HELP me teach my almost 2 year old DD

to NOT run away from me. I'm so frustruated I don't even know what to do anymore. I can't ALWAYS hold her hand when I have her and the baby. She tends to run when I'm trying to lock and unlock the door. I can't tell you how many times I had to put the infant carrier down and RUN. It's so scary to have to leave him, but the alternative isn't good either. She clearly thinks its a game. It's totally embarrassing too. Like I can't control my own child.

I've tried getting on her level and explaining to her she isn't allowed to do that, it isn't safe, she can get hit by a car, how much it would hurt, etc.

I've tried yelling. I've tried grabbing her arm forcefully. I've tried the angry scary mean face. I've done it all and every single time I need to get in or out of the house she RUNS.

I dread getting in and out of the car

My mom's suggestion is the harness. Is that really what I need to do?

Re: HELP me teach my almost 2 year old DD

Re: HELP me teach my almost 2 year old DD

Do the harness thingy. I just bought one yesterday at BRU. Paige doesnt run away, but she never wants to be in the stroller and I get nervous about her just walking in front of me because I'll never know when she will just decide to run.

Re: HELP me teach my almost 2 year old DD

How about letting her help you unlock the door? Place the infant carrier down, and hold her up so she can put the key in. Or, when you unlock it, she can push it open? THis way she has something else to do and she is 'helping' and feels proud. That's what I do with DS all the time. Though, I'm sure it's much easier when you only have the one.

Re: HELP me teach my almost 2 year old DD

When we were leaving the house I used to bring them out to the car, get them in it, then go back and lock the door. I'd set the alarm and just pull the door closed and then walk back to turn the key in the lock.

Coming home I'd have Sarah ring the doorbell when I was unlocking the door. By the time she managed to reach it I had the door open and she was excited to hear the bell ring.

Or I'd give her some "important" junk mail to hold.

Re: HELP me teach my almost 2 year old DD

I just bought a hand harness for Gillian for major trips bc I didnt want to chase her in crowds. When kids run people like to stop and stare making it hard for me to get around them. I figured it would work best on our trips. I have to tell you Gilly freaked and was pulling at it and crying but it might help or the few seconds you are talking about. They also have the animal harnesses but to me thats a big to do if you have the baby as well. I actually got a hand one at the dollar store just to check it out.

Message edited 9/24/2008 5:49:48 PM.

Re: HELP me teach my almost 2 year old DD

DD hates to be held or in the stroller so it makes going out with her a nightmare. She screams until we let her walk on her own. Being 8 months pregnant I'm not that fast in running after her so I just ordered the backpack harness and honestly can't wait to use it. I don't even go out anymore without DH because I can't chase after her.

Re: HELP me teach my almost 2 year old DD

I love the harness I have for Leah. I bought it at Wal-Mart. It makes it very easy for me to hold him and have a handle on her at the same time. I don't have to reach over to hold her hand either. VERY practical!

link

Re: HELP me teach my almost 2 year old DD

Luca can be like that too. We actually left the pool one day on vacation because he kept trying to run off. For him, the best thing is consequences and rewards. I tell him what I expect from him and if he behaves properly he can have something (blueberries, M&Ms, watcha movie he likes, etc...) If not then he doesn't get those things. Sometimes I have to remind him of the reward when he starts to get out of control. He can usually gather himself back up, and sometimes he just has a meltdown. But what are you gonna do. They're still babies in one sense.