Getting LO to walk with you?

Monkeygirl26

What works? DD just runs off and laughs she thinks its a game. I

diana.filipi

I tell her where we're walking to.  I don't expect her to walk a LONG way without verbal reinforcement.  If she refuses to walk with me I will pick her up and distract her.  Then try again once past whatever it was she had gotten interested in.  Mostly though, I don't expect her to walk with me very well.  She's still learning.  To that end I don't try to have her walk with me unless it's a good time for it: I have the patience, it's a safe place for her to practice, etc.  She's been full time walking since 10 months and usually doesn't give me trouble.

lilwildthing

We are having trouble with this too.  DS does not want to be in a stroller or buggy anymore, but he doesn't want to hold my hand either.  If I try to make him hold my hand he goes boneless. He would just rather run around all willy-nilly! Being out and about has gotten difficult.  We just keep trying though.  I praise him a lot when he does hold my hand, and pick him up when he doesn't.  (Often with him kicking and squalling.) 

lmjt

Since DS started walking whenever I want him to come with me, even at home, I put my hand out for him to hold. I kinda say 'ooh, come with me, we'll whatever it is' and try to make it sound fun. He pretty much just takes my hand whenever I put it our for him. I even do it if we're just going to the other room. Sometimes he doesn't want to walk, and just lays on the floor, especially during a long distance, but for the most part, he's a good hand holder. 

erin922

lmjt:

Since DS started walking whenever I want him to come with me, even at home, I put my hand out for him to hold. I kinda say 'ooh, come with me, we'll whatever it is' and try to make it sound fun. He pretty much just takes my hand whenever I put it our for him. I even do it if we're just going to the other room. Sometimes he doesn't want to walk, and just lays on the floor, especially during a long distance, but for the most part, he's a good hand holder. 

 

I think I need to start practicing this at home.  In the past couple weeks, DD has decided that she despises the stroller, but just wants to run away if we take her out of the stroller and throws a MAJOR fit if we try to contain her. 

LoveEeyore

I am mean mommy because I have a darn litter to chase after if they go all willy-nilly- LOL!  DD never fought the hand, but DS did.  I started with making him hold a hand crossing the street.  If he didn't or let go, I swooped him up and walked back to the curb, set him down, and tolded him he needed a hand in the street.  If he fought, I tried one more time.  If he fought we would turn around and go home. 

Now that the weather is breaking he is more itchy to get out, so it only took 3 walks.  Now he doesn't fight it.  In his case, he just didn't want to be hindered.  In your DD's case, sounds like she likes the chase. If it were me, I would pick her up and take her home.  I know I have been the freak show with a screaming baby under each arm and a 3 year old clinging for life to my shirt.  It's often inconvenient or hard, but it pays off!

diana.filipi

LoveEeyore:

I am mean mommy because I have a darn litter to chase after if they go all willy-nilly- LOL!  DD never fought the hand, but DS did.  I started with making him hold a hand crossing the street.  If he didn't or let go, I swooped him up and walked back to the curb, set him down, and tolded him he needed a hand in the street.  If he fought, I tried one more time.  If he fought we would turn around and go home. 

Now that the weather is breaking he is more itchy to get out, so it only took 3 walks.  Now he doesn't fight it.  In his case, he just didn't want to be hindered.  In your DD's case, sounds like she likes the chase. If it were me, I would pick her up and take her home.  I know I have been the freak show with a screaming baby under each arm and a 3 year old clinging for life to my shirt.  It's often inconvenient or hard, but it pays off!

Two things LoveEeyore.  1. I think you must be amazing to watch in action ;-) 2. I really dig the quote in your siggy "If you really want to be happy no one can stop you".  Right on!

anonsouthernbell

We try to give M a balance of time to run around in the store as well as have to hold our hands.  (I do not do this in the grocery store as I either wear him in my Ergo or put him in the shopping cart).  If he lets go of our hand I will ask him if he wants to go in a cart or if he wants to walk.  He always picks walk so I tell him then he has to hold my hand and he does.  I will however, walk w/him over to things that he wants to see/touch so he does get input in that.  When we go for a walk outside (2 miles total) he pretty much holds my hand the whole time although I tell him he doesn't have to at some parts and he still does.  I do tell him that in the street it is a non-negotiable and that he has to hold my hand and he complies.