Toddlers are little bundles of energy who seem to be in constant motion. Getting your active toddler to wind down for bedtime can seem like an impossible task. However, there are plenty of fun ways to help your toddler burn off energy throughout the day to help pave the way for a peaceful bedtime routine. With some strategic planning and activity, you can channel your toddler’s seemingly endless energy from bounce to bedtime.
Bounce Away the Energy
Toddlers love to jump, bounce, and use their entire bodies to move. Encouraging active play that involves big body movements is a great way to help your toddler release pent-up energy. Indoor bounce houses are an excellent rainy-day option. Many local gyms, kids’ play spaces, and rec centers offer indoor bounce houses and inflatable play areas, such as the Jump N Slide attractions in Rapid City. Let your toddler jump to their heart’s content during designated bounce times. They’ll get their wiggles out while developing balance and coordination skills.
Outdoor Time
Spending time outside is beneficial for toddlers in many ways. The fresh air and open space allow them to really burn off energy. Take your toddler to the park as often as possible and let them run freely, climb on equipment, and exert themselves. Go on family walks or bike rides in the evening before bed to wear your toddler out in a healthy way. Play active games like tag and kickball together in the yard. For rainy days, head to an indoor play place so your toddler can still run, jump, and climb. The more time toddlers can spend moving their bodies vigorously outdoors or in large active spaces, the better sleep they’ll get.
Fun Physical Activities
You don’t need fancy equipment or facilities for your toddler to get active. Simple games and activities you can do at home will help your toddler release energy. Have dance parties in the living room where they can wiggle, twirl, jump, and shake to fun music. Bring out a mini trampoline and let them bounce to their heart’s content indoors. Activities like Simon Says and Red Light Green Light get them moving, too. Let them “help” with household chores that involve movement, like sweeping, vacuuming, and washing toys. Offer rides on your back around the house for a fun way to tire them out. Engaging your toddler in active play throughout the day will set them up for sounder sleep at bedtime.
Creative Play
Free unstructured play is important for toddlers to develop creativity and imagination. This type of open-ended play also allows them to release pent-up energy. Provide activities like play dough that enable them to use their hands and make creations. Finger painting and water play at a sensory table or in the kitchen sink are also great creative outlets that get toddlers moving. Set up an indoor or outdoor “ball run” by placing containers at varying heights for them to drop balls into. Offer chunks of sidewalk chalk and let them color the driveway or sidewalk. Supply dress-up clothes for imaginative role-playing. The more creatively your toddler can play, the more energy they will naturally expend.
While toddler energy may seem limitless, the right activities can channel it into positive movement throughout the day, leading to easier bedtimes and well-rested little ones. A little planning and patience now will create peaceful nights and happier mornings in the long run.
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