Does your kid ever walk anywhere? Or do they just sprint, climb, and bounce off furniture like a squirrel? Do you start your day exhausted and end it by questioning your life choices? You’re not alone.
Check out this story from an exhausted dad deep in the trenches of high-energy parenting:
“My son, who’s now 18 months old, has always been this way. He never sits still, never stays quiet, and is constantly getting into everything. He’s either screaming, running around, or pulling stuff down. Sleep? Forget about it. He’s been a bad sleeper since birth—still goes to bed late and wakes up early. Naps have always been few and short, and we’ll likely have to drop them earlier than most kids his age.
Meanwhile, I have friends whose kids are calm, sleep like angels, and stay exactly where they’re put. These friends are always talking about how “magical” parenting is, and I just sit there thinking about how magical it would be to have five minutes of peace—or maybe just take a long walk off the balcony.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my son. But parenting a hyperactive kid is exhausting. I need to hear from other parents in the same boat—especially dads who are navigating this chaos while watching others live the “calm kid dream.” Let’s share stories, vent, and remind each other that we’re not alone.”
Who else is in survival mode?”
1. Let the Energy Out
Superactive kids need a safe place to burn off their energy. When your toddler starts getting destructive, that’s your cue—it’s time to get outside.
Find a playground, but don’t just sit on a bench—play with them! Chase them, push them on swings, or start a game of ‘monsters’. If your child thrives on rough play, try wrestling, trampoline bouncing, or kicking a soccer ball together.
Or sign them up for a sport, kids need a place to dump all their infinite energy and a sport will do that, also you can find out if your children has potential and can be the next Olympic gymnast.
But energy isn’t just about movement, it’s also about stimulation. I recently learned that some kids are sensory seekers, meaning they crave certain textures and activities to help regulate their energy. Giving them the right sensory toys, like this balance beam set, can help channel that energy in a more focused way. Other great options include water play, kinetic sand, or even something as simple as bubble wrap to pop. Otherwise, that energy will be directed at your furniture, walls, and sanity. Whenever possible, get them outside—parks, playgrounds, and nature trails are all great ways to let them run wild in a way that won’t destroy your house.
2. Teach Safe Boundaries Early
Running is great, except in traffic. Climbing is great, except on the fridge. High-energy kids need clear, firm boundaries for safety. Set simple, consistent rules and stick to them.
Baby-proof your space: put away breakable items, block off unsafe areas, and keep sharp objects (knives, scissors) out of reach. You’re not just protecting your stuff—you’re making sure your kid stays in one piece.
3. Reframe Your Expectations
Your child isn’t a problem to fix. Some kids are naturally calm, while others run at full speed 24/7. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong, it just means they’re wired differently.
Your job isn’t to turn them into a quiet kid but to guide them and embrace their energy. Don’t waste time comparing them to others or trying to suppress their nature. Instead, find ways to manage it.
If you need help, ask for it, whether that’s daycare, a babysitter, or a family member who can give you a much-needed break. Being a parent to an energetic kid is mentally exhausting, and you deserve a break, too.
4. Remember, It Won’t Be Like This Forever
One day, they’ll have school, sports, and other activities that will naturally channel their energy. Until then, deep breaths, lots of coffee, and survival mode engaged.
Raising a super active kid is not for the weak. It’s exhausting, relentless, and often overwhelming. So give it up for the parents with active kids, you guys are doing good work.
So, fellow dads, how do you survive? Let’s swap war stories and battle plans in the comments.