EXCERPT

PICTURE THIS: you’re at a toddler birthday party. All the other mothers are seated calmly chatting away, with their children nestled in their laps mesmerized by a puppet show.

In stark contrast, you’re running around the room, chasing your 18-month-old as they investigate every single cupboard, nook, and drawer within reach.

Yup, that was me. My child was the standout, the one who was wildly exploring everything rather than keenly watching the show.

As a paediatrician, I often felt the need to appear as the perfect parent with perfect kids. But, looking back, I realize my kids were perfect! My son’s energy and curiosity were his greatest strengths. It was my expectations that needed adjusting.

Here’s the deal: high energy and a short attention span are normal during these awesome toddler years. Factor in a toddler’s emerging independence and limited selfcontrol, and it’s no surprise they’re in constant motion. Finally, they can get around and taste, feel, touch, and explore everything.

MANAGING HIGH-ENERGY KIDS

OK, so knowing that it’s normal is reassuring, but how can you manage it? Let’s look at a few simple but effective strategies to make life easier for everyone without squashing your toddler’s natural energy and curiosity:

• Set up a safe-space play area where your kiddo can roam free without you having to watch their every move. When you toddler-proof your home, your child has more room to explore, not more rules. Think of it as freedom within safe boundaries.

• Let them move with activities they can pour their energy into, such as dancing, exploring, or playing ball.

• Toddlers can learn to regulate and control their energy by playing games like Simon Says… and Red Light/Green Light, which help kids to tune in to their body.

• Create an environment that includes energetic activities such as drumming on pots, dance parties, or tossing balls, but also incorporate downtime and quieter activities to help your child learn self-regulation.

• A hyper kiddo can be an overtired one, so make sleep a priority.

WHEN TO SEEK ADVICE

Be reassured that not every hyper 18-month-old has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, which I know many of you with energetic kids are probably worried about. So, when should you discuss your child’s high energy with your healthcare provider? If your child’s high energy isn’t fizzling out by 4 years of age and it’s combined with other challenging behaviours such as inattention and impulsivity, then it’s best to discuss your concerns with a doctor.

As toddlers grow, they gradually move from a phase of endless energy to one where they engage more deeply with their surroundings. You’ll start to see them focus on one activity for longer, showing that they’re developing a better ability to pay attention and explore in depth. Eventually, the need to always chase your toddler around will diminish.