Spend Toddler’s Energy Right
Most toddlers are bundles of energy. The challenge is to find outlets for that endless energy that are safe, acceptable, and too wearying for tired parents trying to keep up. When your toddler starts bouncing off the walls (and the sofa, and the nightstand, and the coffee table), try channeling the little dynamo into one of these energy-expending activities, supervised as necessary:
Indoors
- Punching and kneading bread dough
- Punching a punching bag or a pillow
- “Drumming” on pots
- Pounding clay
- Dancing to lively music
- Kiddy aerobics (lead your toddler in just-for-fun “toe touches”, “jumping jacks”, and “head-shoulder-knee-and –toe touches”)
- Pillow fights (but in an area where no lamps or fragile items can be upset)
- Bean-bag tossing (ditto, in a safe locale)
- Tumbling (on a large mat or carpet, away from sharp corners and other hazards)
- Lively circle games and action songs
- Running in place (for older toddlers)
- Jumping up and down (“How high can you jump?”)
- Broad jumps (“How far can you jump?”)
- Splashing in the tub
Outdoors
- Free pay: running, jumping, climbing
- Playground play: swings, slide, jungle gym
- Ball kicking and throwing (use large, lightweight balls)
- “Rolling” on an oversized ball
- Pedaling on a trike or other riding toys
- Pulling a wagon
- Splashing in a kiddy pool (or regular pool, for an older toddler)
- On rainy days, splashing in puddles (don slickers and boots first)
- Roller (or ice) skating (for an older toddler)
- Pulling weeds in the garden (only for toddler who won’t be tempted to taste); digging the garden
