Dad shares genius way he gets his kids to burn off energy before bed – and all you need is some cardboard
EVERY parent knows the struggle of trying to get hyper children to bed at a reasonable hour.
One dad has been dubbed a “genius” for the hands-off hack he swears by before his kids’ bedtime.
In his viral video, TikTok user Lewis (@twodadsinlondon) shared the trick he and his husband Rich use every night to get their children ready for bed.
And no, it’s nothing to do with brushing teeth or reading bedtime stories.
This vital step involves wearing out your young ones to guarantee a good night’s rest.
The TikToker explained that he wanted to tire his overactive son and daughter before they went to bed.
And during the cold weather, this hack is more useful than ever for any pent up energy.
“All you need is coloured card and YouTube to burn off their winter energy,” he said.
He explained that his “simple to set up” activity will keep your kids “active and entertained” during long winter nights.
“Grab some coloured card, cut it into shapes or sections, and tape them to the floor in a safe space,” he advised his fellow parents.
“Then, find a kid-friendly dance or movement video on YouTube.
“Challenge your little ones to hop, dance, or move to specific colours or shapes as they follow along with the music.”
The dad showed a clip of his own children enjoying the simple activity before bed.
“It’s an exciting way to burn off energy, build coordination, and bring a little summer fun indoors,” he pointed out.
TikTok users shared their thoughts on the advice in the comments section.
“My two would love this!” wrote one impressed viewer.
“Me and my sister would of bumped in to each other and started wrestle mania in the living room,” joked another follower.
More parenting hacks
IF you want to make your life easier as a first-time mum, here's nine hacks you won't want to miss.
1. Routine Charts
Create visual charts for daily routines. Use pictures and stickers to make them engaging for younger children.
2. Meal Planning
Plan meals a week in advance to save time and reduce stress. Involve your children in meal prep to teach them cooking skills.
3. Toy Rotation
Keep a portion of toys stored away and rotate them periodically. This keeps playtime fresh and exciting without the need for constant new purchases.
4. DIY Cleaning Solutions
Make child-safe cleaning solutions using vinegar and baking soda. It’s effective and keeps harsh chemicals away from little hands.
5. Time-Out Jar
Create a time-out jar filled with calming activities written on slips of paper. When emotions run high, children can pick an activity to help them settle down.
6. Educational Apps
Utilise educational apps and websites to make screen time productive. Look for ones that offer interactive learning in subjects your child is interested in.
7. Command Centre
Set up a family command centre with a calendar, key hooks, and a bulletin board. It helps keep everyone organised and aware of daily schedules.
8. Emergency Kit
Keep a small emergency kit in the car with essentials like snacks, water, first aid supplies, and a change of clothes. It’s a lifesaver for unexpected situations.
9. Label Everything
Use labels for clothes, school supplies, and lunch boxes. It makes it easier to keep track of belongings, especially in shared spaces like schools.
“On behalf of the parent’s community, thank you for this idea,” commented a third person.
“Genuis idea, saved for later,” said another parent.
“I love this idea! Glad the algorithm brought me here!” wrote one viewer.
“I used to do this with colour towels on the sofa, chair, and floor and the kids used to rush from one to the other when I called or the colour, great fun,” said another follower.
“This looks so cool for games night,” commented one TikTok user.