How to cope with a constantly talking, high-energy child
A child's nonstop talking, movement, and constant 'go mode' can severely overstimulate parents who have a naturally quieter personality. This constant sensory overload leads to deep exhaustion and feelings of guilt when parents struggle to match their child's relentless energy.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Taking breaks and asking for quiet time when feeling overstimulated
- 2Enrolling children in high-energy sports and activities like hockey, football, or swimming to burn off energy
- 3Reminding oneself of the positive aspects or future perspective to cope with the exhaustion
- 4Gently coaching the child on social skills and impulse control
- 5venting online
- 6losing temper
- 7Hiring a babysitter or nanny for a few hours
- 8Outsourcing other chores like cleaning
- 9Having a partner take over childcare duties
- 10Going out shopping or to workout classes after the child's bedtime or before they wake up
- 11Reducing work hours to part-time
- 12Talking to a professional therapist or counselor
- 13Trying to manage the emotional reaction independently at home
- 14Waiting for children to grow older and more independent
- 15Finding short periods of time for personal activities like taking a bath or watching a show
- 16Trying to arrange childcare or rely on family members for help
- 17Implementing chore routines with older kids to help manage tasks
- 18Waiting for children to grow older and enter school
- 19Using independent activities like coloring or playpens to carve out brief moments of rest
- 20Capitalizing on nap times
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I try to humor him as much as I can, but sometimes I just have to tell him I need some quiet time because I'm overstimulated.”source ↗
“Since kid no.3 came into the picture I have been more and more exhausted (duh). I have said many times that I've never been as tired as I am now, but I am constantly just getting more tired, and there is no end in sight.”source ↗
“I feel like I have no inner life of my own any more, everything I do and think has to be about the family.”source ↗
“There is always someone crying, wanting something, needing help to wipe, preparing food, making the youngest nap, going for walks to the park, and so on.”source ↗
“My first born has always been a handful. He talks CONSTANTLY, is very argumentative, always has to be making noise and moving, and is constantly on go mode. I am the complete opposite of this, and I find the way he acts so incredibly annoying. I feel terribly guilty for feeling this way.”source ↗
“I have no advice but I also have a talker who is very very active. Sometimes I tell everyone in the house (so it’s not directed at specific people) that I’m overwhelmed and need a break from the noiselol”source ↗
“I have an 8 year old son who is the same. No advice sorry but solidarity. It is exhausting at times but I only have 1 child.”source ↗
“I can not deal with the screaming. It’s so shrill and high pitched and completely overloads my nervous system.”source ↗
“Secondly, the kids are always fighting one another. And thirdly, I swear to god I’m talking to a brick wall all day every Day.”source ↗
“I’ve got 3 under 3, I know exhaustion.”source ↗
“I am in physical pain thinking about how he feels. I am anxious, stressed, and also crying (not in front of him obviously). I feel his pain so much and I can hardly bear it.”source ↗
“How do I separate my emotions from his, and not feel them so much?”source ↗
“I can barely sleep or eat.”source ↗
“It’s not about the situation. It’s about seeing my son in emotional distress.”source ↗
“Well I can’t afford a therapist, hence why I’m asking for advice on Reddit lol. So do you have any advice on how to stop feeling my child’s emotions so strongly?”source ↗
“Currently in the thick of it with a 3 year old and 3 month old.”source ↗
“I have an almost 4 year old and a 10 month old. Right now I can give the 4 year old an activity like coloring and put baby in the playpen with a frozen tether and get at least 15 mins to lounge on the couch.”source ↗
“I’m trying to find a work/life balance. When I get off of work it just feels like more work when I get home because now it’s parenting.”source ↗
Where this came up
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