What to do when the not klistening is dangerous??

[ilikethedesert]

My almost two year old is full of life and has strong opinions. We LOVE this quality about her personality. The only time it is a problem is on the rare occasion when it puts her in danger. Most of the time we are good with avoiding dangerous situations altogether, but occasionally they can not be forseen. What do you do to get a two year old to listen to the words STOP when it is really inportant. FOr example, the other day I took her out of the car and she darted off. She was headed toward the road!! (We are away from home so in an unfamiliar place)... When I yell stop and danger, and raise my voice, she thinks its funny. My inlaws thing we should spank her which I am TOTALLY against.

[mavery]

At this age I would think someone always has to be within arm's reach. My ds at that age, though fairly verbal, could not be relied on to stop, so I was always close enough to stop him. Luckily, at this age most mamas can still run faster than the kid

Taking her out of the car, I would either put her straight in a stroller or carrier or be holding her hand, for example.

[heartmama]

I never questioned whether I should act decisively to keep ds safe. So, my advice is to do what is necessary to return her to safety (scoop her up, carry her back, remind her that cars could hurt her), and then let her escapade give you idea's for preventing a repeat episode. She may not like having her jog through traffic interrupted, but safety comes first.

There is no point in spanking or punishing her. It is your job is to keep her safe until she's old enough to keep herself safe (which won't happen for quite awhile). I think when parents spank a toddler for dangerous behavior, it is fear and anger at themselves which prompts those strong emotions.

[ilikethedesert]

Originally Posted by heartmama

She may not like having her jog through traffic interrupted, but safety comes first.

LOL I really really do try to keep her in arms reach when we are outside and 99% of the time do. But this one instance she darted. My legs do move faster than hers and I did scoop her up. I tell her all of the right things its just that she laughs it off. I do an excellent job of keepig her safe and wouldn't dare spank. I just wonder how others react when they are in the rare but possible, dangerous situation.

We are on vacation right now so we are in unfamiliar places and short of keeping her on a leash... I don't want her to be strapped into a stroller all the time and she doesn't want to be constantly held.

[2tadpoles]

To be honest, I've never understood why people have a problem with using a leash or harness on toddlers.

We leash our dogs to keep them safe. Why is it bad to leash a toddler?

Years ago, I traveled to Hawaii with my 5yo and 2.5yo and no other adult to help me. It's a long flight with lots of seat-time, and the last thing my 2.5yo wanted to do between connections was sit. Actually, I didn't want to lug a stroller between flights, either. I already had my carry-on, diaper bag and booster seat to deal with.

My 2.5yo wore a harness from gate-to-gate. I got some evil stares, but I'd rather get stink-eye from people than have him get lost in the crowd. Holding a child's hand every single second is not always possible. I've used a harness in museums and amusement parks, too.

I remember meeting a mama with 2yo triplets who had them harnessed. Another nearby child (older kid) asked why she had them on leashes. She calmly replied that she has three little ones and only two hands.

[ilikethedesert]

I have to admit that I was one of those unknowing people that smiled slily when I saw kids on leashes. That was before though. I saw a woman the other day with twin one year olds wearing monkey back packs with six foot tails that acted as the tether between mother and child. I loved it and talked to her at length about them. I went to the store where she found hers and couldn't find them. Otherwise I'd have bought one for my active babe! Anyone know where to get them?

[warriorprincess]

I am convinced my 2nd child was sent to me to humble me for every mother I judged for leashing.

[abac]

I agree that there's no need to punish. It was an accident that she got away, you were able to get to her. Try not to let it happen again. (My ds ran towards the road about 50 million times and also laughed every time I yelled, "Stop!" or, "Cars!" so I wouldn't worry about once.)

I found that when ds did this, he liked being chased and if I played more chasing games with him in safe ways, he was less likely to run to the road because his need was already satisfied.

[ilikethedesert]

thanks abac! :