This calm down trick will help even the most hyper and wild toddler calm down and rest. Keep this tool in your hat with your little one.
The day started much like any other. Two of my sons (3 and 2 years old at the time) were getting on each other’s nerves. They struggle to play together since they want the same exact toy.
Namely, whatever toy the other one has.
My daughter was probably bossing them around loudly, as she is wont to do, and my little crawler was moving around being perfect since he couldn’t speak and therefore had no attitude.
Making him highly cuddle-able….
Finally, the noise got too much and I’d had it Up To Here. Then…
A lightbulb moment of genius.Â
I told the kids we were going to have “relax time” and that it was going to be fabulous. We’d calm down, get some Peace and Quiet, and a bit of relaxing rest.
I talked it up positively and pretty soon they thought it was a good idea. We’ve never looked back.
A Calm Down Trick: “Relax Time”
This is great for toddlers, preschoolers, and even elementary aged kids.
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Learn MoreGet some books
First, to help get them to cooperate, I ask them to pick out a few books they’d like to read. If I choose their books it never works as well.
They each get three or four (or more if they are enthusiastic) and go to their seats. Sometimes choosing a seat is a slight battle, but quietly we get seated. I get a book and sit down too!
Read: The Best Christian Children’s Books
Read or browse quietly
There are no strict rules here, except that we want to look at our books and have some quiet time. We are all still in the same room together so there’ll be occasional comments, but if they get too chatty I’ll shush them.
In fact, they often shush each other.
I will intersperse phrases like “Oh, it’s so nice and relaxing to put up our feet, isn’t it?”
 I really ham it up. Ham works.
Our rule: only get out of your seat to get another book
Sometimes they like to push the envelope and browse their books super fast so they can go get another. As long as they are quiet and not disturbing the rest of us, I ignore their games.
Soon, they are actually interested in a book and calmed down. Aside from pottying, they can’t just leave “relax time” cause they feel like it. I’ve actually read a few chapters of a book at once during this time.
Read: Books To Decompress A Stressed Mama
Use a timer
I’ve talked a lot about how timers are wonder workers, and this case is no exception. A timer is handy if children are reluctant to start something they aren’t super excited about.
By saying, “I’m setting the timer for x minutes and then we’ll do y,” you gain cooperation much more peacefully.
Next time the kids aer going nutso and you are losing it and you need some order and quiet… try “relax time.” You’ll be amazed!
Check off critical household, social, and hygiene skills for your child so they’re prepared (not petrified) of growing up!
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Can I subscribe to your blog? I couldn’t find the option for it. I really enjoyed the article! I’ll have to try that next time I babysit my niece and nephew :)
Hi Carly, yes you can subscribe to it. Go to this page and put in your name and email :) Thanks so much for joining me! https://amotherfarfromhome.com/about-blog/
As always, wonderful inspiration! In my substituting teaching, when their regular work is done, they work in their “unfinshed work” folder or read a book. This keeps the classroom in control until the next “group” activity. Your use of the “book-quiet-down-activity” is preparing them for school.
Love this