My 8-year-old son seems to have an endless engine inside him. While other kids his age might sit quietly to draw, build with Legos, or flip through books, my boy is leaping from one sofa to the other, rummaging through shelves, or hanging from walls like Spider-Man.
For the longest time, I thought it was just disobedience. I would scream at him: “Stop! Sit down!” And yes, he would obey—sometimes for a few minutes. But before long, he’d be back at it again, climbing, jumping, and bouncing all over the place.
At first, I worried something was wrong. Later, I ignored it, hoping it would pass with age. But lo and behold—it didn’t.
So, I did what every modern parent does: I Googled. That’s when I discovered something that finally made sense. He wasn’t being naughty or forgetful—he was looking for proprioceptive input. Basically, his body was craving movement, pressure, and physical feedback to feel regulated.
That discovery changed how I parented. Instead of constantly yelling at him to stop, I started channeling his energy into safe indoor activities that give him the input he needs. And since I’m into cardio workouts myself, I even ask him to join me in push-ups, squats, star jumps, and other exercises. It’s become our way of bonding while keeping him regulated.
Here are the indoor activities that have worked for us:
- Indoor Obstacle Course
Use pillows, stools, blankets, and cushions to create a safe course. Have them crawl under, climb over, and balance through.
- Small Trampoline
A kid-sized trampoline inside the house gives them all the bounce they want without wrecking your furniture.
- Crash Pad Fun
Pile up pillows, bean bags, or a mattress on the floor. Let them safely jump, roll, and crash into it to release energy.
- Push-Ups and Squats
Simple bodyweight exercises give the same “heavy work” input that calms restless bodies. We sometimes do these together as a mini workout.
- Star Jumps (Jumping Jacks)
This is my son’s favorite when he’s “buzzing.” It burns energy quickly and gives him that rhythmic movement his body craves.
- Wall Pushes
Have them stand facing a wall and push hard against it, as if trying to move the wall. It’s calming and builds strength at the same time.
- Animal Walks
Bear crawls, crab walks, or frog jumps across the living room are fun ways to combine play and exercise.
- Indoor Climbing Station
If space allows, install a climbing ladder, pull-up bar, or monkey bars indoors. It gives a safe outlet for their climbing instincts.
- Tug-of-War
Use a rope or even a towel. Tug-of-war provides resistance and satisfies the need for proprioceptive input.
- Weighted Backpack Walks
Put a few safe, light items (like books) into a backpack and let them walk around with it. The weight adds calming input.
- Jump Rope (Indoors, if space allows)
Rhythmic jumping is both energizing and regulating. Perfect for restless bodies that need a repetitive motion.
- Dance Party
Turn up music (no screens!) and let them go wild. Dance channels energy into rhythm and fun.
- Indoor “Wheelbarrow Walks”
Hold their legs while they walk forward on their hands. It’s a workout for both of you and great for coordination.
- Balloon Games
Keep a balloon in the air as long as possible by tapping it around the room. Simple but endless fun.
- Resistance Bands
If you have exercise bands, let them pull, stretch, and push against the resistance. It’s a safe way to work muscles indoors.
Final Thoughts
I used to think my son was just being defiant when he couldn’t sit still. I’d yell, he’d stop, then minutes later, he’d be back to climbing and bouncing again. But once I understood that his body was searching for proprioceptive input, it all clicked.
Now, instead of fighting him, I give him safe outlets for all that energy. And it’s made a world of difference—not just for him, but for the peace of our whole household.
If you have a restless child who seems to climb everything in sight, don’t just tell them to stop. Give them the right activities to do, and you’ll see the difference.
