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A 2 year-old toddler is usually restless due to several contributing factors. To tackle the problem of coping with this behavior, we need to first find out why she is restless. Some toddlers are more energetic because they were born that way. Generally, it is believed that boys are more active than girls. However, this is a rough yardstick.
Your toddler is very young and can't concentrate on an activity for a long time. The time span of your toddler's attention and concentration will improve with increasing age. To encourage the child to focus on an activity, it helps if you do it together with your child. Slowly her concentration will improve and she will be less restless. This training serves to gradually increase the length of her concentration span. She will learn to become less restless.
Sometimes it is not the attention span that is short but rather boredom which makes your toddler restless. Do not assume that a toddler will keep busy with her toys for an hour. She will get tired of playing and needs a change of activity. Having a snack break or doing something different refreshes her. She will not feel so restless and irritated. Alternately, you can rotate the use of her toys. Do not give your toddler the same toys every day.
If you are using a play-pen or need to put your child in different rooms while you are busy with housework, put different toys in every room. That way, she will not protest straightaway when you leave her to play with her toys while you work. It is also good to have her with you so that you can keep an eye on her while you work.
When you shop for toys, select those that are age appropriate. Challenging toys keep a child stimulated and engaged in play. Your toddler will not be bored and restless out of lack of stimulation.
Some toddlers want attention and exhibit negative behaviors like restlessness because they know that this will get them the attention they want.
Most parents will respond by ignoring an attention-seeker. Find out the real reason that's bothering your toddler. Try to overcome this problem. Then, if she continues in her restlessness, try to ignore her. She will get bored pestering for attention and eventually turn to her toys or whatever is at hand.
If your toddler knows that she has the power to make you upset and bow to her demands, she is likely to continue with her antics.
Alternatively, you can try to train her concentration her by accompanying her in a few of her activities. Some toddlers love a parent playing with them. They are able to concentrate better and play longer in the presence of a parent or caregiver. Somehow, they get a sense of security. A kid left alone in a play-pen may experience " separation anxiety " from his parent or babysitter.
Help a toddler by verying his toys and activities. Having variety breaks the boredom and also reduces restless behaviour.
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