How to Keep Toddlers from Running Away
Their Need to Explore
If your toddler has the energy and curiosity to explore kitchen cabinets, for example, just think how likely they are to run away when they have the chance to get outside.
Not only do toddlers experience the sense of wonder at what the world has to offer, they also have learned by this time to run fast and are difficult to catch.
While it is important to encourage your toddlers' sense of independence, it is also important to keep them from running away for obvious safety reasons.
Read on to find out how to keep toddlers from running away.
Separation Anxiety
One of the easiest ways to keep toddlers from running away is to make use of your child's natural tendency to stay close to you.
This means that a toddler who is looking for independence is still prone to feel a certain separation anxiety if they think you aren't following close behind.
Unless they are running into the street, all you have to do is wait for them to turn around and wonder where you are.
Minimal Restrictions
Another way to keep toddlers from running away is to allow them as much free reign as possible.
Most people are more likely to follow rules when these rules are only minimally restrictive, and toddlers are no exception. If, for example, you've given your toddler most of the park to run in, why would they be tempted to run away from you as an act of disobedience?
Hopefully, they will appreciate the large space you've given them to run in instead of going outside the limits.
Specific Expectations
In your desire to keep toddlers from running away, it is necessary to be specific in what you expect from them.
When you go to a shopping center, for example, shouldn't you make it clear to your toddler that this is the time to stay close to you by holding hands?
Your specific expectations for your toddler will show the difference between what can happen in the park and what will happen in other crowded places like shopping malls.
In sum, it is important to keep toddlers from running away for safety reasons. While your toddler is full of energy and wants to feel independent, you can keep your toddler from running away by making use of your child's natural instincts regarding rules and their basic need to stay close to you.
Source: http://www.babycenter.com/toddler-behavior-problems
Not only do toddlers experience the sense of wonder at what the world has to offer, they also have learned by this time to run fast and are difficult to catch.
While it is important to encourage your toddlers' sense of independence, it is also important to keep them from running away for obvious safety reasons.
Read on to find out how to keep toddlers from running away.
Separation Anxiety
One of the easiest ways to keep toddlers from running away is to make use of your child's natural tendency to stay close to you.
This means that a toddler who is looking for independence is still prone to feel a certain separation anxiety if they think you aren't following close behind.
Unless they are running into the street, all you have to do is wait for them to turn around and wonder where you are.
Minimal Restrictions
Another way to keep toddlers from running away is to allow them as much free reign as possible.
Most people are more likely to follow rules when these rules are only minimally restrictive, and toddlers are no exception. If, for example, you've given your toddler most of the park to run in, why would they be tempted to run away from you as an act of disobedience?
Hopefully, they will appreciate the large space you've given them to run in instead of going outside the limits.
Specific Expectations
In your desire to keep toddlers from running away, it is necessary to be specific in what you expect from them.
When you go to a shopping center, for example, shouldn't you make it clear to your toddler that this is the time to stay close to you by holding hands?
Your specific expectations for your toddler will show the difference between what can happen in the park and what will happen in other crowded places like shopping malls.
In sum, it is important to keep toddlers from running away for safety reasons. While your toddler is full of energy and wants to feel independent, you can keep your toddler from running away by making use of your child's natural instincts regarding rules and their basic need to stay close to you.
Source: http://www.babycenter.com/toddler-behavior-problems
Published by Dan Reveal
Come walk with me. I'll share my umbrella. View profile
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24 Comments
Post a CommentGood work and great reasoning.
So true, great child safety article. :-) So fast, those little ones.
Good information, Dan - Toddlers can get out of sight very fast, and these days you need to be extra watchful.
good tips
Great stuff. I've missed your work!
Great advice. I wouldn't have the energy to keep up with a toddler these days. I guess that's why God gives babies to young people. :)
Some really excellent tips here, Thanks!
I have a runner so I appreciate the tips!
Good points.
Well done Dan:0)