Part 2 -Here is the intro I have on part 1 so you understand the situation:

I am coming here because I have no idea where to go. My kids (almost 6 years old) have very distinct behavior problems that are making learning and education very difficult. These behaviors are present in all learning situations.

1. Learning at home with me
2. In former preschool (when they attended for the last 2 years-the teacher had no idea what to do-we never solved the problem)
3. In their weekly sport practices and games (I pulled them out because their issues were so disruptive. They have not done a sport for 6 months)
4. During piano lessons (1 time a week)
5. During their group Spanish classes (1 time a week)
6. During dance (hip/hop class) (1 time a week)

This seems silly to type. I couldn't find anything on the internet about it. My boys (mainly 2 of them-not my flopper) suffer from uncontrollable laughter and giggles. It won't stop. They giggle and laugh uncontrollably in any learning and educational setting.

I know what you are thinking. Boys laugh. Kids laugh. Sure they do. But not like this. It nearly drove their former preschool teacher insane. The boys want to learn. They try so hard to stop. They can't. It will go on for hours. Like they literally have not control over it.

I could just say forget it and pull them out of all activities. Fine. But they still have to be educated. How can they learn when they are laughing and giggling like they can not control or stop it for hours?

When they were in preschool they were constantly removed from the group due to laughing spells. Learning stops and it disrupts others in group settings.

Nothing provokes it. They just start giggling and laughing. They are not goofing off. They do it when they are alone or when they are together. Sometimes they can be really upset from a consequence I gave them because they won't stop the laughing/giggling and they can't stop laughing while they are upset and crying. It is like a coughing fit that won't stop. They cry and tears are flowing and they cover their mouth at the same time trying to stop the laughing.

I no longer give them consequences. I really think they can't control it.

Now what? I have never heard of anything like this. I feel silly mentioning it to our doctor. How silly is it to complain about a kid that laughs too much? But really, it feels more like a symptom than just a kid having fun and goofing off.

Meal times are very difficult too. Even while separated, 2 of my boys can not get through a meal without giggling/and laughing. Sometimes they get frustrated with themselves because they can not stop. They have a hard time eating, they make tons of messes, and choke on their food.


HELP HELP HELP

BBB Triplets Born 2003

OK, I responded to the other post, but I honestly have nothing to offer here! I myself can have this problem...it is a nervous habit. Although it never interferes with eating and doesn't usually come out at completely inappropriate times!

I call it "hysterical laughter." I am more likely to laugh than to cry. It is an emotional release all its own. Even when my father passed away, I was crying at the funeral and then started laughing because of the ridiculousness of scene - boys trying to cling to me - husband trying to keep them away - me not able to stop crying. And this made me laugh. Almost like I could see the scene from outside myself.

Now, my boys can be hysterical together as well. It can seriously get really bad and the dinner table is for SURE one of the worst places where the giggles can start. And then DH and I lose all control of them! I can't say it would happen if they were in separate rooms.

I think I'd separate them for school. This should lessen SOME of the giggles - maybe not all.

If they are laughing during dinner, remove their food so they don't choke. Perhaps don't give a consequence.

OR, you could approach it like a tantrum. If the giggles have started and they've had their fun and it seems to have escalated "out of control" to you...remove them to separate rooms and tell them when they get control of themselves they can come out. Don't approach it as a consequence, just separate them and give them the opportunity to regain composure. Like a tantrum, but it is the giggles instead. Remove their audience. That includes each other AND you.

When they come out, ask them nicely, "Feel better now?" Very low-key about the whole thing.

Sorry I don't have anything better to offer! Maybe someone else will have some suggestions.

BBB born 7/26/04 at 35 weeks

Hey TripleScoop..

I tend to lurk on a lot of the boards, because I think I can always learn something...anyway, I really think you should post these on the main boards, and even cross post on the vets board. I think that the main board still gets the most traffic and you will have more luck with people having some insight.

I have no advice, just hoping you get some relief.

Karen
Mom to William, Patrick, and our Angel Hunter
7-14-08

Please be aware that I can only share what I have learned from experience with my GGG and from my great local multiples support group.

If you are not part of a multiples group in your area, I encourage you to find one. I owe my sanity to these people. Now that our children are older (7-12), we still meet as an un-official group - calling ourselves the Seasoned Mothers of Multiples (SMOM). We all learn so much. So, I will share practices and philosophies that have worked . . .

1. Whining - I told my 'whiner' that the whining voice had to STOP. We were going to do an exercise to get through it together. After the exercise, the whining voice will no longer be heard/responded to. The first few days when the whining occurred, I modeled the proper way to communicate whatever it was and had the child repeat it until absolutely correct. After that phase, if whining occured I would simply say, "would you like to communicate that to me correctly?" If done well, I provided lots of encouragement. If not, I helped to find the correct tone of voice and correct words. Finally, the time came when I said, "ok i know that you can do this on your own now!". Of course, close to that time, I was tested with the whining voice for which I ignored it. When she got upset with me, I calmly said, "Remember, I don't hear that whining voice. You know how to communicate correctly. So when you are ready to do it correctly, I am so excited to listen." This phase lasted awhile with it's ups and downs, but I ignored the whining. I would walk out of the room, start up a conversation with someone else, sing a song, etc. just to send the message.

If the whining was connected to a fun activity (playing a game, going to the park, reading a book together) the activity got cancelled or the whiner was not allowed to participate.

At age 8, the whiner will still start with the whiny voice and then catch herself and then revise her tone and word choice. Tone is our big issue now. It is really cool to watch this development.

2. Uncontrollable laughter - that still occurs with one of mine, yet would happen with all 3 when they were younger. Mine were overtired. They would not think that they were tired, but they were. Once getting plenty of sleep or even just down time, they were far more focused and in control.

3. Behavior Issues in Scheduled Activities - this is just my philosophy so please know that I do not mean to offend in anyway . . . kids need down time or time to 'just be.' 'Just be' and do whatever they want to do - with some direction of course for their safety and the safety of your home. Expecting 5 year olds to sit and learn in all of those scheduled activities is just too much in my opinion. They just do not have the maturity yet, as evidenced by their behavior. While those are all wonderful activities, and how blessed your boys are to have those opportunities available to them. Perhaps this is just not the right time.

At 5, my girls were 3 bundles of energy in constant motion from playing dolls to drawing to taking the cushions off the couch for tumbling to dress up and to imaginary play - all within an hour. They were learning in every activity - even though it was just play. Play was their job. To expect them to sit in all those structured activities would never have worked for mine. At 3,4,5, they enjoyed dance class. At 5-6 and in Kindergarten, they did just tumbling. In first grade, one wanted to continue with tumbling and the other 2 wanted to start piano, later in the year we added Girl Scouts. In second grade, we added gymnastics. I noticed a change in their behavior and a change in their attitudes towards their schoolwork (which they had previously enjoyed). So, something had to go. They stopped gymnastics, as these extracurricular activies are priveleges or rewards for expected behavior and acceptable schoolwork. School is priority. They understood. And now, life is good for all.

Oh there is so much to share, but this is getting too long.

Wishing you the best of success with your multiple blessings!

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this...but one of the comments you made got me to thinking...

You said "I really think they can't control it".

There is a syndrome called Tourettes that can manifest as inappropriate movements, utterances, or tics...laughter included. I don't know if anyone has brought it up to you before...but the fact that they choke on their food and can't NOT giggle makes me wonder if there is something behind it.

Hope this helps

Susan

Parent to GGG born 31 weeks 4 days 4/26/07




http://www.thedivinemercy.org/message

  

YES!!! I was going to suggest the same thing. My dd was recently diagnosed with Tourrette's so this is why your post had me saying "hmmmm".

I responded to your other post as well with some tips, but now that I see this post I have to say that the behavioral problems can also be Tourette's related. Tourette's is often misdiagnosed in the beginning and teachers think the kids are simply misbehaving when they actually can't control what they're doing.

My sons behavioral psychologist was the one who initially diagnosed my dd's tics when I asked him about them. I've since taken her to a neurologist to rule out any other possible reasons for her tics, but everything is fine so her diagnosis is now official. Tourette's is hereditary (although we don't know of anyone in our family who had it) and it wouldn't be uncommon for siblings to have it. In fact, my ds has had some mild tics (they've now stopped) that started after he began taking ADHD meds. The meds can cause tics, particularly if there is a sibling with Tourette's.

Definitely look into this...it could be the answer to all the issues you're having. You can google Tourette's and get some good info on it. Talk to your pedi and a behavioral psych to get their opinion too.

Good luck! I hope you find answers soon.

My first thought was ADHD. I think it really should be considered.

Here are things I would suggest:
1-You need to get a Functional Behavior Screen done at school. You can ask the principal or go right to the psychologist. It's like an IEP, but more for behavior.
2-you need to split the boys up
3-the one that seems to be lagging behind needs to find something he's good at. I would also look into counseling to help him with any frustrations he's having
4-they are in alot of activities and maybe they act out because they know you'll pull them from them and that is just fine with them. Pick 1 thing and leave them in it. I would suggest more sports because they need physical activity. Sitting for piano and spanish is probably not what they really are looking forward to.

You have alot on your plate. I know you want the best for the boys, but trim things a bit and make an appt with a psychiatrist for now. Things will work out. This is only a bump in the road. One frustrating bump none-the-less!

Karen

Mom to 5 Beauties
Allison,12,Grace,8
Margaret, Melissa, Michelle (6/20/02--34weeks 1day)

Showing other MOMS how to stay home, BE HEALTHIER and earn extra income!
www.ImagineBALANCE.com/TakeChargeNow

I have taken everyone's advice and made some appointments. Hopefully we will get some answers soon.

BBB Triplets Born 2003