Advice On How To Settle A Squirmy Toddler

by mlc469

posted on 10/27/2009

Every parent with a toddler has dealt with the squirminess of a toddler who does not want to sit still and would rather be running everywhere and getting into everything. If you have a toddler prone to fidget and squirm, there are a few strategies that might calm your little one for mealtime, bedtime, or car rides.

For a toddler that won't sit still and eat at mealtime one of the best strategies is time out or withholding dessert or other treats. Toddlers are old enough to start learning that there are consequences for not following the rules and an unruly toddler at mealtime should be handled firmly and consistently. If a toddler will not settle down and eat the food, then he or she is not really hungry. After they are given two chances to behave, the food should be removed. They will quickly learn to eat instead of play at mealtime. Unless a child is underweight or ill missing a meal will not hurt.

One of the keys to avoiding squirminess at bedtime is to start quieting down at least an hour before you expect your toddler to fall asleep. This means no television, movies, or video games and no running, jumping or rough housing. Toddlers should have a consistent bedtime routine of a calm bath then into pajamas, reading a quiet story or two, and then lights out. Although your toddler may not fall asleep right away, you should be firm about returning him to bed when he gets up.

For a toddler that acts up during car rides, distraction is the key. Since a toddler must be restrained in the car, there should be some activity to distract from the fact that he or she cannot move. Either picture books or challenging him or her to spot a blue truck are great distractions.

For long car rides you may want to consider a portable DVD player to watch movies. A restrained toddler is quickly going to become cranky during a long car ride and this may be one time you want to give in and let your child watch movies. A good movie and a comforting blanket and teddy bear is usually enough to keep a toddler occupied for a few hours in the car. Make sure you stop a few times during the day to let everybody stretch their legs and allow your toddler to run off some energy.

The toddler years can be some of the most challenging for parents with young children. A few consistent strategies can help calm a squirmy toddler and allow for quieter calmer bedtimes, mealtimes, and car rides.

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