Toddler's Advice: How to Settle a Squirmy Toddler

If you have a toddler you know how active they can be. Take it from an experienced parent that you can learn how to settle a squirmy toddler. Take some toddler's advice and implement some of these techniques to make your next outing a little more enjoyable.

Remain Calm
My children respond to my attitude and somehow they have an inherent knowledge of how to push my buttons. I have seen it many times where a child learns how to get a desired response from mom or dad. Believe it or not your toddler may be trying to get you frustrated and will act out until you do. If your toddler learns through repetition that you are going to remain calm they will soon realize they cannot upset you with their actions.

Don't Set Your Child up to Fail
A cranky tired child is a fidgety squirmy child. Watch your child and learn what they do when they get tired. You will see that when a child gets tired they also get squirmy. Make sure that if you are attending an event that you want your child to remain calm for that you allow for plenty of rest before the event. Plan a nap if it is an early afternoon or evening activity. If the activity is to take place early in the morning then make sure that your child gets plenty of sleep the night before.

It is important to remember that toddlers have natural energy. The best toddlers advice you can receive would be from parents of toddlers or children who have ADHD. In my 15 years of working with children I have found that parents of ADHD children do well to let their squirmy toddler release energy before asking them to be still and quiet. Let your toddler run and play for an hour or so before your event and you will find they have expended enough energy to stay a little more still.

Give Your Toddler Plenty Attention
Babies are needy, and the one thing they need most is the attention of their parents. Being squirmy and fidgeting can be the result of trying to get mom and dads attention. If you know you are going to be spending time in a place where you won't be able to talk and play with your toddler then make time earlier in the day to spend time playing and talking with your toddler.

Save Special Toys for Special Occasions
Every toddler has a special toy that they like to play with. Saving some of these toys to play with only during special occasions will give your child something to keep their minds active in times of quiet. Someone gave me this valuable piece of toddlers advice when my little boy turned two and it is a most effective tool.

Teach Your Child to Sit Still
You need to remember that as a parent it is your job to teach. Often parents are guilty of never allowing their child to be in a place that requires them to sit still. Teach your child to sit still by using firm discipline. I remember hearing when I was younger that a child who cannot sit still when required to is not a fully developed child. I have seen proof of this. It is my experience that toddlers who are never required to sit still end up never being able to sit still. Conversely parents who require their children to learn and sit still end up being able to do so. It sounds like common sense and that's because it is.

I hope these nuggets of toddlers advice come in handy as you learn how to settle a squirmy toddler. Just remember to be patient and persistent and eventually your child will learn to sit still.