You are blessed to be the parent of very active children. While you are thankful to have such a healthy, lively, and animated family, there are times when you wish they would slow down just a bit. Sometimes these youngsters completely overwhelm you, and you long for peace and quiet for even a few minutes a day. Some suggestions to help you deal with your exuberant and rambunctious offspring include the following.

Engage The Youngsters in Activities

Plan special activities for them that will help them use up all the extra energy they possess. Send them to the backyard for a rousing session of Hot Potato, volleyball, hide-and-seek, or s hula hoop competition. Keep small tokens and toys around the house for just an occasion and provide them with small gifts for the winners.

Crafts are also a great idea. Children love to assemble, paint, color, and glue items. This is especially fun during the holidays when they can make gifts or decorations for the house. Always try to keep a good supply of construction paper, sketching paper, paints, glue, glitter, scissors, and stickers on hand for such occasions.

You can also keep your home well-stocked with playing cards and board games. Select games that are at their age level and station the players somewhere that you can keep an eye on them and work at the same time. Choose games that have long playing times such as Monopoly or sets of Rummy.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Active children can be much more prone to injuries than other children. They tend to be risk-takers and don't always think before doing. Of course, youngsters who engage in physically-demanding sports always run the risk of minor injuries. Keep a well-equipped first aid kit in your car, at your home, and at any vacation home you may own or use at all times and restock immediately after any use.

Always carry the names and numbers of their doctors and dentists on your person, so they are readily available if you really need them. To find the best dentist near you, try searching for specific dentists in your area, or if you had a dentist you liked in the last city you lived in, see if their company has an office in your current city by searching something like “Dentist Calgary at Macleod Trail Dental.” Find one near you who is willing to assist you immediately with loose or chipped teeth or any other emergency you may have with your children.

Give Them Regular Household Chores

Keep them busy and teach them responsibility at the same time by assigning them specific chores to do around the home. Keep a chart as to who has to do what and reward the ones who complete all of their tasks in a timely and efficient manner. Even very small children can help pick up their toys and clear their place settings from the table.

Hire Professional Help

You love your children but being with them all of the time can be very tasking. Hire extra help to assist you when you want some time for yourself. Keep a list of caregivers and babysitters on hand, and always, always have a backup. Have a little "me" time and go shopping, get a manicure, or just enjoy a movie for a few hours. Go on a date night with your significant other or just go out for a casual cup of coffee with a close friend.

Enroll Your Children in Sports and Other Activities

To really keep them busy and occupied, register them on local sports teams or have them play for their respective schools. Swimming, football, gymnastics, baseball, T-ball, soccer, basketball, and even bowling will ensure that they are very tired by the end of the day. If your child is not athletic, there are still so many other options to choose from such as robotics, book clubs, and even photography and cake decorating.

Having an active family can be wearing, but it can also be so much fun and so very fulfilling. Just do your best to be safe, keep everyone occupied, and take the time to take care of yourself and your own needs. Remember: If Mom isn't happy, then no one is going to be happy!

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Five Helpful Tips for Mothers of Active Children