Energy, fun and what to do with it!

And your toddler is off. Here comes another blast of energy... wouldn’t it be great if they could share some of it?! Yet children actually tire far quicker than adults,^[1] they just might not recognise it. When your toddler’s energy seems limitless, here are some handy hacks to help you through... 

Join them! Your energy levels may feel low but being energetic often brings with it more energy 

When we are active, chemicals are released that make us feel better. If your toddler is feeling full of energy during the day, or in the morning, set little tasks for you both to do. It might be that you both jump, run on the spot or stamp your feet.  

Only set tasks that are achievable for you both, or set your toddler something slightly more active while you participate doing something a little less energetic.  

Being involved in their play is a great way to acknowledge their energy in a safe and fun way. 

Try to recognise when activeness is tiredness. Playing games can help them calm down 

Toddlers don’t always understand feeling tired and they become over-active. You’ll know when you see it, perhaps before bedtime, or in the morning after a restless night. 

Help them calm down by involving them in games that steadily lower their energy levels. Set challenges that start with a high level of energy, such as running from one person to another. Gradually slow the travel down by challenging them to walk, tiptoe and possibly crawl. The game might end with them cuddling in your arms. 

Think about the foods they eat. Many have hidden sugars that could spark an unexpected energy boost 

Foods react differently with different children. If you become aware that your toddler’s energy levels rise more quickly after eating certain foods, it could be an idea to reduce the amount given or the frequency of offering them.  

Involve them in something they are interested in 

It can be hard to concentrate as a toddler so trying to focus their attention on an ‘calming’ activity might be a bit much for them at this stage.  

Invite them to play with activities that interest them. You know best what your toddler enjoys, so perhaps think of two things which suit the time of day and offer them a choice. 

If it is practical, go out and enjoy some fresh air 

There is more oxygen outdoors and when fresh air is breathed in, it increases our serotonin levels. Serotonin makes our bodies feel happy, calm and helps regulate moods.  

Opening a window whenever possible, day and night, helps oxygen flow through the home providing a calmer environment. 

Toddlers are better able to recover from physical exercise so might need short bursts of active play 

Your toddler is growing all the time, and at this stage they experience less fatigue than adults.^[1] You might see that they become tired but then bounce back quicker than expected.  

Sandwiching physical play with calmer times, like having a bite to eat, supports your toddler to understand that their body needs a break. 

One final takeaway – your toddler is learning all about themselves and the world around them  

While your toddler is learning how to be themselves it is quite typical for them to be energetic. They are developing curiosity and have a strong desire to learn more. When you can, embrace their energy – it will help them become who they will become. 

Reference: 

[1] Birat. A., Bourdier. P., Piponnier. E., Blazevich. A.J., Maciejewski. H., Duché. P., Ratel. S. (2018) Metabolic and Fatigue Profiles Are Comparable Between Prepubertal Children and Well-Trained Adult Endurance Athletes. Frontiers in Physiology. Vol 9.