I feel awful about this but don't know how to change it. My 20 month old DD starts running around at home, in stores, at library when it's time to leave. She'll put her coat on but not her boots or vice versa. I allow her time to transition to the idea of leaving i.e. we're going to the car soon, mommy is getting her coat on, etc. I offer choices (boots or coat) or offer her to "help" carry stuff. She gets all giggly and runs around till it's really time to go. So, I say "okay, mommy's leaving without you" which works and I feel terrible about it. I am basically threatening to abandon her. I've done this three times now. Help me stop! Am I offering too many choices or allowing her too much time to get ready to leave? I don't like having to hold her down and shoving her feet into sleeves or boots while she is crying. I do it gently and say "I know you're upset right now and we need to go".
Any advice would be great!
Any advice would be great!
