Calming a Squirmy Toddler

No parent gets through their child's toddler stage without wishing for the magic spell that will get a squirmy toddler to sit still and play quietly. Toddlers are wired to be active and curious, but some strategies can help parents calm a squirmy toddler

Bedtime

If your toddler has hard time settling down before bed you might consider a warm bath with quiet music and no toys or splashing. Then its to pajamas, bed and soothing storytime. Don't pick active and exciting stories for bedtime. There are several quiet bedtime stories including "Good Night Moon" and "Time for Bed" that are excellent for soothing a child to sleep. Your toddler should start quieting down at least an hour before bedtime. The hour before bedtime should not include television, movies or video games, rough housing or running, or sugary drinks or food.

Mealtime

If your toddler is still in a high chair, and squirms more than he eats, he might be ready to sit at the table in a booster chair. Some toddlers, especially those with older siblings, feel left out of the family mealtime if they cannot sit at the big table. Be firm that toddlers must stay in their seat during mealtimes and establish a reward consequences system for not obeying the rules. This is a great place to use time out or withholding a dessert or treat.

In Church

Only you can judge when your squirmy toddler is ready to start attending church. Toddlers should be taught to sit still and play quietly. Most toddlers, however, cannot sit completely still, nor should they be expected to pay attention to the service. If you want your squirmy toddler to attend church, you should provide small books and toys for them. Establish some basic rules such as no talking except an occasional whisper, no turning around, and no crawling on the floor and then allow them to quietly amuse themselves as long as they are not disturbing anyone else.

When Mommy or Daddy are Busy

If you are trying to accomplish some task and your squirmy toddler will not sit still, consider giving him or her a job. Toddlers love to imitate big people and to think they are helping. You might let them help set the table, dust the cans in the pantry, pretend to sweep, help fold laundry, match socks, or polish spoons. When you are busy in the kitchen a great distraction for a squirmy toddler is magnets on the refrigerator. You can get the colorful letters and other colorful fun magnets and put them down at the toddler's level so he can arrange them. Be sure to only use magnets that are big enough not to be a choking hazard.

In the Car

Toddlers do not like to sit still, this is especially true in the car where they are restrained. For squirmy toddlers in the car, the key is distraction. Toys, books, and crayons and paper are great short-term distractions. You can also play a simple version of I-Spy game where the first person who sees a red truck gets a reward. This may also be one of the only times you want to resort to movies to calm a squirmy toddler. Particularly during long car rides, where a toddler is strapped in a car-seat, watching a movie with snacks and a teddy may be the only thing that passes the time without a meltdown.

The toddler years can present some of the most active and frustrating times for any parent. Toddlers squirm and fidget and just generally refuse to sit still. Consider some of these strategies to help you calm a squirmy toddler.

Tips

If your toddler is constantly squirmy he or she may not be getting enough exercise or may be napping too long.

For those long car rides don't forget sun glasses or window shades and a blanket and teddy bear for nap time.

Toddlers, particularly when they are really tired or getting sick, tend to be extra squirmy, so don't expect to placate them easily in these situations.