My 2 1/2 year old never stops moving. I know people all say that about toddlers, but I have seen other kids sit in a chair and do something for a while. She will sit and paint, "read," play with trains, etc. but the whole time her feet are moving, or she is bouncing or squirming. Even people who deal with kids (like the women at the gym daycare) say she has "lots of energy." If I try to take her to a store, I spend most of my time chasing her (and she is really fast). She is generally pleasant and happy, but she just never stops. Is this normal for her age?
My son was like this at this age. At 4, he has slowed down a little bit, but is still a busy boy. I think some kids just have more wiggles than others.
What can I say, you have a healthy energetic toddler who can't wait to see the world. If you're not feeding sugar, or she's autistic or tired, then I wouldn't worry. Part of it might be personality as well. Only time will tell if this is more than just development.
My 21 month old is the same way--it drives me crazy sometimes! I'm so jealous of these kids who will fall asleep watching a movie or while being read to. My boy will only go to sleep in his crib with absolutely no distractions, it has to be pitch-black and a loud white noise machine on to block out any outside noise. While we read him stories before bedtime he is constantly wiggling his legs and excitedly asking "What's that?! What's that?!" to every single thing in the book haha........at least he passes out hard though, and sleeps 12-13 hours a night and a nap during the day. These crazy kids definitely wear us out, but aren't they fun?!
She must be my daughter's twin. Lol. My child is NEVER still! I call her my squiggle worm. Even as a newborn, she didn't like to be still. She was pulling up to walk on the furniture at 6 months and walking at 9 mos. Then at 11 months it went to climbing on the couch and by 12 months she was JUMPING from the couch to the floor. Geez! She's a sweet, loving crazy girl and I love her more than life, but I sure wish she'd sit down every so often. She's almost 3 and she isn't slowing down any.
My 3yo son sits very still.....for about 2 seconds per day!!! LOL! j/k
My toddler is exactly like what you're describing. He is what I call a "full throttle" child. He is always in a state of movement and is always going at whatever he's doing with intensity and energy. The only thing that seems to calm him down is to let him really exhaust himself (i.e. taking him to the park for a while or swimming or outside climbing trees in our backyard etc...)
Just know you're not alone. Many, many toddlers are exactly like this.
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This is normal... =)
My grandson, at nearly 5, is finally able to sit still for a few minutes at a time, but still, when he's doing a table activity or board game, he's changing position constantly – even while focused on the game. But he listens pretty well and is cheerful and cooperative.
I wouldn't worry too much about it if your daughter is able to focus, listen, and cooperate to a degree that's appropriate for her age. Give her LOTS of opportunity for movement. Pillow fights are a primo activity for my grandson. I can wear him out happily even if the weather stinks.
Some parents (or creaky grandparents like me) have to resort to "leashing" their children for their own safety. This is often seen as treating them like dogs, but that's the adult interpretation, not the child's.
My son did this too and at almost five, he's been diagnosed with ADHD; I'm not saying your daughter has ADHD, but if she starts becoming defiant and doing things that could injure herself and others, talk to her doctor. Otherwise, it's normal for a 2 and a half year old to be all over the place, they are testing their boundaries.
My 3 year old has always been a "mover". She won't sit still...you'd think she just drank 5 cups of coffee the way she fidgets and bounces and squirms and runs around. Now that she is in preschool a couple days a week, I can see that she's starting to settle and be a LITTLE more able to be still...but like you said, there is still always movement. I've been told it's totally normal at this age. I wish I could be that way to an extent...I'd burn a lot more calories! LOL
It can be! Some kids have so much energy that they always keep on the go. I should have so much energy!
You do need to work on her store manners, of course, for her own safety and the safety of other shoppers. When my children were toddlers and I would take one to the grocery store, I would plunk him/her in the cart seat, keep up a running conversation, and let my "assistant" hold some of the non-breaky items. I also did really fast, efficient grocery runs, so there didn't have to be any more sitting than was necessary. It was usually enough to keep him/her busy and interested.
My 23 month old...my goodness - way too much energy! I'm told it's normal and that I haven't seen the worst of it. Never-the-less it drives me batty.
As someone mentioned (and I have been told myself) just watch your child to make sure her behavior doesn't change to much (the not listening, be defiant, injuring herself, etc.). If it does change then get her checked out.
Also...just to let you know, you're not the only one chasing after your kid in the stores. I feel bad making my son sit in his stroller but some times and more frequently I have to pull it out!
Yes, yes and yes!!! She is fabulously normal. Congrats! LOL However, I would make her sit in the cart at stores for her own safety. Even if she has a fit the first few times, just ignore all the stares and know that most of us don't think badly of you or her--we've all been there! She sounds like the kind of kid who could benefit from an hour or 2 at the park as many days a week as you can manage. I have one at home just like her. Blessings!
Sounds normal to me :)
~Although, I have to say at 2.5 your daughter should be able to listen to you and NOT run around/away from you in the store!
Mom/Auntie to 6 boys and 1 girl
I WISH!!! My daughter doesn't sit still either.
my 2 yr old is still for about 2 seconds unless he is asleep and then he moves about every 30 minutes :)
Everyone who meets my son who just turned 2 this month all end up using the same word "busy" - I think it's pretty normal but would keep an eye on it.
You could be talking about my 2 1/2 year old! Some kids just never sit still. Like your daughter, mine will sit and do an activity, but she is far from still. I'm sure this is perfectly normal. It just makes me nervous for school!
But I do have to say, she shouldn't run away from you in the store. My 2 1/2 year old would be in big trouble. So I bribe her with a donut and it works. As long as she stays with me she gets a donut at the end. She also likes to help get stuff off the shelf and I tell her she can't help me if she's not by me.
