trying to be mean but honest. Number one, you are looking at your childs behavior as "the worst time". What do you consider your "best time"? Number two, your son is two and a half, and you say "you know there is something wrong". You cannot compare your child to any other child, in ANY way! If you knew/know your child has  a hard time sitting still, why in God's name did you think he would sit through a Catholic Wedding service? At any young age a child thinks the world revolves around them. By taking him you proved to him that your world does, as it should. But does that mean you can't have "adult" time? At any age a child needs boundries. He needs to know that there are things he can and cannot do. As the adult you need to understand the same thing. At 3 years old his attention span, if your lucky is about 3 min.. If you really took that many things to the wedding to keep him busy, you set up the day for severe stress. That is too many options for him to choose from. Always keep things simple, instead of light up sticks, you could have given him your hair scruncci. And whats wrong with doing puzzles standing up? I still do that! It gives you a better view, but if you knew he stood like that ahead of time, why even take the puzzles? He will only be a "little" boy in others eyes for a few more years. But I hope he will always be your "little" boy! you need to look at this part of his life the best time, not the worst,  he could grow to resent you for that. He won't stay little forever and he will grow out of it. Its just up to you, as the mother, to make the right choices for him. So that this wont be his worst time with you either! Next wedding, leave him with someone you trust. Don't give up and please enjoy his childhood with him.