How to Manage a Super-active Toddler and Keep Your Sanity: 5 Tips That Work

I truly believe that before little souls arrive on Earth, they are already uniquely designed with specific characteristics—personality, energy levels, passions, and preferences. Of course, environment, genetics, and parental love shape their development, but from the moment they’re born, their individuality shines through.

As a naturally active and energetic person, I was surprised by how drained I felt during my pregnancy with my older son. For nearly nine months, I struggled to find the energy to focus or complete tasks. Only after his birth did I realize why—he’d been borrowing all my energy from day one! From his first steps, he was a whirlwind, keeping me constantly on my toes.

Now at 3.5 years old, he’s slightly calmer but still has boundless energy. He’s always running, jumping, and riding every toy in sight. He also tends to march to the beat of his own drum, listening only when he’s in the mood. I believe this intense independence and constant motion contributed to his speech delay; unless something really catches his interest, he doesn’t focus long enough to engage in conversation.

Parenting my superactive son has been an ongoing learning experience. To make life smoother for everyone at home, I’ve developed strategies to keep him engaged and happy while minimizing screen time. Here are my tried-and-true methods:

1. Turn Your Home Into an Adventure Zone

Instead of trying to suppress his energy, I’ve created a safe space at home where he can unleash it. One of our favorite games is “One, two, three—jump on the table!, next – pillow on the floor, next – sofa… ” We take turns jumping onto pillows or the couch (yes, I’ve made peace with potential messes). Another hit activity is building obstacle courses with cushions, blankets, and chairs, where he can climb, crawl, and jump safely.

For example, last week we built a “pirate ship” from a sofa and some cardboard boxes. He spent an hour jumping “into the ocean” and crawling through “caves” we made from chairs and blankets.

Introducing games that require concentration helps balance all that energy. My son loves jumbo puzzles, flashcards, and car parking activities, which help him settle down and focus.

Example: We recently found a puzzle with his favorite car theme. To my amazement, he spent nearly an hour trying to fit the pieces—an unheard-of feat for my little ball of energy!

Taking active toddlers outside is essential. Whether it’s the playground, park, or backyard, outdoor activities let them burn off energy while exploring new environments.

Example: We’ve turned walks into “explorer missions,” where he looks for specific leaves, rocks, or colors. Or we notice every car model and ask him what model/size and type of this car. His excitement makes even a short outing feel like an adventure.

4. Structured Routines

Superactive toddlers thrive on routine. We’ve established clear schedules for meals, naps, and playtime. For instance, every evening after dinner, we have a “wind-down” routine that includes brushing teeth and reading his favorite car-themed book. Knowing what’s coming next has helped reduce bedtime battles significantly.

Since he loves doing things “his way,” I try to channel that independence positively. For example, when it’s time to clean up his toys, I let him decide whether to start with the cars or the blocks. Giving him small choices throughout the day—like which snack to eat or which T-shirt to wear—makes him more cooperative overall.

While managing a superactive toddler is challenging, their high energy is also a gift. It drives their curiosity, creativity, and determination. With patience, creativity, and love, you can harness their liveliness in ways that benefit their growth and development.

Parenting an energetic child is never dull, and every parent has their own tricks. Have a tip or story to share? Let’s learn from each other—leave a comment below!