So you have a toddler. Or maybe a preschooler. You watch your child throw tantrums, leap off furniture, or act aggressively. Some days, things seem fine—and on other days, you find yourself wondering: Is this behaviour normal?
Guess what?
It is.
Believe it or not, a short attention span, temper tantrums, rough-and-tumble play, and high energy levels are all developmentally appropriate for young children. Let’s take a closer look at these common behaviours—and when it might be time to seek support.

Short Attention Span
A short attention span is expected in early childhood. On average, attention spans grow gradually with age and vary depending on interest, setting, and familiarity with the activity.
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- Age 3: Can focus for 3–8 minutes if the activity is interesting.
- Age 4: Can engage for 7–15 minutes with something new and engaging. In small groups, attention spans may be 5–10 minutes.
- Age 5: Can focus on an activity of choice for about 15 minutes. For adult-led activities, attention may last 4–6 minutes.
High Energy
Kids are meant to move!
A high energy level doesn’t necessarily mean a child has ADHD. Movement is critical for healthy brain, sensory, and motor development.
General daily movement needs by age:
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- Babies (1–12 months): Movement throughout the day
- Toddlers (1–3 years): At least 5–8 hours of active play
- Preschoolers (3–5 years): At least 5–8 hours
- School-age (6–13 years): At least 4–5 hours
- Adolescents (13–19 years): At least 3–4 hours
Aggression
Aggressive behaviours like hitting or biting in young children are common and often linked to limited communication skills. These behaviours usually happen when a child feels:
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- Frustrated
- Angry
- Overwhelmed
- Scared
Sometimes, children may even hit or bite out of affection or to test boundaries. As communication skills develop, these behaviours typically decrease.
“My child has some really challenging behaviours. I thought I was doing everything right—we have a routine, a healthy diet, and good sleep habits. So why are we still struggling?”
Challenging behaviours don’t necessarily mean you’re doing something wrong. They often occur because a child is:
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- Missing a specific skill
- Struggling to express a need or want
- Being denied something they desire
- Tired
- Hungry
- Experiencing changes in routine

How Can I Manage Challenging Behaviour?
Here are three helpful strategies:
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- Be consistent. Predictability helps kids feel safe.
- Name what you see. Build emotional vocabulary (e.g., “You’re feeling frustrated because you wanted more time with the toy.”)
- Use natural consequences. The consequence should relate directly to the action.
When Should I Be Concerned?
While many behaviours are typical, there are some signs that may indicate a child needs extra support. Consider speaking with a professional if you notice:
No interest in interacting with others
Lack of pretend play
Difficulty managing emotions
Does not respond to others outside the family
Self-injury (e.g., head banging)
High sensitivity to sounds, textures, or light
Very limited food preferences
Persistent sleep difficulties
If you’re unsure, trust your instincts—early support can make a big difference, and professionals can help you better understand your child’s needs.
The Infinite Path Team