shopping centres - with active 21 mnth old

[chody47]

DD was like this a few months ago, didn't want to be in the pram but also didn't want to hold hands. After several times of being put back in the pram for not holding hands (all the while massively protesting), she will now happily hold hands whilst walking along. She will actually be the one holding on more than me!

[Lisa B]

Thanks guys. It's been good to hear how other people are doing things. I think i might be giving too many chances, so maybe I just have to put up with protests. I think I will have to try and get him to hold my hand or go in the pram. I do have a back pack with a lead but haven't used it yet...my mum bought it for me but I have been in two minds about using it.

mmmm...food for thought

[KitFaerie]

We know that DS will only take 30 or so minutes in the trolley/ergo, so we make sure we stop every so often so he can run. We stick to shopping centres with play areas or markets with parks. He HAS to hold our hands when there are cars around, but if he doesn't want to hold hands in a situation we consider safe he gets asked to stay close. He's usually ok with that.

My DS runs when he's bored, or wants to play. So we try to give him opportunities for play and he has a couple of trolley toys for food shopping trips. Maybe think about why your DS is running, and see if you can prevent it? Some people just really hate shopping, and there are definately times I want to run away and play with bark too

[Rowellen]

I do have a back pack with a lead but haven't used it yet...my mum bought it for me but I have been in two minds about using it.

For me, DS was a runner so our backpack leash has been wonderful. DS loved it as it was his "monkey" and only used when he was walking so it was a special treat for him. We've had a few comments about keeping kids on leashes but better to keep him leashed than have him run over or abducted or lost. We haven't needed to use it for a long time now as he has learnt to stick close and will hold our hands or the pram/trolley. He gets one chance even now at free walking. If he tries to run off, he must hold our hands. If we are somewhere near cars, he must hold our hands at all times, no free walking. For DD, we haven't needed a leash, yet. She sticks close without it. She is starting to test the boundaries so it may have to make an appearance soon.