Running when called...

Hi there! Wondering what you all do in these situations. My DD, 14 mo., keeps running away from me when called. She looks back as if it's a fun game, or sometimes just with disgust for whatever I want from her, but she just won't come. As you all well know, the usual "NO, STOP THAT" doesn't work, nor does bribery (esp. since there are times I don't have a bribe item), nor can I use 123 magic yet as she isn't quite old enough. I believe this to be a very dangerous activity, so I'm looking for what you all do to curb it. Or, is this just a phase that will be grown out of? She seems so young to be so defiant, esp. since her sister is so calm and sweet natured.

 

My boys have been doing the same thing since about 12 months. As for the diaper changes, I just grab one and change them on the floor with one leg flopped over their tummy to pin them down. After about 3 times of doing this I don't even have to have my leg touching them (just bent over them) and they know they aren't going anywhere until it's done.

I don't think they are trying to be defiant, they just are exploring their world, part of which is a reaction they get from us. Sometimes their curiosity does get them into trouble/danger. I rarely go out alone without a stroller with the boys. that way if there's a problem I can quickly strap one in and then the other.

As far as "curbing" it, right now I give them lots of exploring opportunities when it's safe and have perfected the "double-armed scoop" (one boy under each arm) when it's not. I figure (hope) that when their language skills improve, their listening skills will also improve. If they still aren't able to follow safety rules, then they will be stroller kids for a long time.

 

Alexa has always done this with diaper changes, she just likes being naked way too much ..lol. Anyway if she does this I just lay the diaper out and tell her to come lie down or she will get time out. I give her a few seconds, then give her time out for about 5 quick sec then she usually comes and lies down on her own, sometimes I have to repeat it a few times usally when she is over tired. I usually have to do this about once a day with her, mostly right before nap or bed time, but once she knows that I will follow through then she listens.
I have tried the 1,2,3 magic but that just prolongs things. When ever I do it then they know that they can misbehave with out any consequences that one more time, plus then the other one knows they can start and get away with whatever twice. They were doing much better with just time out the first time around! I think the 1,2,3 thing will work once they really start to get out of the impulse stage but have read that doesn't usually happen till around 4 years. The book does have some really good advice for positive reinforcement though, definitely worth reading.
But you also have to remember all kids are different and that you need to find out what works for "each" of your twins.

Best of luck

 

must be the age. arwen does this to me as well. she even does it for her morning bottle even though i know she is hungry cause when i grab her she takes the bottle and sucks it down. i figure she thinks it's a little game. it hasn't really bothered me...YET. she did it to me the other day when i was changing her diaper. she up and ran away butt naked and i couldn't hlep but laugh. it just looks so funny to see a running naked baby!! however, i do have to say that the one time i let her walk in a store in the mall, she kept trying to run away from me and she threw quite the tantrum when i grabbed her and put her back in the stroller. i guess it's an independence thing but i did go out and buy one of those cute animal harnesses so we'll se how that works out. sorry, no solutions for you. just hoping for both our sakes it's just another one of those "phases."