All my toddler wants to do is throw toys! I keep telling him to stop but it does not work. What can I do about this?

Your child’s behavior is telling you that he or she needs to be active. If they like throwing, then give them an opportunity to throw in an appropriate space. Set up a box in a corner area of the house and allow your child to throw soft toys into the box. (basically like baby basketball) Make a game where the two of you play together. If your child is in another part of the house and throws something you can redirect them that toys for throwing are over in the corner.

Another great place to allow your child to throw things is outside! Many things that are not allowed inside are acceptable outside. Throwing, yelling, running, breaking (sticks), tearing up (leaves, grass), climbing on things, stomping their feel, rolling on the ground etc. Your child needs this outlet to get out energy and to have the physical sensations that go along with them. Even if it is cold outside they benefit from being outside. Bundle up and go have some fun. Below zero is a little too cold though.

Talk to your child about the sensations they feel in their body. Cold nose and fingers but the rest of their body is warm, wind on their face, crunchy feeling when walking on snow. All of this mindfulness makes them aware of how their bodies feel. Helping them become aware of how their body feels can help them express when they feel the need to be active.

Bundle up and go have fun outside.