Does anyone else's kids do this?

Question

My boys (ages 4 and 1 1/2) constantly run around the house like Tazmanian devils (I wish I had half their energy). So I do what any parent would do, I take them over to the playground so they can run off their energy. We get over to the playground, and what do they do? They climb to the top of the jungle gym and stand there for 45 minutes watching cars go by. I keep after them to go play, go play, go play. They go down the slide, then climb back up and stand and watch cars again. Then as soon as we get home, they're running around the house again.

So what do I do, lol?

Answer 1

That's really funny. As long as they aren't tearing the house apart, why not let them run around let Tazmanian devils? Plus go the playground and let them watch the cars go by and just wonder. Sounds like they're having fun. I was the same way, though. What I loved most was when my mom would take me to a place where I could ride my bike as fast and as hard as I could. You'd think there wasn't much you could do to get hurt in a large, flat, empty parking lot with a bike. You'd be wrong. But it was a lot of fun.

Answer 2

I have 3 boys and they do the same thing. From 6 am to 8 pm it is so loud in my house I can barely think. As far as what to do, I do not think there is anything. They are boys and will eventually grow out of it, and grow into more annoying habits. Have fun with them while it lasts and don't get to stressed. Remember if you have a yard for them to play in the will run off more energy there than the playground. Kids always seem to settle down and behave better when they are out of the house.

Answer 3

  Children have to be taught to play.

You need to jump start their imaginations. At home get out their toy cars, cut a door opening in a small box and make it a garage. Have them take their cars to a garage for fixing. If they have a plastic tool set, let one be the mechanic.(If dad is involved in their lives this is a good one for him)

Throw a sheet over a card table and let them play under it, it is like their own little club house.

At the park, take sand shovels and buckets,(and baby powder to get the sand off) teach the older one to push the younger one on the baby swing. Give them eye patches and red scarfs and they can be pirates watching for other ships from the top of the jungle gym.

Join a playgroup with children the same age. Once a week we all got together at someones house and let the kids play. We did this from 9:00-12:00. We served a light lunch and then they left to go home for a nap. Sometimes we went to the park, pool, Chucky cheese, etc.

The kids got to play, learn to handle small squabbles, and I met ladies my own age.  

My daughter was the only girl and the boys really enjoyed playing Barbies. To this day, (she is 19 now) she really relates well with boys on a friendship basis.

Good luck

Answer 4

Try focusing their energy into something constructive while at home. I've purchased activity books for my kids. (Ages 4 1/2 and one who will be 8 on the 16th) There's a double plus there...they'll think they are 'coloring' or playing games...but at the same time learning, and you get to spend time with them on a not so high strung level. Make it fun. Take them for walks and play the 'I spy' game. Take a trip to the library and 'rent' books about behaviors, i.e, playing nicely at home, things to do at the play ground. It'll be fun for all of you! And when all else fails...while they're running around like tazmanian devils...JOIN THEM!! Lol. Chase them around! They'll love it and again...your interacting with them which is something children of that age thrive on. Good luck! = ]

Answer 5

lol too funny, i just told my hubby yesterday that's what our buttheads do when we go to the park.

what works for us is that I find the biggest d**n playground, thats pretty much full of kids, and then let them go.  (we have 5 kids)  more kids there to play with, less idle time.  granted with the amount of kids we have, two adults is needed to keep an eye on them at all times.  

Answer 6

run around with them, it will be good exercise for you and your sons will appreciate it later in life.

trust me, i used to be that age

Answer 7

Try a different playground, without anything but the playground equipment to focus their attention.

Going for a walk sometimes helps mine (I have 3 boys, 12, 5 and 3).  Or a bike ride.

Answer 8

Good thing they have lots of energy, it helps them later in life.