Super Active Toddler Bothering Others?

Hi, I am a mom and nursery school teacher. I have taken several classes on brain development. Kids brains go through lots of developmental changes and a child who is 13 months old has really dramatic synaptic growth. Synapses are connections that are formed each time they encounter something new. A 3 year old has millions more than an adult does because each time they encounter something new they create a new synapse. Later in childhood they will prune them back and have pathways more similar to an adult. Until then they have done lots of studies on how many kids need to move to make sense of what they are learning. Movement helps them bridge the gaps between all the new synapses. There are students in my classes every year who are just not able to sit still and I really think this is no indicator of future success in school. If it is something that she still does when she is 4-5 then you may have issues in kindergarten but for a 13 month old it is developmentally appropriate! I tell the parents who are worried about it to remember they are learning to move and moving to learn. Find activities that she enjoys and expose her to as many new books and experiences as you can. She sounds like a very bright young girl.

I totally understand, my son is the same way. It is very difficult at church and during class settings. My son gets distracted very easily, and often prefers to be independant and explore on his own. I just kind of follow him around and say Weston that's not ours, do you need a drink, or can you find your shoes....those type of things, but it gets very difficlt. I also think you shouldn't feel bad about it. I apologize if he invades someones space, and I just immediately turn my focus to him, that way I can just assume everyone is smiling behind my back because they know what a challenge it is. I am sure there are not too many smiles, but I don't know any different :-)

I also have to complain because I think parents' of kids who are exploratory have to take all the blame and responsibility. Why do parents leave things at toddler level in a class of toddlers? We had one class where one of the parent's brought an older sibling to sit in the corner and "watch" (aka read books and eat snacks). How is my son going to focus on a class when there are books and food available? Anyway, I know it's a challenge and very frustrating. I don't have any advice for you, I just know how you feel :-)

I also live near Willow Glen, if you ever want to get together at the park or something, let me know :-)

HI,
I'm a mom to a 2 year old boy. I really have no advice but to say she sounds like a perfecly typical toddler! She sounds curious and excited, good traits to have. Redirection always worked for us (letting her look in your own diaper bag instead of other's) to encourage her sense of exploration.

We have a little girl that is exactly like yours!!! She started walking at 10 months and has not stopped exploring which I believe is wonderful and tiring at the same time :)

She is now 22 months and we never just tell her no. Yes you need to start the vocal disipline now, it is never to early. We have always told her that the things she picks up are not hers or not a toy and to please put them back or give them to whom they belong. Keep the sentences short and with a ton of repeating yourself she will get it in a few months. Now our daughter understands if it is not hers she should ask before grabbing, or if she has already grabbed and is scolded says I am sorry immediately. Good luck to you and congrats on having a very curious child :)