16 month DS grabs EVERYONES legs

[dustyfinch]

First, DS has always spent lots of time in my sling or back carrier. He has never had stranger aniety, and is very social. I am starting to dread taking him places because when I let him down he grabs people, strangers, wanting to get picked up. When I try to say we don't touch strangers, or if I take him away, he gets very upset. How can I teach him that I don't want strangers to hold him? Even if they are pretty! He does go for women moslty. Anyone dealing with this have any ideas? Thanks.

[Just1More]

I don't think I'd go the "stranger danger" route.

Maybe teach him to ask you first if he wants someone to hold him. You could make some sign and teach him to look at you and do it first, and then you can tell him he can go see whomever. Maybe that will curb his running off at every whim eventually. Every now and then, I'd tell him no so he got used to that, too.

16 mo is really little. Personally, I'd write it in the baby book and just try to prevent it as much as I could at this point.

[sapphire_chan]

Like you do with kids and petting dogs. Check if the person (dog/owner) looks safe to you and not too busy then tell ds to ask if he can have a hug (pet the dog).

Thinking back to my pre-baby days, I would've adored having a toddler come up and get help asking to be picked up. If he really likes being picked up by everyone, you should go find a college campus to stroll around in.