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XP: Need help w/toddler running away

mysticrivermysticriver
in Toddlers: 24 Months+

DS (2.5 y.o) is getting really bad about just bolting lately when we're out and about.  He almost always does it when we're trying to get out in the morning or coming back home and I have a zillion things in my hand - he'll just take off down the street.  We live in a traffic-y area, so it's a big safety issue.

When things are calm he can be fine, he knows the "hold hands or mommy/daddy/the stroller has to hold you" rule, and he knows not to run into the street, he's usually well-behaved when things are going his way.  But when I'm trying to do something else or I tell him no and he acts up he'll run anywhere, it's really dangerous.

What do you do?  How do you discipline?  Time-out seems useless (esp. on a busy morning) and the only consequence-based reactions are things like carrying him, which he doesn't really see as a punishment (sometimes that's what he wants) but it makes my life harder.

 Ideas?  Do I just have to keep him strapped in a stroller on the way between the front door and the car door until he grows out of this?

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Re: XP: Need help w/toddler running away

  • FaeryStarGazerFaeryStarGazer member
    Get a backpack harness for him. Put it on before you get him out of his carseat.
    no day but today~ RENT  *HEG survivors*
    ::where a sig pic would go if TB wasn't a d*ck::
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  • triplea1819triplea1819

    In the spring I held the hood of DS jacket.  that stopped him from bolting.

     

    If he did bolt, I would yell, DS stop!  and if he did not stop, I ran after him and grabbed him.  I explained good boys do not run off.  Danger.  and gave him a time out.  No matter how busy the morning or where we were.  danger is danger and I would rather be 20 mins late some place then to have him run into the street.

     DS now, will DEAD STOP in his tracks if you say DS STOP.  He stops and turns to look at the person who said it.  it worked well.

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  • JulieandBenJulieandBen member
    I agree with the above poster. Time out will work if you stay firm and consistent. Even if this means being late for work. Since you know it happens, I'd try (I know how hard this is) to get going an extra few mins early in prep for the runaway. If he does it at home then you can always restrict him from one of his toys or his favorite show for the evening.
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  • amygdalaamygdala

    imageFaeryStarGazer:
    Get a backpack harness for him. Put it on before you get him out of his carseat.

    this. ?Guaranteed safety. ?Target has the cute monkey ones!?

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  • mysticrivermysticriver

    Thanks all! 

     If you do time out, WHERE do you do it?  That's the tricky part - like if he bolts between the car and daycare or something, what do you do? 

    Thanks

    (btw we have a Target backpack harness - I usually just use it when we're out and about but I guess I should start using it just going from the house to the car!)

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