Help My Toddler Is On The Loose!

Your lovely little baby has now turned into a lovely toddler, one problem though... He won't sit still or worst he runs off every chance he gets. What's a mom to do when your toddler is on the loose?

Here are a few recommendations for keeping your toddler close.

Action = Consequence - at this age your toddler won't really understand a long winded explanation about why running off is dangerous. Instead use simple commands and show your toddler through actions that if he runs off there is a consequence, ie. He has to sit in the stroller or hold your hand.

Once you take the decision make sure you stick to it, even if it unfortunately means dealing with a small (or big) tantrum. This will teach your toddler through actions that running of is unacceptable and hopefully he won't do it again. If he does simply repeat the process until he stops.

Give him Freedom - That may sound like a contradiction to the above but your toddler does need a certain amount of freedom to learn and help establish her limits. Choose a safe place away from busy roads and that isn't too crowded and allow your child to walk next to you on her own. Simply explain "mommy is going to let you walk next to her on your own like a big girl but you must stay close." If she does run off give her one warning and if she does it again follow through with the above consequence.

Slowly your toddler should begin to understand that if she stays close to you she can have a certain amount of freedom and be a "big girl".

Reward your Toddler - Every time your toddler manages to walk next to you without running off reward him. Show him how pleased you are of him by giving him a big hug and smile. As well as the negative consequences it's important to remind your toddler how proud you are of his achievements and after all walking next to you for a few minutes is a big achievement for a toddler, so reward it.

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