Have you ever had those days when your kids are so energy-filled you’re unsure what to even do with them? It seems the more energy they have, the louder and more obnoxious they get! My kids are 7 & 8 (almost 9) and with school being back in session, I find that they have physical energy to spare at the end of the day.
I wish I had the energy they have. They’re amazing little beasts that enter my house, fill it with crazy kid-energy (the best energy, let’s be honest), destroy anything in their path and need attention, attention, attention. Meanwhile, I’ve been grinding it out at work and am exhausted. So, my patience is short and their loud, crazy antics aren’t filled with the hilarity they think they are.
I found myself getting frustrated with the sheer volume of their energy, snapping at them to “CALM DOWN!” and “SETTLE DOWN”, when really…why the HECK should they? They’ve just had an awesome day at school and want to tell me about it. They may want to shout it at me while backflipping around the house throwing confetti and crashing symbols because, well, life is exciting. And me…I just want quiet.
So, how do we balance this crazy energy out?
Exercise. Exercise is always the key.
As my son was sprinting his circles around the house I decided I needed to get that little man outside. I told him to strap on his sneakers and run to the stop sign and back. For added fun I told him I’d time him. My daughter then heard the idea and said “I’m outta here” and went with him.
They sprinted to the stop sign and back (I live on a very family-friendly cul-de-sac, so easy goes it Tiger Mamas, I know what I’m doing, they’re safe!) and came back…relatively human.
Score One for Mom! That super tiny burst of exercised saved their lives (I kid, I kid).
Listen, our kids are going to be excited about life. They’re also going to be filled with physical energy after being in school all day, so let’s give them a little leeway and find ways to incorporate their energy into our lives. We’ve set up obstacle courses in the house before, had pushup competitions, dance parties, gone for bike rides, jogs around the block (together) and so many other fun physical activities.
I think we forget that our kids need to release energy after school and even though I want quiet and calm, they want to go, go, go! And, to be honest, I couldn’t be happier with that. Don’t plop them down in front of video games to keep them quiet, get them out and active and living a healthy life! Get them moving. Get them strong. Most importantly, give them opportunities to release that energy they’ve been holding in all day.
When my kids came back from their mini-run, they were able to tell me about their day more calmly, they were more focused and their energy was at a level I could actually handle. Next time? I’ll go with them!
Exercise, my friends. It will help with everyone’s mental health in your household. Give it a whirl next time your kids are driving you up the wall. Simply get them to do something physical for at least 5 minutes (or an hour!). I bet you’ll notice a huuuuuge difference!
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