High-energy toddlers don’t want to get into the stroller and go somewhere that isn’t fun for them, but I found that if I explained everything we were about to do before we did it-going into details like, “We’re going to put our coats on and then you’re going to put your yellow boots on and we’re going to lock the front door behind us…”it was much easier to get them on board. Toddlers understand more than we give them credit for, so it really helps to get down to their level and explain what’s about to happen before it does. Our toddlers thrive on having our undivided attention and feeling they’re the most important thing in our world, so let’s resolve to put down our phones and play. But I realized that when I unplugged from technology and engaged in a completely undistracted way with my toddler, we were both happier. We’re so distracted by technology-especially those of us who work from home and do childcare at the same time. She grew out of this phase quickly when she could better understand my explanations for why it was a dangerous thing to do, but the backpack leash was a solution that worked for us until she did. If we were walking I always had her fill it with a couple of her favorite toy cars and wear it. So before she could understand the dangers around her, I solved the problem by letting her choose an adorable puppy-shaped backpack with a leash attached. This sounds awful, but my oldest daughter had a terrible habit of running away any time we were in a public space, which I found utterly terrifying. Your toddler will be much easier to contain later on. Start your day with a trip to the park or soft play or just a walk down your street looking for stones. They need to spend some of their energy before they can be expected to sit still in an adult environment.
Set yourself up for success so you can stay as calm as possible, and you’ll find you have much more energy to devote to your toddler and his need for speed. Pack snacks ahead of time, apply sunscreen before you leave the house. There is no surer way for the wheels to come off for us than when we’re in a hurry. The best way to ensure things go smoothly with your high-energy toddler is to be as prepared as possible, and give yourself plenty of time. But I’ve also learned some helpful tricks along the way that help me cope with her exuberance.
I shake my head at her fearlessness and my heart skips a beat several times a day. Almost daily I lose my cool and wonder how I’m going to keep up. I’m now parenting my second high-energy toddler and I’d forgotten how exhausting it is. This is the ultimate rabbit in a hat trick that parents of toddlers must pull off every hour of every day. In the real world, we need to get things done in our day-and try to keep them safe at the same time. In a perfect world we’d be able to constantly indulge their little minds and bodies with stimulation and messy play delight.
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