How to Manage Energetic Children

Dealing with an energetic child is like trying to avoid an oncoming tornado. You want to get out of its path of destruction. Having an energetic child can be tiring and sometimes frustrating for a parent, especially if your energy level does not match the child's. It is important to focus the little one's energy into productive endeavors to stay "one step ahead" of him. You do not want to be so overwhelmed that you dread visiting quiet places where your child is expected to sit still, since all eyes will be on you if he doesn't. You also don't want to turn down party and playdate invitations because you're worried how other parents will judge your parental abilities.

Things You'll Need

  • Puzzles
  • Games
  • Books
  • Behavior contract

Instructions

  1. Provide Activities

    • 1

      Tune in to your child's interests and provide creative activities for him or her. Involve him in sports if he's interested. Sign her up for music lessons, if that's her passion.

    • 2

      Take puzzles and handheld games along when you venture out of the house, to distract your child and keep her involved in a productive activity. Have a variety handy, so that she will not bore easily.

    • 3

      Read to your little one daily and let her act out the story's plot. Focus her energy by designing costumes and invite the family to view the performance.

    Teach Expectations

    • 4

      Tell your child what behavior is expected of him in various situations. Model or act out the desired and undesired behavior, clearly labeling both to show him what is expected.

    • 5

      Explain the consequences of improper behavior. Develop a list of negative behaviors and the consequence of each. Prepare an age-appropriate contract for you and your little one to sign, before his energetic nature gets "out of control."

    • 6

      Give him positive feedback or a small reward when your see him focusing his energy in a positive way. Reinforce that this is acceptable behavior so that he will repeat it in future situations.

    Eat Well, Exercise and Rest

    • 7

      Ensure that your child has enough rest and gets about ten hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. Cut off the television so that he won't have a hard time going to bed.

    • 8

      Prepare nutritious meals and snacks. Limit sugary snacks and cut out the caffeine to help manage your energetic child's behavior.

    • 9

      Focus your child's energy with family exercise time. Take daily walks around the neighborhood or set up a backyard obstacle course for the entire family.

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