The Doona Wrestle
In the past, whenever Jack’s energy and aggression had been building up I would send him outside to run laps of the back yard. Well, I have just discovered an even more effective way of releasing that energy and anger before it becomes a total meltdown.
The discovery happened quite by accident the other day whilst I was busy changing sheets on the beds. Jack’s tension had been building all morning - I had been sensing something big coming but just hadn’t quite been able to knock it over.
I had just gathered up the sheets in our bedroom to take to the laundry room when Anna came racing in to the bedroom squealing from being chased by Jack, and as Jack dived in to the bedroom after her I took the only action I could to protect both Anna and I from being bowled over, and I threw the doona over him. Caught by surprise he dropped to the floor and I wrapped the doona under him to slow him down a little, so as to give Anna and I some time to recover before he leapt out from underneath.
But he didn’t leap out from underneath. Instead, he proceeded to wrestle with the doona - pulling, twisting and punching it until he lay exhausted on the floor on top of it. I was amazed at how totally peaceful he looked.
Since then, I have pulled the doona out a couple more times, with the same result. Today he actually asked me for the doona so that he could wrestle for a while.
Unconventional, yes, quite bizarre in fact, is this new found method of releasing energy and tension. But it works, so I’m sticking with it for now.
October 4th, 2007 at 7:11 am
I too found out wearing C out helps, so we do a lot of physical activites. trampolining, swimming, walking.
Like you say…if it works.
Im sure you make sure he dosnt tie himself up in to much of a knot!
October 4th, 2007 at 7:16 am
It’s a small doona, and he thrashes around too much to get tied up, so he’s safe - and supervised of course!
October 4th, 2007 at 11:00 am
What is a Doona?
October 4th, 2007 at 11:09 am
Hi Caren,
Sorry, I forget sometimes the words I use may not make sense out of Australia! A doona is another word for a quilt (takes the place of blankets). Forgive my Australianisms! xx
October 4th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
We do something similar, we “make a sandwich” by squishing my son under big pillows. He loves the deep pressure and it always calms him down. Now he even asks “for a sandwich!” We also have a mini-trampoline prominently displayed in our living room. Not the prettiest decor, but essential for getting my boy’s energy out!
Katherine
October 4th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
We are about to give trampolining a go. It seems to be a really popular way of releasing energy and Jack’s kindergarten teacher has also suggested it may be a good way for him to develop his spatial awareness (he has no idea of personal space - particularly other people’s!). Anything is worth a try!
xx
October 4th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
That’s great that you found a way to help him release that pent up energy! Adrian does a lot of running laps around the house and chasing around his sisters. And I learned something new today, never heard of a doona.
October 4th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
I had to buy a trampoline in the end as C got though quite a few beds and sofas!!!
Be warned!!
October 6th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
We love our trampoline it is great for my son. I love your blog I’m glad I ran into it.