Taming a Rebel: How much Energy is Too Much

Trying to Understand Your Child's Boundless Energy

For many parents, having a child bursting with energy can feel like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s wonderful to watch them express their excitement and joy in life. However, as fun as it is, sometimes that energy can feel overwhelming! If your little tornado seems to have an infinite supply of fuel, you’re not alone.

I'm at a children's playground. There are many kids there. They are doing what kids do — play. Either by sitting in a sandbox playing with the sand, riding a bike, sliding down the slide, or swinging on swings. And then there is one child that runs around from one thing to another without order or focus. My child. My fiancé and I sometimes look at each other, and we understand that for just this one time we would wish for our child to sit in a sandbox and play calmly, like all the other kids. But where would the fun in that be?

I am no expert, and I don't plan on telling anyone how they should raise their child. But if you're interested and plan to continue reading I will share what has kind of worked for us, keep in mind I'm still learning as I go and my teacher's most frequent words are "mommy", "daddy" and "look a car".

Creating a Structured Environment

One of the best ways to manage a child with high energy levels is to create a structured environment. Kids thrive when they know what to expect, so establishing a daily routine can do wonders. For us, that means going to daycare every morning and picking him up at the same time. We try to keep consistent times for dinner and go to sleep at approximately the same time every evening.

Engaging Activities to Burn Off Energy

Finding suitable outlets for all that energy is key! Regular physical activity is essential for energetic kids. During the week, most of the energy is burned off at the daycare, but I'm often surprised how much energy he has left when I come home from work completely exhausted. If your child is a bit older, I'd consider enrolling them in sports or classes that promote movement. We are already thinking about what activities might be good for him once he's a bit older. Not only do these activities help alleviate their pent-up energy, but they also introduce social skills and teamwork.

Recognizing When to Take a Break

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a child’s energy can become overwhelming. It’s crucial to recognize the signs that they might need a break. If their excitement is escalating into hyperactivity or tantrums, it may be time to introduce a calm-down activity. This could be as simple as a quiet corner with books or puzzles. We are in the older, where wooden blocks and short books are a hit. Drawing is a thing as well, even though it mostly results in long lines drawn somehow aggressively. If you are interested, these are the blocks we are currently playing with and our 2-year-old loves tearing down towers, not so much building them.

It's important to Validate Your Child's Feelings

It can be sometimes hard to maintain a line of communication with your child, especially if they haven't learned to talk yet. In my opinion it is always important to validate their feelings. They can throw a tantrum because you said no to something they really wanted. And even though you think it's nothing, it is probably a big deal to them and their frustration or sadness is a real feeling that should not be brushed aside. So giving them a hug and trying to explain why they cannot get that thing you said no to, might help. If they can talk, encourage them to express what they feel when they become overly energetic. This not only helps them become self-aware but can also foster a greater understanding between the two of you. It’s all about creating a supportive space where they feel safe to explore their emotions.

Having a child with abundant energy can be a rollercoaster ride. Ups and downs at every corner, and the mood can swing fast. Just remember that it's all about balance, and you're doing a great job just by caring enough to find the best ways to support your little dynamo!