Your Toddler’s Energy Isn’t “Too Much.” Here’s How to Channel It!
Does it ever feel like your toddler is bouncing off the walls before breakfast? Or like they suddenly can’t sit still right when it’s time to leave the house? Maybe you’ve found yourself wondering how to help your toddler calm down. That big energy can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t mean your toddler is “too much.”
In fact, that energy is their body asking for input.
That’s where heavy work comes in.
What Is Heavy Work (And Why It’s Not Just for Meltdowns)
Heavy work refers to activities that involve pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, carrying, or squeezing – anything that activates the proprioceptive system (your child’s internal sense of body awareness). It’s often used to help kids calm down, especially during sensory overload or emotional outbursts.
But here’s the thing:
Heavy work doesn’t have to be reactive. It can be proactive.
Think of it as giving your child a sensory “snack” that helps their nervous system stay regulated before challenges pop up.
Why Heavy Work Works (Even for Busy Days)
When built into your daily routine, heavy work can:
✅ Help your toddler focus and listen during transitions
✅ Prevent meltdowns by meeting sensory needs early
✅ Support smoother routines like getting dressed, brushing teeth, and sitting for meals
✅ Burn off some of that big energy in a safe, productive way
It’s not about “calming down” in a negative sense. It’s about helping your child feel ready to engage with the world.
Easy Heavy Work Activities You Can Do at Home
You don’t need a gym or fancy equipment. Try adding simple tasks like:
- Pushing a laundry basket full of clothes
- Carrying groceries in from the car
- Wiping windows or the table with a firm grip
- Crawling through couch cushions or a tunnel
- Jumping on a safe surface (like a floor mattress or trampoline)
- Animal walks — bear crawl, crab walk, frog hops
- Playdough or putty time (squeeze, roll, flatten!)
- Helping carry recyclables to the bin
These activities help satisfy your toddler’s need for movement and give them a sense of responsibility and control.
A Sample Daily Routine with Built-In Heavy Work
Here’s a quick look at how you can fit heavy work into your toddler’s day without adding extra stress:
🕗 Morning (before breakfast)
→ Push the laundry basket to the kitchen
→ Wall push-ups while you make breakfast
🕙 Mid-morning transition
→ Animal walk to the bathroom
→ Wipe the sink after washing hands
🕓 Before dinner
→ Help “deliver” ingredients to the kitchen (carrying veggies, cans)
→ Knead playdough or squeeze a fidget toy at the table
🛁 Before bedtime
→ Crab walk to the tub
→ Big squeezes in a towel wrap after bath
Small pockets of movement throughout the day can make a big difference.
→ For more examples check out “Heavy Work: 5 Simple Activities for Your Preschooler.”
One Last Thing: Your Toddler Isn’t “Too Much”
Your child’s energy isn’t bad behavior. It’s communication.
Heavy work helps you hear what they’re saying before things get hard.
Movement is one of the most powerful tools you can use to help your toddler remain calm, and help your toddler calm down when emotions run high or transitions feel tough.
By building in opportunities for movement, you’re setting your toddler up for success in everyday routines, and showing them their energy is something to be celebrated, not shut down!
→ Looking for more toddler-friendly routines or support?
Our team specializes in sensory-informed strategies that make daily life smoother. Reach out today to learn how we can help!
