and the worst mother award goes to..

[montyp]

You could be a much worse mother, Antheia .. you could drive without restraining DD .. or with her in your lap, while you're on the phone, texting, or twittering / updating your FB status!!!

I have no experience in these matters at all, but will probably find out about these things when "Squishie" grows up .. the helping-to-pack ruse is a popular one: I have heard it many times.

I don't know what I'm going to be like when the time comes when "Squishie" wants to run away from home ...

[Nai]

I "ran away" when I was 5 too - I packed my suitcase and dragged it down the driveway (it was too heavy to carry). I don't think you're a bad mother - it's something kids do and it's a new way for her to express her anger and emotions.

[Lulu]

I tell them to come home when they are hungry...this way they have a way of letting themselves off the hook!

[Mother Goose]

Antheia, I did this at age 5 too. Except I got a suitcase and packed clothes and toys. And you know what? My parents actually helped me pack it! They even helped me climb on my bike and balance the suitcase Off I road down the street, all the way to my besties house where I spent the night (later found out that my parents had called them whilst I was riding my bike to pre-warn them) and Dad was following in the car not far behind me.

[Muppity]

I remember the time I ran away. I was about 6 and it took me so long to pack that I had lost my audience.

We had just had stranger danger at school and had been told that we should never leave the house without leaving a note - so I did and they still have it...

"I have run away. Do not worry. I will be back soon."

Clearly I wasn't quite as committed as I could have been

[MummyTummy]

Oh Muppity that is hilarious!!

Yes i think it is quite a normal thing for children to do. But it isn't all bad, because it will show them what the consequences of their actions/words are. Just so long as you debrief about it later and tell them you would have missed them and you love them even if you are angry with them etc.

I remember threatening to run away numerous times when I was little. My parents always said if I leave, I go as I came....i.e. completely naked and no toys etc..... too mortifying for me!!

When I was slightly older I think I did run away - for about 20 minutes. I got bored up my tree and decided to go home!! But I suppose that it is just self-imposed timeout to calm down and start to think rationally again.... so, yep, not all bad!!

[Tanya]

You have to save this story for when she is 21... that is so CUTE!

[Mummato2]

I remember the time I ran away. I was about 6 and it took me so long to pack that I had lost my audience.

We had just had stranger danger at school and had been told that we should never leave the house without leaving a note - so I did and they still have it...

"I have run away. Do not worry. I will be back soon."

Clearly I wasn't quite as committed as I could have been

I'm in bits over that....

Antheia, don't feel bad. 5 years is a trying age and an age where girls especially are showing their independence and she would have said it before realising what it meant.

I wouldn't feel bad, if anything, she'll probably be sulky with you tomorrow and that will be the perfect time to have a mumma/daughter chat about feelings and ways to express herself