Kids with Energy: Heartfelt Calming Activities That Really Help
As a mom, I know every child is wired differently. Some kids need a gentle nudge to get going in the morning, while others (like my kids) are already sprinting circles around the breakfast table by 7 a.m. (except for school days, LOL).
My own children fall somewhere in the middle. They are curious and playful, yes, but not particularly high-energy. Still, I’ve spent enough time around other moms to understand just how real and intense it can be to parent a child who seems to be in constant motion.
I’ve had honest conversations with moms who are desperately looking for ways to help their kids slow down, reset, and manage their big energy in healthy ways. Some told me they felt exhausted. Others felt judged. All of them felt like they were running out of ideas.
That’s why I pulled together this post, not as someone who faces this challenge daily, but as someone who wants to amplify the voices and tools of the mothers who do.
These calming activities for super-active kids come from a blend of parenting experts, therapists, educators, and most importantly, real moms who’ve lived this.
Because when we share our experiences, we don’t just help each other, we remind ourselves we’re not alone.
Understanding High-Energy Kids: It’s Not About “Fixing”
The first thing I’ve learned from these conversations is this: being high-energy isn’t a flaw. It doesn’t mean your child is misbehaving or broken. It just means their bodies and brains are processing the world in a big, bold way.
Calming activities aren’t about “toning down” a child’s spirit, but they’re about helping them regulate, focus, and feel safe inside their own skin.
Sensory Play That Grounds and Engages
From what I’ve seen, sensory activities are one of the easiest, most effective ways to support regulation in kids. The stimulation helps calm the nervous system, engage focus, and provide a healthy outlet for movement.
Kinetic sand
rice bins, or water beads
Frozen toy rescues
toys in ice blocks that kids “free” with warm water
DIY Calm Jars
Water + glitter glue + dish soap = magic in a bottle
Movement That Leads to Stillness
This idea came from a former teacher. She explained that movement doesn’t prevent calm, it often leads to it. Many active kids need a chance to move before they can settle down.
A few activities that help channel energy constructively:
Animal yoga poses
lion’s breath, cat/cow, downward dog
Mini obstacle courses
balance beams, crawling tunnels, or pillow jumps
Dance and freeze
Games that are energetic and controlled
Create a Cozy Calm-Down Space
Consider creating a “cozy corner” in your child’s bedroom. No screens, no loud toys, just soft pillows, a weighted blanket, a small lamp, and a few calming tools (like a squishy ball and a flip-book of emotion faces).
Why?
It’s not a time-out spot. It’s a ‘time-in’ zone, where any child can go to feel grounded, not punished.
Whether it’s a tent, a nook, or a beanbag in the corner, a calm-down space gives your child permission to slow down on their own terms.
Breathing Games That Feel Like Play
Most super-active kids aren’t going to sit for a 10-minute meditation. But they will play a breathing game if it’s framed as fun.
Some of the best I’ve heard from moms:
Bubble breathing
Blow bubbles slowly, focus on keeping them afloat
Teddy bear belly breaths
Lie on your back with a stuffed animal on your tummy
Smell the flower, blow out the candle
Inhale like you’re sniffing a flower, exhale like you’re blowing out a birthday candle
Rhythmic and Repetitive Activities
Repetition and rhythm can have a calming effect on the brain. I learned this from an OT mom in the community, who uses what she calls “low-demand, high-pattern” tasks when her child gets overstimulated.
Try:
- Stringing beads
- Lining up cars, blocks, or toys by color or size
- Rocking, swinging, or gentle bouncing on an exercise ball
- Listening to slow, steady music (especially percussion or nature sounds)
These activities can help bring predictability to a moment of chaos.
Outside Time = Natural Regulation
Even if my own kids aren’t bouncing off the walls, I’ve noticed that nothing resets our household like getting outside. The fresh air, the sounds of nature, and the freedom to move are soothing in ways a screen never could be.
For active children, nature time can be everything:
- Listening walks- How many sounds can you hear?
- Nature scavenger hunts
- Running races or balance walks on logs
- Cloud watching or laying in the grass with eyes closed
Maybe consider starting every morning with 15 minutes outside. Who knows, it can possibly change your entire day.
Creative Expression as a Release Valve
Kids with a lot of energy often have a lot of feelings and they need somewhere to put them. Art, music, and storytelling can offer a safe, yet expressive outlet.
Some calming creative options:
- Mess-free painting in a bag
- Building with Legos or magnetic tiles
- Coloring mandalas or simple mindfulness coloring sheets
- Telling stories or drawing comics about their day
Creativity channels emotion without requiring stillness.
Final Thoughts from a Mom Who’s Listening, Not Lecturing
I’m not navigating the challenges of raising a high-energy child on a daily basis. But I’m listening closely to the moms who are. And what I hear, again and again, is that community and compassion matter.
Whether your child is bouncing off the walls or simply testing limits, you are not alone.
The truth is, every child needs support learning how to manage their body and their emotions and these tools can help you guide them with grace and understanding.At MotherHues, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all motherhood. We believe in sharing stories, strategies, and honest reflections so we can all feel seen.
