How to Deal With Restless Toddlers

Irrespective of whether your toddler struggles to stay down during naptime or whether they have difficulty holding focus at preschool, there are a plethora of strategies one can use to assist their young child to concentrate. Children can become restless for any number of reasons and, while this is not usually cause for alarm, can be stressful if managed incorrectly. The most effective way to deal with restlessness in toddlers is subject to much debate, however the implications of ongoing restlessness left to its own devices can undoubtedly become serious. Children need to be able to focus to ensure they are learning. They also need plenty of rest to recharge their tired little bodies. In this blog post we outline how to maximise the focus and rest of restless toddlers by optimising your toddler’s diet, creating routine, fostering nap time, removing distractions and promoting exercise. 

Optimise Your Toddlers Diet 

A diet packed with minerals and nutrients can help stave off deficiencies potentially linked to attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Food full of healthy fats, protein and carbohydrates will help your toddler maintain their energy levels throughout the day, which makes resting when they need it far easier. Plenty of vitamins derived from fruit and vegetables are similarly important to developing brains, so be sure not to skimp on greens when you’re packing your toddler’s lunch.  

Create Routine 

Routine produces well-rested, attentive youngsters. Sticking to a structure as you perform daily activities can help maintain an even temperament on the part of your child or children. Attending early childhood learning at the same time every morning. eating meals at roughly the same time and setting a bedtime schedule can help children maintain their focus as they form an understanding of what activities fall in each part of the day. 

Foster Nap Time 

If your child is suffering when it comes to attentiveness then perhaps more rest is what they need. Sleep produces healthy children and is necessary to recover from their high-energy lifestyle. Children aged 1-3 should get approximately 12-14 hours rest per day and children aged 3-6 should get about 12 hours per day. 

Remove Distractions 

Distractions such as television, smartphones and other pop culture apropo can easily distract children. Try to limit how much time your kids spend staring at screens. There are other ways children can spend their time: reading, playing outdoors and exercising are just a few examples. The aforementioned distractions can make settling down for rest periods difficult because they reduce the amount of melatonin produced in the brain. 

Promote Exercise 

The best way to have tired children in the evening is to promote exerting activity during the day.  Let them burn energy so they can rest when is appropriate. As well as promoting physical and mental health, exercising young forms interests and sets good habits for later in life. 

Contact Robyn Taylor 

At Robyn Taylor Early Childhood Centre, we incorporate a range of strategies to help children manage focus and rest properly. If you would like to learn more about the Robyn Taylor Teaching Method, book a tour of our education centre or enrol your child, please use our contact page to reach out to us or call on 02 9705 8309.