How do you stop them from running away?

So the boys are now 2 years and 4 months. If they get the chance, they take off running, and won't stop! Anyone have any suggestions?

 

We started in sorta an enclosed area where they could kinda get away, but not get TOO far. You need a play area that is fenced or another safe place. They need to learn to stay with you. We are pretty good about it now. They go in different directions at a playground etc. but that's only had bad consequences once. (Getting pushed off the structure by a bigger kid - nothing dire).

I just started letting them do it a bit. I have the backpack 'leashes' too. You might try that! If they don't stay with me when I let them down they are strapped back in the stroller. It's a fast lesson!

 

The first time ours did something like that my DH got on their level and very harshly told them that was NOT okay and that they could get ran over if they did stuff like that. Never had to deal with it again!

 

QUOTE(HeyThere @ Oct 20 2007, 07:58 PM) [snapback]459967[/snapback]
The first time ours did something like that my DH got on their level and very harshly told them that was NOT okay and that they could get ran over if they did stuff like that. Never had to deal with it again!


We did that too. But it didn't work.

My son is especially awful with this. The only thing that has really consistently worked is holding hands. If he runs off, he has to then hold our hand. He can't stand it and will fight it...but he eventually has to give in. He is FINALLY learning, that if he wants to walk without holding hands, then he has to stay by our side.

 

For us, it depends where they are. I probably permit more independence because I went through this with my 5 yr old and found out what works for me.

If we're walking on the sidewalk, they've learned from day 1 that they don't go out on the street and they stop at corners. One year olds listen a little better so by the time we went for longer walks at 2, it didn't take much for them to realize I'll let them run a couple of houses ahead of me. I usually don't hold hands for walking/running down the block. I do hold their hands while crossing the road - every time.

We've just started walking at stores. I've given them 3 rules: Stay with mommy, walk in the store and don't touch anything. I tell them this every time we step out of the vehicle. If they don't follow the rules, they each go in a cart. And that's happened a lot of times but they're getting better.

In the parking lot, I hold their hands and tell them it's a safety issue. I death-grip their hands if they try to pull away and keep saying safety issue. Now they even tattle on each other saying safety issue. :icon_biggrin:

If we're at the zoo, they wear their animal backpacks and I hold on to the 'tails'. I will let them hold their own 'tails' if the zoo isn't crowded and they're pretty good about running and waiting when they get too far ahead.

They're not perfect. I won't be going back to the library any time soon because they ran away from me in the stacks. I had to call to them to find out where they were and a librarian came up to me to tell me to be quiet. Sheesh.

 

Great question. We have the same boys. No, they don't listen. They either laugh or throw themselves on the ground crying. Yes, we probably should have started when they were younger but DH works and I can't control 2 of them by myself. So they question is, how do we start now? Again ... great question!

Holly

 

Let's just bump this back up to the first page. I'm sure someone has experience in this and can help us.

Holly

 

Well, if we were at home, out front we told them where there limits were and if they ran out past they got a warning, if it hapened again they or the offending one, went in the house. If they went in or near the street, it was immediate. It did not take too many times. Just telling them it was dangerous at this age did not work. If it was out in public the stroller came along and if they ran, they went in the stroller. If it was at a store, they wanted to walk, we had a "discussion" on the way in as far as staying w/mommy or they would get in the cart. Setting limints, telling them the limits and the enforcing them. They learn pretty quick if you stick to your guns! Good luck.

I have to tell you, they were much better when it was just the three of us then when DH was with us.

 

Good question, mine do this too, especially Trevor. Emilie does listen a little better. So I'll be interested in all the advice!

 

When I used to take them out I would still bring the stroller. If they ran off they were strapped back into the stroller. They knew that and learned pretty quickly that if they wanted freedom they had to stay close by.

 

QUOTE(MichelleS @ Oct 22 2007, 05:39 PM) [snapback]461853[/snapback]
When I used to take them out I would still bring the stroller. If they ran off they were strapped back into the stroller. They knew that and learned pretty quickly that if they wanted freedom they had to stay close by.


Same here, except for the learning quickly part! When mine take off in public it is back into the stroller right away. When go for walks, I take the stroller with, and I will put them back in the stroller if they go in the street or take off. If we are playing outside and they go into the street there is one warning. If it happens again, we go inside. I still struggle with this everyday!!


QUOTE(MichelleS @ Oct 22 2007, 05:39 PM) [snapback]461853[/snapback]
When I used to take them out I would still bring the stroller. If they ran off they were strapped back into the stroller. They knew that and learned pretty quickly that if they wanted freedom they had to stay close by.


Same here, except for the learning quickly part! When mine take off in public it is back into the stroller right away. When go for walks, I take the stroller with, and I will put them back in the stroller if they go in the street or take off. If we are playing outside and they go into the street there is one warning. If it happens again, we go inside. I still struggle with this everyday!!

 

Mine STILL do it. So, if I am going somewhere I don't have help I take their Monkey Backpack harnesses.

 

I guess maybe I just need to be a little braver and try to trust them more. We haven't used the stroller in months, but go everywhere with backpacks which they are used to and do great with. We just moved and have a nice park within walking distance and I'm dying to let them off the backpack/leashes to play.
Thanks to all for your advise.