Does Your Child Have Restless Legs Syndrome?

One of my earliest childhood memories was me crying in frustration because I couldn't stop these weird sensations I felt in my legs and genitals and I couldn't explain it to my parents either.

I found myself retreating into my shell and generally being a very unhappy little girl.

Worried about passing on RLS to my kids

When I got pregnant with my first child, I couldn't shake this feeling of foreboding. Is RLS genetic?

I started asking questions and doing a lot of research. I was really scared of passing it on to my child but I was also ready to watch for any signs of RLS I had as a child so she doesn't have to suffer in silence like I did. I have 2 kids now and sadly, I passed it down.

Signs of RLS to watch for in children

If you're in my shoes, here are a few things to watch out for:

Moving legs

This is the most obvious sign. I noticed that my baby kept jerking her legs in her sleep from the third day she was born. I mentioned it to the doctor who thought it was periodic limb movement. This caused a lot of sleepless nights for us both and would make her really irritable and hyperactive in the day. A part of me hoped it was really PLM like the doctor said and she'd outgrow it but that did not happen.

Restlessless

A lot of parents get worried when their kid just won't stop moving around, jumping up and down, and running all over the place. For kids with RLS, being hyperactive and not having an off button is their way of taking their attention off their legs.

As a parent, don't be too hard on them or yourself, just keep trying to find ways to positively redirect their energy.

Masturbation

Every child goes through a phase where they discover and touch their genitals. However, if your child has outgrown that stage and still absently touches their genitals from time to time, chances are, they are battling restless legs syndrome/restless genital syndrome and just trying to take their attention off their legs.

Self-soothing habits

A lot of kids suck their tongues or fingers, twirl their hair, pinch their navels, grind their teeth as a self-soothing habit they eventually outgrow. However, kids with RLS can find it difficult to break these habits because it is a great way for them to cope with RLS.

Overeating

A lot of kids and even some adults I've encountered with RLS tend to comfort eat. Not because they are hungry but because it soothes their pain and discomfort in that moment. This is very important to watch out for so your kid doesn't develop eating disorders in the future.

How to help your child

It is very important to keep an eye on your kids as an RLS sufferer because according to research and personal experience, you can pass it down to them. RLS is a very confusing illness and even worse for kids who lack words to actually express how they feel.

It is our job to notice it and help them through the best we can. Also, don't assume that what works for you will work for them. Take them to their pediatrician to get a treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs.

Lastly, DO NOT blame yourself. It's not your fault that your kid has RLS. You are doing the best you can in a very frustrating situation and that makes you a rockstar.

Does RLS run in your family? Do you see signs in younger generations? What advice or support can older generations share with them?