Parents of 2.5-3 yr olds

michelle7482 · July 2014

My DD is 2.5. She's been in EI for a speech delay since 20 mo and we are also seeing a pediatric neurologist to check for any other developmental delays next month. So I know my daughter is probably a little developmentally behind but I'm having a problem with her and I wanted to know if this could be normal toddler behavior and if not if anyone had tips for me.

So my problem is when we are out in public ( store, park, beach ect ) she runs away to explore ( she's not trying to get away from us on purpose) Now she's never more then a few feet in front of us but I get anxiety thinking about what if she ever got lost or something especially if she's with her grandparents or something. She's pretty good with hand holding for a while but then gets tired of it and throws a tantrum until she " gets loose". We also keep her in a stroller or cart when possible but again that's not possible on a beach, park. I leave when she throws a tantrum but that's not always possible either depending where we are at.

So does anyone else have issue with their toddler just wanting to be free and not listening to you when you call them? Any tips to help?
I'll definitely be discussing this with the neurologist but we don't see him until August 21 and we are going on vacation next week so any feedback is appreciated. Thanks and sorry this got long!

Aurora_Borealis · July 2014

Yup, normal. DD is ~2.5. We live in a city and walk nearly everywhere. She loves to dart off. Like PP, I am very firm with the 'your choices are hold my hand or get in the stroller/carrier. The End.' There have been a couple of instances where I've had to carry a screaming, kicking toddler across our busy 4-lane street because she refused to hold my hand, but she figured out quickly that I'm not joking. We rarely have issues with this anymore because she understands now that holding my hand or staying nearby (depending on the situation) is part of being out of the house.

michelle7482 · July 2014

Thanks ladies !

heatherwhite1984 · July 2014

normal. my 2.5y does not walk anywhere. always on the go so is often in the ergo, stroller or shopping cart. ds just wants to explore and is excited and i get that, but sometimes its not appropriate or safe. ds does not respond to name being called in those situtaions, we are working on that.

FabulousMrs.P · July 2014

Normal! We are dealing with the same thing! I give her a choice...you can hold my hand in this parking lot or you can be carried like a baby!

michelle7482 · July 2014

Good to know. We went to the zoo today and she did really well walking with us. Maybe she's learning. I appreciate the comments!

Anne Mommy · July 2014

Totally normal. DS1 is 3 yr 3 mo and still tries to run off sometimes. We got the temporary tatoos with DHs cell number on it. I know it doesn't replace watching him, but it's nice for the zoo where there are so many people.

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