• Home
  • About
    • New? Start Here.
    • Meet The Co-Hosts
    • Meet The Contributors
    • In The Media
  • Advertise
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

The Mom Hour

Happier motherhood starts here.

  • New? Start Here.
  • Podcast
    • Recent Episodes
    • Complete Archives
    • Search By Topic
  • Blog
  • Ages & Stages
    • Babies
    • Toddlers
    • Preschoolers
    • Big Kids
    • Tweens & Teens
  • Shop
  • Our Partners
Girl playing on river stones toy

in Blog on December 9, 2022 by Jennifer Carroll

How To Help Your Kids Burn Energy Indoors

I have twins. Once we made it through the sleepless nights and round-the-clock feedings, I thought things would get easier. And, it did…in some ways.

Right around their first birthday, they started walking…and they were fast. 

Baby gates and cabinet locks were no match for these two. Suddenly, I was searching for parks and playgrounds enclosed by fences. I wore tennis shoes at all times to be ready to sprint after an escaping child. 

My husband and I would quite literally stand with arms and feet wide – like basketball players on defense – at family gatherings.   

Left unchecked, twin energy can consume anything and everything in its path. Maybe it’s personality, maybe it’s just having two kids of the same age, but it was clear: we needed a plan to move every day. 

Outdoor play was and still is a big priority at our house. However, we live in Oklahoma. We’ve had mild 70-degree days in January and we’ve also had weeks of sub-zero temperatures where they cancel school.

We’ve found that as twin parents, we need a few tricks up our sleeves. We need strategies for indoor “energy management” so the twins aren’t wrestling by 7:30 a.m. 

Honestly, I can relate. As an adult, I feel better when I get to go for a run or do a quick workout in the garage. Movement calibrates my day and puts me in a good mood.

I suspect that many families with singletons and twins are like ours. We need a way to harness the energy while also managing bad weather, sick siblings, nursing babies, and dinner prep.

Slowly, we’ve built up an arsenal of toys that encourage movement. Grandparents, aunts and uncles have helped by gifting many of the big-ticket toys at birthdays and holidays. 

Here are the tried and true winners for our household.

River Stones 

Different families have different house rules about climbing on furniture. At our home, it’s a no-go. River Stones are the perfect outlet for the classic game, “The Floor is Lava.” The rubberized edges keep the stones in place on tile, hardwood and carpet. We use them for balancing competitions and obstacle courses as well. They also seem to be a hit with older cousins, too.

Little Tikes Bounce House 

This thing was the MVP of the entire pandemic. If I could personally thank the good people at Little Tikes, I would. The bounce house is just like the one you’d find at a birthday party, only smaller in scale. We opted to push aside a couch and set ours up in a living room where I could keep an eye on everyone. It would also be perfect for a basement or playroom. (Take measurements!) Add balloons or ball-pit balls for variety. 

When the kids were toddlers, we could have 3-4 kids in it at a time. They would jump in 15-20 minute spurts, but it was a secret weapon when we all needed a change of pace.

If you’re sensitive to noise, I’d recommend some noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to drown out the sound of the blower. Also…keep in mind, there is a weight limit. We had to retire the bounce house when my kids were about four years old. 

Indoor Laser Tag

Long before the twins had ever seen any of the Star Wars movies, they were enraptured with all things Baby Yoda and Darth Vader. After an unfortunate incident with a lightsaber and a lamp, a new house rule was established: All galactic battles must take place outdoors. 

When Jedi Knights are INDOORS, they prefer laser tag. This set has four blasters, but you can also buy extra blasters if needed to eliminate squabbles over turns. 

Mini Trampoline

Santa’s elves knew what they were doing when they delivered this magical trampoline. This workhorse gave and gave until it could bounce no more. My son would spend hours jumping on this thing. He would bounce before preschool, he’d bounce before bed. He would bounce while watching movies or when I would read bedtime stories. I even considered taking it on vacation, but my husband refused to strap it to the top of our minivan. I’m still salty. 

Our pediatrician told us that jumping provides great vestibular and proprioceptive input and can be a great outlet for sensory-seeking kiddos.

Laundry Basket Sled

Another recommendation for sensory seekers came from a child development expert in our area. She told us to grab a plastic laundry basket and put a 15 or 20-pound weight inside. Then, have the child push the laundry basket across a carpeted floor. Turn it into a game or let them push on their own until they are tired.

I was a bit concerned I’d soon be running a cross fit gym for toddlers, but I will say my kids loved this activity. We’ve also used the “sled”  in obstacle courses. There is something about engaging large muscle groups that fills a need in our kiddos. 

Training Wheels and Tennis Shoes 

Pelton has yet to introduce a line of child-sized spin bikes, but you can make your own with a little bit of ingenuity. 

We were in the thick of a home remodel when a terrible ice storm shut down our city for nearly 10 days. Looking for a way to pass the time, I brought everyone’s bike indoors and created a spin class. 

Take a pair of old tennis shoes and put a shoe underneath each of the training wheels. The shoes lift the back wheel off the ground just enough so the wheel can turn freely as the child pedals. I’m able to convert my road bike into a stationary bike via indoor trainer. 

Movement Videos

 Turning on the TV is a bit counterintuitive to movement, but I’ve found there is a lot of great, free content to get kids up and on their feet. Our Pre-K teachers turned us on to GoNoodle this year. We’ve also enjoyed Cosmic Yoga and just about any Freeze Dance video we can find.

As we head into shorter days and cooler weather, I’ve discovered the best offense is a good defense. I’m a happier mom when I give options instead of warnings. (Believe me when I say I have done both!)  I have the power to set the tone for our day, even when our days don’t go as planned. 

Finally, I want to encourage parents of high-energy children. You are not alone. There are other moms, trying to contain the chaos, hour by hour, just like you. 

Related

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: preschoolers, toddlers

About Jennifer Carroll

Jennifer is a mom to four-year-old twins and a very large Weimaraner. Before kids, she worked in television and advertising. She paused her career to be a stay-at-home mom only to discover she loved freelance writing. You’ll find her family camping, chasing cows or at the lake on weekends. Follow their adventures at @twinningtheweekend.

deals from our partners



When you click through these links and make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and we only partner with brands we’ve used and truly love!).

« Our Best Holiday Budgeting Tips: Episode 394
A Charcuterie Of Holiday Emotions »

Comments

  1. Laura says

    December 9, 2022 at 12:38 pm

    Great suggestions!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Listen + Subscribe

Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
Subscribe on Spotify
Subscribe in Google Podcasts
Subscribe on YouTube
Subscribe on Amazon Music

Search

Recent Blog Posts

Thanksgiving Planning Guide: Plan NOW So You Can ENJOY Later!

November 6, 2023 By Joanna Martin

Four Reasons I Read To My Kids

October 16, 2023 By Catie Parrish

6 Kitchen Gadgets Our Team Loves

September 18, 2023 By The Mom Hour

6 Ways To Support School Learning At Home (No Flash Cards Required!)

August 28, 2023 By The Mom Hour

4 Ways To Support Your Child’s Educator This School Year

August 21, 2023 By Lisa Payne

more from the blog...

On Instagram

themomhour

Top 10 parenting podcast hosted by @meaganfrancis (MI) & @powersofmine (SoCal). 8 kids between us, little to grown. Happier motherhood starts here.

The Mom Hour
New Episode! It feels good to complain once in a New Episode!

It feels good to complain once in a while – especially during the holidays. Today Meagan and Sarah laugh our way through a “vent sesh,” sharing mostly inconsequential gripes about what’s bugging us this year. While we often appreciate a positive reframe, we also know the cathartic power of airing a petty vent (or six). Plus, we share what’s new this holiday season for each of us. 

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast#podcastsformoms #parenting#parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod#podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Head's up! @joannerevising from The Mom Hour team Head's up! @joannerevising from The Mom Hour team has a book out that makes a GREAT holiday gift - and right now it's 50% off through the publisher, @magiccatpublishing! Click this image at the link in our bio to grab it while the sale is on! (It's also available wherever books are sold.)

Each page offers a word and age-appropriate definition, along with a related activity, resource, or mindful prompt, all beautifully illustrated by @anneliesdraws. The book is split into four chapters that each includes relevant words: Feelings Matter (Afraid, Frustrated, Proud); You Matter (Authentic, Consent, Resilience); Differences Matter (Disability, Equity, Race); and Changemakers Matter (Conservation, Feminism, Teamwork). Check it out!

#thelittlebookofwordsthatmatter #wordsthatmatter #100wordsthatmatter
Has your family gotten a chance to play around on Has your family gotten a chance to play around on our partner @carnegiehall Kids website yet? 🎹 🎵 🎻 

It’s totally free and has some super fun resources for music education, like their Animal or Instrument? quiz and interactive Musical Explorers Around The World Map. (Swipe through for a peek!) Such a great option for kids who are ready to dive deeper into music . . . without requiring Mom's help or committing to lessons. 🙌 

Click on this image at the link in our bio to check out all @carnegiehall Kids fun, child-friendly games and quizzes! #ad #musicalkids #carnegiehall
New episode! Who came before us, and what can we New episode!

Who came before us, and what can we learn from them? We think there's a reason that ancestry research, genealogy, and discovering family stories holds a special interest for midlife women, and we're here to talk about it. Meagan shares her journey back through time (and up to the UP!) to better understand her family's roots. She shares what resources she used, her process for uncovering the unknowns, and what she's discovered so far. Sarah has less direct experience but lots of curiosity.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Happy holidays! 🎄 It's time for our sponsor rou Happy holidays! 🎄 It's time for our sponsor roundup for November, where we thank our partners and remind you of their awesome deals. ALL of our special promo codes and links can be found on the Deals & Offers page on our website. Tap on this image at the link in our bio to check it out.

We appreciate when you support the show by using our links + codes!

Check out our new partners . . . 
🌱 @giveaswegrow (FREE service-focused app for kids!)
🎅 @officialsantadotcom (magical, one-stop holiday hub!) 
🪥 @betterbiom (15% off Nobs Jr. kids toothpaste!)
👶 @cadenlane (20% off the cutest kids clothes!)

And welcome back . . . 
🧪 @kiwico_inc (50% off your 1st month!)
🎨 @minted (art, cards, decor & more!)
📚 @chatbooks (the easiest photo books ever!)
☑️ @todoistofficial (2 mo. free of Todoist Pro!)
🗓️ @theessentialcalendar (10% off calendars!)
🍃 @drinkag1 (1yr of Vit.D + 5 travel packs!)
👡 @vionicshoes (15% off your order!)
💊 @ritual (30% off your 1st month!)
💜 @zulily (10% off our fave picks!)
Today we're thankful YOU. Thank you for listening Today we're thankful YOU. Thank you for listening to the podcast, sharing your wisdom with us and with each other, and showing up for your families, your communities, and your fellow moms. We're honored to share this space with you. - Meagan & Sarah
New episode! While we try not to kick ourselves w New episode!

While we try not to kick ourselves when we're down and generally avoid second-guessing our parenting choices, we *are* human. And sometimes that means we experience regret. Today Meagan and Sarah reflect on some big and small choices we've made (or not made) throughout our parenting journeys, and why we'd do things differently if given the chance. We also reflect on regret as an emotion, and why sharing regrets can bring about connection with others.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Bonus episode! Do you have to identify as a music Bonus episode!

Do you have to identify as a musical person to nurture a love of music in your family? We think not. Meagan and Sarah look back at parenting babies, small kids, big kids and teens, reflecting on the role music has played in everything from bedtime to playtime, nurturing kids' passions and finding shared interests as a family. We talk about what it means to "be musical," how we thought our kids' music learning would happen vs. how it actually played out, and what we've learned from our kids as their tastes and appreciation develop.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
New Episode! Kassidi wants to become a more confi New Episode!

Kassidi wants to become a more confident home cook and asks us where to begin. Natalie needs strategies for easing the long wind-down at bedtime for her co-sleeping toddler. Joy is considering traveling with young kids on her own but wonders what age is best to go for it, what activities to partake in and what to avoid when you’re on a mom-only trip with kids. In Episode 439, Meagan and Sarah take these questions from our community and offer tips and validation. Enjoy! 

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast#podcastsformoms #parenting#parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod#podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Hosting Thanksgiving this year? @CafeDuMartin put Hosting Thanksgiving this year? @CafeDuMartin put together a planning guide that helps hosts work backward from turkey day and break down the challenge into manageable parts. We're revisiting this *gem* of a blog post this week and re-sharing her tips and printable download - check it out at the link in our bio!
New episode! Spending time with extended family c New episode!

Spending time with extended family can bring on parenting challenges that don't come up as often in our day-to-day routines. If you're anticipating some uncomfortable situations this holiday season, don't fret! Meagan and Sarah have your back with this episode's round-up of some of the archive's best listener questions and our advice, focused on traveling for the holidays (or not), surviving group events with different parenting styles, handling criticism (and unwanted advice) and much more.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Bonus episode out now - happy Friday! At what age Bonus episode out now - happy Friday!

At what age are kids ready for team sports? How do kids respond when parents volunteer to coach? (And what about the *other parents* 😳?) How much is too much and what's the deal with travel teams? The Mom Hour contributors @jaymesherrod and @twinningtheweekend share their experience as one-time competitive athletes who now have sporty kids. Listen to find out what they love, what gives them pause, and what they look forward to in the realm of youth sports.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Load More... Follow on Instagram

as seen on

Send us an email

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Email hello@themomhour.com and we’re here to help!

listen on

looking for something?

New Episode! It feels good to complain once in a New Episode!

It feels good to complain once in a while – especially during the holidays. Today Meagan and Sarah laugh our way through a “vent sesh,” sharing mostly inconsequential gripes about what’s bugging us this year. While we often appreciate a positive reframe, we also know the cathartic power of airing a petty vent (or six). Plus, we share what’s new this holiday season for each of us. 

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast#podcastsformoms #parenting#parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod#podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Head's up! @joannerevising from The Mom Hour team Head's up! @joannerevising from The Mom Hour team has a book out that makes a GREAT holiday gift - and right now it's 50% off through the publisher, @magiccatpublishing! Click this image at the link in our bio to grab it while the sale is on! (It's also available wherever books are sold.)

Each page offers a word and age-appropriate definition, along with a related activity, resource, or mindful prompt, all beautifully illustrated by @anneliesdraws. The book is split into four chapters that each includes relevant words: Feelings Matter (Afraid, Frustrated, Proud); You Matter (Authentic, Consent, Resilience); Differences Matter (Disability, Equity, Race); and Changemakers Matter (Conservation, Feminism, Teamwork). Check it out!

#thelittlebookofwordsthatmatter #wordsthatmatter #100wordsthatmatter
Has your family gotten a chance to play around on Has your family gotten a chance to play around on our partner @carnegiehall Kids website yet? 🎹 🎵 🎻 

It’s totally free and has some super fun resources for music education, like their Animal or Instrument? quiz and interactive Musical Explorers Around The World Map. (Swipe through for a peek!) Such a great option for kids who are ready to dive deeper into music . . . without requiring Mom's help or committing to lessons. 🙌 

Click on this image at the link in our bio to check out all @carnegiehall Kids fun, child-friendly games and quizzes! #ad #musicalkids #carnegiehall
New episode! Who came before us, and what can we New episode!

Who came before us, and what can we learn from them? We think there's a reason that ancestry research, genealogy, and discovering family stories holds a special interest for midlife women, and we're here to talk about it. Meagan shares her journey back through time (and up to the UP!) to better understand her family's roots. She shares what resources she used, her process for uncovering the unknowns, and what she's discovered so far. Sarah has less direct experience but lots of curiosity.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Happy holidays! 🎄 It's time for our sponsor rou Happy holidays! 🎄 It's time for our sponsor roundup for November, where we thank our partners and remind you of their awesome deals. ALL of our special promo codes and links can be found on the Deals & Offers page on our website. Tap on this image at the link in our bio to check it out.

We appreciate when you support the show by using our links + codes!

Check out our new partners . . . 
🌱 @giveaswegrow (FREE service-focused app for kids!)
🎅 @officialsantadotcom (magical, one-stop holiday hub!) 
🪥 @betterbiom (15% off Nobs Jr. kids toothpaste!)
👶 @cadenlane (20% off the cutest kids clothes!)

And welcome back . . . 
🧪 @kiwico_inc (50% off your 1st month!)
🎨 @minted (art, cards, decor & more!)
📚 @chatbooks (the easiest photo books ever!)
☑️ @todoistofficial (2 mo. free of Todoist Pro!)
🗓️ @theessentialcalendar (10% off calendars!)
🍃 @drinkag1 (1yr of Vit.D + 5 travel packs!)
👡 @vionicshoes (15% off your order!)
💊 @ritual (30% off your 1st month!)
💜 @zulily (10% off our fave picks!)
Today we're thankful YOU. Thank you for listening Today we're thankful YOU. Thank you for listening to the podcast, sharing your wisdom with us and with each other, and showing up for your families, your communities, and your fellow moms. We're honored to share this space with you. - Meagan & Sarah
New episode! While we try not to kick ourselves w New episode!

While we try not to kick ourselves when we're down and generally avoid second-guessing our parenting choices, we *are* human. And sometimes that means we experience regret. Today Meagan and Sarah reflect on some big and small choices we've made (or not made) throughout our parenting journeys, and why we'd do things differently if given the chance. We also reflect on regret as an emotion, and why sharing regrets can bring about connection with others.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Bonus episode! Do you have to identify as a music Bonus episode!

Do you have to identify as a musical person to nurture a love of music in your family? We think not. Meagan and Sarah look back at parenting babies, small kids, big kids and teens, reflecting on the role music has played in everything from bedtime to playtime, nurturing kids' passions and finding shared interests as a family. We talk about what it means to "be musical," how we thought our kids' music learning would happen vs. how it actually played out, and what we've learned from our kids as their tastes and appreciation develop.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
New Episode! Kassidi wants to become a more confi New Episode!

Kassidi wants to become a more confident home cook and asks us where to begin. Natalie needs strategies for easing the long wind-down at bedtime for her co-sleeping toddler. Joy is considering traveling with young kids on her own but wonders what age is best to go for it, what activities to partake in and what to avoid when you’re on a mom-only trip with kids. In Episode 439, Meagan and Sarah take these questions from our community and offer tips and validation. Enjoy! 

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast#podcastsformoms #parenting#parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod#podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Hosting Thanksgiving this year? @CafeDuMartin put Hosting Thanksgiving this year? @CafeDuMartin put together a planning guide that helps hosts work backward from turkey day and break down the challenge into manageable parts. We're revisiting this *gem* of a blog post this week and re-sharing her tips and printable download - check it out at the link in our bio!

Copyright © 2023 · Life, Listened
Development by Cipher