2 1/2 year old keeps running away

[~clover~]

Hate to say this, but, honestly, think of your sons safety. You really only have 2 options. The lead, or the pram. What if next time you don't catch him?
I'm sorry, but I don't understand people's issues with harnesses. They are for the safety of the child...just like a pram, locks on doors, baby gates, play pens, fences...
Your child is taking off in the most dangerous area's. If you were in a car park with a dog would you let it free or have it on a lead to prevent it getting hit by a car?
I've had the same issues with my children & bought a harness for DD2 that she still wears in big shopping centres. She's 4 & still hasn't learnt after she did actually get lost & scared the crap out of herself.
It's just not worth the risk IMO.

[Oorki Galoorki]

i allow the kids to run in the shops but insist that they hold my hand in the car park.
if they dont like that i carry them.
if you know he will come back i would just stand and wait for him to come back..
I know not everytime you go to the shops you have the time to wait so these times i usually race my kids.. they love running..

[Lulu]

Hmmm, hiding might not work. I did the same to DD, I ended up following her at a distance. She walked nearly halfway across Knox City (pushing her dolly pram) and was about the board the escalator when I had to grab her.

She didn't look back ONCE! Was having a lovely old time, didn't get scared at all...

However, if he continues to take off I'd get a backpack strap outfit for him. I know you don't like them much but running into traffic is too dangerous to risk xoxoxo

[Jac]

i allow the kids to run in the shops but insist that they hold my hand in the car park.
if they dont like that i carry them.
if you know he will come back i would just stand and wait for him to come back..
I know not everytime you go to the shops you have the time to wait so these times i usually race my kids.. they love running..

I totally agree with this advice. Give him the choice - walk while holding your hand around cars/traffic or in the pram. Simple as that and no lead required. As they get a bit bigger (and more trustworthy!) transition the hand holding to holding the edge of the pram/trolley/stroller. I find this to be very affective IF it's used consistently.