My son will be two at the end of December.
When we go to playgroups he is the only kid that will just wander off and go hiking halfway across the park, or go gaze at himself in the windows of the activity center. He will not come back when I call him, I have to run and get him. He is fairly social though, he just looses interest in the park equipment after 30 mins. All of the other kids stick close to their Mom's. I feel like the only one who doesn't have control of my kid.
One mother told me that if he didn't think that I was going to go and get him, he wouldn't wander off. So is my solution to this problem really that easy, because I'm pretty sure that he would walk to China if I let him.
So how should I handle a wandering child who will not listen to me? Any advice?? Thanks.
2007-11-28 01:37:38 · 10 answers · asked by I Ain't Your Momma 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
When I go to the playground with my 2 year old I tell him not to go beyond a certain point if he does he gets time out.I had to do alot of time outs in the beginning, but hes finally learned and stays where I say.Just be firm with him and always keep a good eye on him.
2007-11-28 03:14:27 · answer #1 · answered by Gizmo3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your son is a curious explorer!
Trust me, that it is a bad thing.
Only thing is you need to keep him in a designated area under your control
Set up the boundary where he can and cannot cross.
If you take him to the park, remind him when you arrive where he can and where he cannot go.
For instance, tell him he can go anywhere on the playground but not beyond.
If he does go beyond, get him and put him in time - out back into the car
A child who loves to explore will not be happy with having to stay still for two minutes! He will eventually catch on.
As a parent, you are responsible for and take control for ensuring his safety. If he's wandering off where he could get hurt, you need to stop him
2007-11-28 15:10:50 · answer #2 · answered by Dan B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your son sounds like a curious little explorer! Trust me, that's not always a bad thing. But you want him to stay in a designated area, which presents a problem. Set up a boundary that he cannot cross. Remind him when you arrive where he can and can't go. For instance, tell him he can go anywhere on the playground that isn't beyond the swings. If he does, go get him and put him in time - out. A child who loves to explore will not be happy with having to stay still for two minutes! He will eventually catch on. Ignore the mother who said to just let him go; as a parent, you are responsible for ensuring his safety. If he's wandering off where he could get hurt, you are right to stop him.
2007-11-28 09:53:55 · answer #3 · answered by SoBox 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The child is normal, but you must change your parenting technique.
1. Why do you let him wander so far? I'm sure you're watching him, but it sounds like you're letting him explore farther than you'd like. Why?
2. Stop yelling across the park. When he gets too far for your comfort, walk over there, look him squarely in the eyes and remind him ne needs to get back where it's safe. If he refuses, pick him up and place him back where you want. You may have to do this 15 times, but he'll get the message.
Take control. One warning, then take action. Stop yelling.
2007-11-28 10:42:56 · answer #4 · answered by Level 7 is Best 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
let him wander if the park is closed off as long as you have a close eye on him and he doesnt go to far it shouldnt be a problem
he's just more independent than the other kids
if not then when he doesnt listen and come when you call spank his butt and tell him why he has to stay close
2007-11-28 10:53:48 · answer #5 · answered by squeaker 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel your pain, it's exhausting sometimes just leaving the house. But I do know there is light at the end, my other two just grew out of it. It's a short time and believe me it goes by fast. They're just exploring and figuring out the world it's a good thing. You wouldn't want it any other way.
2007-11-28 09:48:54 · answer #6 · answered by krika 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have had that problem a couple of times, and I have just used a old fashioned "spank". If she gets more than 10 ft or so, I call her and if she responds either way and comes back towards me all is fine. BUT if she does not come back towards me and keeps going away, I run to her, get right down face/to/face and explain she is not to ignore me, and reinforce it with a 1 spank to her upper thigh. I only use 1 swat, and she has learned that appropriate behavior is awarded but not minding me, or talking back is dealt with swiftly. NOW, I did start out with time out, That just didnt work and she just didnt get it. I didnt want to spank her like my mom told me to, but it turned out that 1 swat occaisionally did. who knew?
2007-11-28 09:47:12 · answer #7 · answered by Marie 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree, yelling isn't the best for your own feeling of control.
The other suggestions sound good but I'd like to add that you may want to get his hearing checked at the drs. Maybe he can't actually hear you calling for him!
2007-11-28 11:04:09 · answer #8 · answered by sheila doc 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my grandson now 5 used to be just the same,and no it doesnt work to just leave them ,we had him on a harness and in a pushchair,and always held his hand,he has now grown ot of it
2007-11-28 09:48:21 · answer #9 · answered by dumplingmuffin 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
get that leash thing.....lol
2007-11-28 09:41:14 · answer #10 · answered by Corvette!! 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋