(And You’re About to Lose It)
Let’s be real for a second.
Some kids have a setting that goes from loud to LOUDER.
And some days, nothing works. The noise. The bouncing. The constant movement.
You’re exhausted. Overstimulated. Maybe even crying behind a locked bathroom door.
We see you. And you’re not a bad parent — you’re a real one.
Here’s how to handle the chaos without completely losing your mind.
🔥 Step 1: Stop Fighting It (Temporarily)
Sometimes the more we say “Calm down!” the less calm they get.
Instead, try:
• “Okay, you’ve got so much energy — let’s get it out together.”
• “Let’s bounce it out for 5 minutes, and then we’ll try to slow down.”
You’re not rewarding wild behavior — you’re resetting the nervous system.
🧸 Step 2: Give It a Job
Hyper energy needs direction. Try these:
• Build a “crash pile” of cushions for safe jumping.
• Use painter’s tape to create hopscotch or movement paths.
• Set up a 3-minute toy pickup race.
Contain and direct the chaos — don’t try to squash it.
💡 Step 3: Try a Sudden Shift
If you’re hitting your limit, break the cycle with one of these:
• Whisper: suddenly whispering gets their attention
• Lights off: change the sensory setting
• Sing instead of speak
The key? Disrupt the noise loop without yelling. Hard? Yes. Worth trying? Also yes.
🧘 Step 4: Calm Comes After Movement
Expecting stillness from a kid who’s buzzing is like expecting sleep right after espresso.
Help them wind down first:
• Weighted blanket cuddles
• A silly body scan game (“Is your elbow sleepy yet?”)
• Visual timers (“We’ll rest for 2 minutes, then we’ll play again.”)
The calm might come. If not? At least you stayed calmer.
💬 Step 5: Say This to Yourself
“I’m allowed to be tired.”
“They’re not trying to drive me crazy. Their brain is just still learning.”
“This is hard. And I’m still doing it.”
💛 And Remember:
You’re not failing. You’re parenting a kid with a lot of energy in a world that doesn’t always make space for them.
That’s why Emily’s Playland exists — for the kids who just. don’t. stop.
And the grownups who love them anyway.
🧸 Shop movement-friendly toys, calming books, and playful routines at emilysplayland.com
💬 Follow @emilydocean for more chaos-to-calm tips
