It’s barely 9 a.m., and your toddler has already sprinted through three outfit changes, climbed the couch (again), and emptied the kitchen drawer for the fifth time this week. Meanwhile, you’re on your second coffee and wondering how you’re going to survive until nap time. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Keeping up with a toddler’s boundless energy can feel like a full-time job — because it is. That’s why many parents consider part-time support from services like child care Fremantle to help create balance for both child and parent.
But even with help, there are ways to channel all that energy into something positive without running yourself into the ground. Here’s how.
Embrace the Power of Routines
Toddlers thrive on predictability — and so do exhausted parents. A clear routine helps kids know what to expect next, which can reduce tantrums and save you from constantly inventing new distractions.
Try to keep the core parts of the day consistent:
- Wake-up time
- Meals and snacks
- Nap/quiet time
- Outdoor play
- Evening wind-down
It doesn’t have to be a strict schedule, but having a rhythm gives your child security — and gives you moments to catch your breath.
Create Energy Outlets That Don’t Exhaust You
You don’t need to run laps around the park to wear out your toddler. Instead, think of ways to let them move while you conserve your energy:
- Set up obstacle courses using cushions and furniture
- Use painter’s tape to create a “balance beam” on the floor
- Put on music for a dance party (you get to sit and DJ)
- Let them “wash” toys in a tub of water outside
- Create a scavenger hunt in the yard or living room
These activities help toddlers burn energy while keeping you from burning out.
Rotate Toys and Activities to Keep Things Fresh
One reason toddlers bounce from activity to activity is simple: boredom. Rather than buying more toys, try rotating what’s available. Pack away half their toys and bring them out in a few weeks — suddenly, everything feels new again.
You can also group items into little “activity kits”:
- Blocks and cars
- Crayons, paper, and stickers
- Plastic animals and play dough
- Kitchen utensils and pots for pretend play
Giving a toddler focused, fresh activities can lead to longer periods of independent play — which is golden for tired parents.
Use Quiet Time (Even If Naps Are Gone)
If your toddler has stopped napping, all hope is not lost. Introduce quiet time — a daily window where they play calmly in their room or a safe space. They might look at books, build with blocks, or cuddle up with stuffed animals.
Even 30–45 minutes of quiet play gives your body and brain a breather. Over time, they’ll come to expect and even enjoy this little pocket of calm in their day.
Get Outside — Nature Does the Heavy Lifting
Nothing drains toddler energy quite like being outside. The fresh air, the sensory input, the wide-open space — it’s the ultimate energy outlet.
Here’s the secret: you don’t have to do much. Let them explore while you sit on a bench. Nature will entertain them without a schedule or a screen.
Ideas for easy outings:
- A trip to the park
- A nature walk or bush trail
- Time in the backyard with a water table or garden tools
- A visit to the beach to dig, splash, and run
Even 20 minutes outside can shift the mood and reset everyone’s energy levels.
Know That Screens Aren’t the Enemy — Just a Tool
Let’s be real: sometimes you do need to put on a show or a toddler-friendly app. The trick is to use screens with intention, not as a default.
Save them for when you truly need a reset — and try to avoid using them as the first line of defence. A short episode after lunch while you tidy up or take a break can be sanity-saving when used mindfully.
Ask for Help — and Accept It
You don’t need to be a one-person entertainment centre 24/7. Whether it’s leaning on a partner, grandparent, neighbour, or booking a few days at a local child care centre, there’s no shame in getting support. You’re not giving up — you’re giving your child more variety and yourself the capacity to parent well.
Even a few hours of child care a week can offer your toddler new social experiences while giving you the time to recharge, work, or simply take care of the household without a toddler hanging off your leg.
Remember: You’re Doing Better Than You Think
It’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough, especially when your child still seems to have more energy than a Labrador puppy. But just showing up, being present, and creating safe space for your toddler to play and explore is already a big win.
There will be days when you keep them busy with brilliant activities and others where you just survive on snacks and screen time. That’s normal. What matters most is connection, not perfection. Keep doing your best — and rest when you can. They may outlast your energy, but they’ll never outgrow the love and support you give them.