Running Off

ashiscute

Saturday night we were at the mall and DD ran off on us.  We were at Sears and DH thought she was walking over to me and I did not know that.  Needless to say we couldn't find her for at least 15 minutes and they had to shut the doors to the store.  It turns out she had went to downstairs (on the escalator!) and walked into the mall.  Mall security found her shoplifting from Gymboree which is a good distance down the mall.  I am totally dumbfounded by this because she has never done anything like this before.  She is usually pretty timid and while she likes to "hide" behind racks of clothing she stays by my side.  She wasn't even scared or upset until she saw how upset DH and I were.  I think she thought she had a big adventure

Has anyone experienced this?  How did you make your child understand what they did was wrong?  I am a little concerned she might try it again especially if it's just me with the two kids.  Any suggestions?  She will be 3 in a few weeks BTW.  Also, she has a speech disorder so while I know she can understand me she struggles to answer questions and explain herself.

barnwife

Thankfully this hasn't happened to us. We do have various rules to help make sure it doesn't. When getting in/out of the car, their hands must be on the car, the stroller, or touching my leg. That way I know they are close as I get the other out. In a store they must have a hand on the cart or be next to me. The instant one starts to wander, I address it. 

I understand your concern about speech. J. has a speech delay. And even though he is 3 1/2, I don't think most people would understand him (at least, not most of what he says). 

I would definitely try a rule such as what I said above. And if it happens again, explain that LO won't be able to go to whatever place it is the next time. Only kids who can listen/be safe can go. (At least, that's the tactic I think would work with our LOs. They love errands.) 

sugarbear0524

My son likes to run, too. If we are somewhere like a mall or the zoo, he wears a backpack with a "leash". I know some parents give this the major side-eye, but they are welcome to try to keep up with my son for 5 minutes. I'm sure they'd use it after that! He loves the freedom and I love knowing exactly where he is. I can put a diaper and wipes in the backpack and he's all set.

ashiscute

barnwife said:

Thankfully this hasn't happened to us. We do have various rules to help make sure it doesn't. When getting in/out of the car, their hands must be on the car, the stroller, or touching my leg. That way I know they are close as I get the other out. In a store they must have a hand on the cart or be next to me. The instant one starts to wander, I address it. 

I understand your concern about speech. J. has a speech delay. And even though he is 3 1/2, I don't think most people would understand him (at least, not most of what he says). 

I would definitely try a rule such as what I said above. And if it happens again, explain that LO won't be able to go to whatever place it is the next time. Only kids who can listen/be safe can go. (At least, that's the tactic I think would work with our LOs. They love errands.) 

I think this is a great idea thanks.  Thanks everyone for their advice actually.  

I guess I'm more concerned that she wasn't scared or concerned by it.  This was just so out of her normal behavior that I'm totally baffled by it.