My two year old is driving me crazy.He has started running away a lot lately- at the park, at the store, in the parking lot, at the community center (which has his preschool class)
He will pull his feet out and drag if I hold his wrist and since I have a baby it is really hard. He has always enjoyed running away at the store, but it is getting much worse lately.
I dont make it into a game.
Putting him in the cart doesnt work because he either hits his sister, throws stuff out of the cart, or climbs out (while it is moving)
I just need some ideas...
2007-09-26 18:35:01 · 8 answers · asked by niffer 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Oh, he is almost three.
2007-09-26 18:35:23 · update #1
Is there someone that can watch the baby while you make quick trips to the store? If so it will be easier to work with him on appropriate behavior. Go ahead and get the backpack thing for safety.
1) Right before you go in the store, get to the park, leave preschool or whatever your doing go over the rules. Hold my hand, keep your hand on the cart, however you want him to do it.
2) Carry small rewards - it can be anything he likes (snack crackers, stickers) but it HAS to be something HE likes.
3) Then for example if he stays by your side for 3 minutes give him a sticker or a few cheese it's or whatever the reward is. If you runs off bring him back wait for him to do what he is suppose to be doing, give reminders if needed (where are you suppose to be, where are your hands suppose to be) and start his time over. If he throws a tantrum you can take him to the car but ignore the tantrum.
You will increase the amount of time between the rewards as he gets better about following the rules.
The dragging his feet thing just stop and wait for him to stand back up.
Also avoid negative statements: instead of don't run off say keep your hand on the cart; don't touch that - keep your hands at your side.
I really hope this helps you as much as it's helped me.
2007-09-26 19:12:43 · answer #1 · answered by sara 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know those little "leashes" they have for kids - I always thought they were awful and vowed I would never, ever use one, my child is not a dog.... but I tell you what - when you have a little one that wants to escape it is the best thing in the world!!! Who cares what other people think - at least you will be calm and can manage!
He is totally at that age where he wants to test out anything on you isn't he!! Gorgeous but drives you CRAZY!!! Try to spend some alone time just with him, he is still only little and his sister has come along to ruin him being the "only one" getting all the attention - the running may not be a game to you, but he may be doing it because he gets to do what he wants or get attention. Sneaky little monkey!!
Why not try getting him to be "in charge" of the day. Let him plan everything and help you make the list - my kids draw the items on the shopping list for me (very cute) - I make sure they are involved in everything to keep them with me, entertained and part of the action - then he might think "oh, staying with Mommy is much more fun than running off to look at that thing way over there".
Good luck
2007-09-26 18:49:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm going through this with my two old daughter too. What I do at the store for example is let her push the cart with me, as soon as she starts to take off, I put her in the cart. She usually throws a fit but as soon as she stops I let her push the cart again. She looks at it as a privlege so she acts better in the store so she can push the cart like a big girl. For other outings however I havn't figured it out. I'm thinking about buying those backpacks with the leash! She wears the pack, and can roam as far as I will let her. Some may think that sounds harsh but it's more easier, and safer....
2007-09-26 18:44:33 · answer #3 · answered by TMama 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As he is almost 3, he can understand pretty well simple explanations. Tell him every time he runs away, you will stop the trip and take him home. Or that he is not going to come with you on the next trip to the store. Or if it is not possible for you to not take him, think of something else that he is going to miss dearly and then do whatever you promised. You have to be really strict about it and soon it should give some results. My mom would take my daugther home every time she would throw a tantrum on the playground and she learned the lesson. Now she is careful before she does it and if she accidentally does, she is taken home immediately.
2007-09-26 18:43:47 · answer #4 · answered by petyado 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my 3 yr old does the exact same thing, runs away everywhere. i did have him leashed up when he was younger but it wouldnt hurt for him to be leashed. you only have 2 hands 2 kids and a cart.its a bit much, he can understand simple requests TO STOP.
only until he learns to help mum out and be a good boy then he can walk by your side with out a leash.
2007-09-26 22:59:39 · answer #5 · answered by dot 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds to me like he is demanding attention from you. Two-year-olds are difficult anyway, but this behavior seems to indicate some sibling jealousy.
If you have someone who can watch him for you you might try leaving him at home a few times. If he is excluded from a few shopping trips he may feel motivated to seek your approval.
Definitely make it known to him that you don't like this behavior.
2007-09-26 18:45:34 · answer #6 · answered by Warren D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
put him on a
lech .thy do have them for kids!
2007-09-26 18:49:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should just leave him at home or with a babysitter
2007-09-26 18:44:59 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋