[widemouthedfrog]

My dd will be three in June. She loves running, jumping, and walking.<br>
However, I sometimes feel like AP is coming back to bite me in the rear end. She LOVES to be carried. She also LOVES her jogging stroller.<br><br>
We walk a lot for transportation because we have no car during the week. Sometimes we take the bus, but the bus doesn't always go where we are going. She wants to be carried or she wants to ride in the stroller. I find the stroller to be really unmanageable in stores, and I can't carry her on my back for more than 45 minutes because she is 35 lb+.<br><br>
I know that she can walk for some time. Besides (this is the bad mommy bit)...I don't want her to get used to SITTING all the time. She says she is tired after 1/2 a block. She wants to sit or to be carried. The result: we both get frustrated and have tantrums.<br><br>
Should I just strap her into the stroller in the morning and let her stay there until we get home? Or are there ways to help her become happier with walking, at least for short distances?<br><br>
Thanks!

 

[Ellp]

Hi Tricia,<br>
Emma can be the same sometimes and she turned 3 in Feb.<br><br>
I impose rules though so I'm probably more strict than you. I stopped carrying her in a carrier when she was nearly 2 because of my bad back and because I was preggy at the time, and so she's used to walking some distances and using a stroller.<br><br>
My stroller rules are that once you're in, you're in. You don't come in and out because its a strain on my back to bend over so many times for EVERY LITTLE THING. The exceptions are if there really is a genuine need to come out.<br><br>
I also make a point of showing her all the interesting things there are to see and touch on our walks that you aren't able to do because the stroller can't get close enough. I say whistfully that "if only you weren't in a stroller, you could touch/see". Sneaky...<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"> At the begining I would have to do A LOT of distraction to waylay the tantrums before they start.<br><br>
Over time Emma's gotten used to going out and walking while her younger sister rides, or they take turns and Sarah will go on my back. Emma's realized though that life's much more fun when you can skip, twirl and run instead of being trapped in a stroller the entire time.

 

[dubfam]

Yes, I think it is unreasonable.<br><br>
She is still really young. I would use the stroller. I wouldn't expect my 5 yo to walk really long distances consistently. It sounds like you are walking a long distance from your post...esp for a 2 year old. Let her decide whether to walk or ride. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="thumbs up">

 

[LeighB]

what works for us is to make it a fun. I give lots of praise when he walks to places. We also do "I spy" on the way do he doesn't notice that we are walking.

 

[dubfam]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Ellp</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/11044381"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
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My stroller rules are that once you're in, you're in. You don't come in and out because its a strain on my back to bend over so many times for EVERY LITTLE THING. The exceptions are if there really is a genuine need to come out.<br><br>
I also make a point of showing her all the interesting things there are to see and touch on our walks that you aren't able to do because the stroller can't get close enough. <b>I say whistfully that "if only you weren't in a stroller, you could touch/see". Sneaky...<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"></b> At the begining I would have to do A LOT of distraction to waylay the tantrums before they start.<br></div>
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This doesn't really sound like GD to me....I can see where there is a prob with constant in and out, but is it that unreasonable for little legs to need a break from walking for a couple minutes?<br><br>
You could get the kind of stroller that she can get in and out of independently which would help with your back issue. Then she could at least get out and look at things. Why would you even point things out to her if you aren't going to let her get out and see them? That seems a little bit mean IMHO...like you are teasing her almost...<br><br>
I really can't understand how it is worth it to make an issue out of this. Soon enough they will be happy to walk the whole way without force or coercion. Let them be little!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love">

 

[dubfam]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>LeighB</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/11044485"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">what works for us is to make it a fun. I give lots of praise when he walks to places. We also do "I spy" on the way do he doesn't notice that we are walking.</div>
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Good idea!!!!<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="thumbs up"><br>
Distraction works wonders at this age.<br><br>
Also, when you go the store will they let you leave the stroller up by the front? I know the stores here let people do that, and unless you have a Bugaboo or something then you shouldn't have to worry about it getting stolen...<br><br>
I really do understand not wanting to pack a stroller around...esp through a store.<br><br>
Is there any chance of getting a more lightweight stroller than what you have? Maybe then it wouldn't be as big of a deal.<br><br>
We are car-less during the weekdays as well and I know how annoying it is to cart a bunch of stuff around...luckily we don't walk really long distances (awesome public transit) so ds (5) no longer needs a stroller an ds 2 (4.5 months) can still be worn...I am not looking forward to having to bring a stroller again in a year <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad">

 

[dawncayden]

We recently got one of those really cheap umbrella strollers. Its heavenly! Its so light and great for transit and fitting into stores. It doesn't have much room for groceries but I can fit one big cloth bag on the handles.<br>
Ds does combinations of walking, running, pushing the stroller and sitting in it. I don't (usually) make him sit in it and I don't make him walk. I just ask which one he wants to do and leave lots of time to get where we are going. If we need to get somewhere in a hurry, I make a game of running or sometimes he gets forced into the stroller and there are tears, but they only usually last a couple seconds and I promise him that he can walk on the way home (if he was wanting to walk etc.)

 

[Breeder]

I second the cheap umbrella stroller, or I would buy a bike chain for the big unmanageable stroller, that way you would not have to use it inside the stores but you could still feel secure that it will still be there when you get out.<br><br>
I don't think it's unreasonable of you not to carry her all of the time, if it hurts your back you shouldn't strain to do it, it can lead to more serious back conditions.<br><br>
I also don't think that two blocks is too far for a three year old to walk if they are well rested at the the time, but I'd always have a stroller as a backup.

 

[eper]

I think it is reasonable that 3 year olds walk for a short period of time, 10-30 min. Seems like your walks are much longer. I would take the stroller and leave it outside the stores so you don't have to be bothered with it inside. Use a chain lock to tie it to a post, so people don't steal it. The other thing you can do is to carry her on your back for some time and when you get tired tell her nicely that your back is sore and you can't carry her right now for a short time or distance. After that you will carry her again. In other words, break up the carrying with walking and that will give both of you a break.

 

[Breeder]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>dubfam</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/11044610"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">unless you have a Bugaboo or something then you shouldn't have to worry about it getting stolen...</div>
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This struck me as not very sympathetic. Some people don't have the money to replace a stroller, no matter it's cost.

 

[mirthfulmum]

I was going to suggest getting a light weight umbrella stroller too.<br><br>
They're small enough to make it easy to move around in stores, easy to get in and out of, good place to rest tired legs, makes a nice cart for stuff when not in use by tired little legs (which seems to be the primary function of my stroller), plus during the times that you feel she could use a bit of a walk, it folds up and becomes a less attractive distraction from a walk with mom.<br><br>
And I totally agree that finding fun games like i-spy, treasure hunt and bug watching make the walking more fun.<br><br>
IMNSHO, if she's that passionate about not walking then give her more space and time to discover the joy of walking with mom. Your Dd does have little legs and they do tire easily, a block can be very big to an almost 3 year old, so give her the space to babied a bit. Heck, my almost 6 year old will climb into the stroller some time. I wish I could climb in the stroller sometimes! It's a fun, comfy, cozy place to catch a rest and watch the world go by. So yeah, you may be expecting a bit much in getting your Dd to walk more.

 

[GooeyRN]

We have the opposite problem. I can't get dd to go in the stroller and she takes off. Anyway, she can walk about 3/4 mile before she gets tired, but can make it 1 mile before she starts laying on the ground, etc. But she still wont get in the stroller or be worn without protest. She is 30 months old. I really think it depends how much you expect her to walk. A lightweight umbrella stroller isnt a bad idea. They are light.

 

[artparent]

we use a maclaren umbrella and i find it really easy + useful, even all over the place in the country and in big cities. i can always fold it up + carry it. my first was like you've said, too...it isn't so easy to carry them sometimes. i try to pick my moments to encourage walking further, but i found that that really came at 3-4 even 5. my 7 year old can walk forever after we warm up to it. maybe try increasing her distances a bit each time? i also play different games to make the distance pass. our current favourite is to pretend to be a dog and run after a pretend ball and bring it back..my two year old goes a long way that way! we find stones to kick ahead, bring real balls to throw, or have snacks. cashews got us about 3 very long blocks one day, handed out one at a time (because she liked it that way). so i would say, don't worry about her sitting, she'll grow out of it, and provide fun opportunities to walk. the other thing is that with another child around, mine will run 5 times further, faster, and more joyfully...so you could plan to go longer distances with a friend. i don't know what yours is like, but mine will do amazing things if there is a good imaginary storyline to it! have fun with it and use the stroller. i will check to see if i can park mine somewhere in a store if necessary - but then i try not to shop with my kids!!<br>
(<br><br>
*

 

[dawncayden]

I think she meant that the Bugaboo might be more likely to get stolen because its a 'Bugaboo', at least thats how I read it.

 

[flowmom]

Widemouthedfrog, I despaired that ds would ever start walking. I carried him every day of my PG until dd was born when he was 2.5 yo. It was partly a health issue because his iron was low - it really seemed to affect walking in particular. Even after recovering from low iron, ds still never wanted to walk, but we never did the stroller thing. After dd was born, <a href="http://www.lifestylecart.com/mountain_grocery_cart/default.htm" target="_blank">ds rode on the granny cart all the time</a> - which was super easy to do transit with, and also encouraged easy on-off for when he did want to walk briefly. I also felt that riding on the granny cart was more of an active process than sitting in a stroller <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/duck.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Duck">:. All of a sudden, sometime after ds turned 4 he started walking a *lot*! It was incredible - he was just ready. Now he doesn't complain except during long walks or when he is super tired. IMO, power struggles over walking at that age aren't worth it. I often did gentle nudging like, how about you ride on the granny cart once we get to the corner?
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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>eper</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/11045329"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I think it is reasonable that 3 year olds walk for a short period of time, 10-30 min.</div>
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I would not consider that a short period of time for a 3 yo <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/winky.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink">.

 

[Septagram]

My 2 1/2 yo DS walks the 1/2 mile with me to my mom's a few times a week. We stop and rest when he needs to. We have never used a stroller.

 

[Ellp]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>dubfam</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/11044551"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">This doesn't really sound like GD to me....I can see where there is a prob with constant in and out, but is it that unreasonable for little legs to need a break from walking for a couple minutes?<br><br>
You could get the kind of stroller that she can get in and out of independently which would help with your back issue. Then she could at least get out and look at things. Why would you even point things out to her if you aren't going to let her get out and see them? That seems a little bit mean IMHO...like you are teasing her almost...<br><br>
I really can't understand how it is worth it to make an issue out of this. Soon enough they will be happy to walk the whole way without force or coercion. Let them be little!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love"></div>
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Thats why I said "whistfully". Its not really teasing in as much as its making her realize that there are things to see and experience that you can't really do from being in a stroller. When I point out interesting things to her and say that she can't really experience them from where she is, she usually wants out at which point I do let her out.<br><br>
We do have a stroller that she can get in and out of. Its a Graco Metrolight, the most lightweight one I could find at the time which still had a decent basket. The problem is is that Dd wants the front bar up each time she gets in and out and because its child proofed it means I have to latch and unlatch each time which is a royal pain.<br><br>
We're not up to getting another stroller either, even a cheap umbrella one because we don't have the space for it. As I see it the span of time that she would use an umbrella one would make it unpractical.<br><br>
Just as an aside, I don't think a 3yo walking for 10-30mins is unreasonable. Dd's walks for that much and longer almost every day. More often than not "I" need to stop and so we'll go find a bench and perch for a bit.

 

[misseks]

Hugs, widemouthed. There are many things that cause me to have mommy tantrums - mostly when I'm being impatient...does this seem like it could be your mom-duaghter issue too? Is it possible that she <i>could</i> walk it, but she'll dawdle and drive you nutters? Or is it that she just <i>won't</i> and it is driving you nutters because you think she ought to be able to or ought to want to?<br><br>
Dd1 is 3.5 and she rarely walks - partly because she dawdles and when we're walking, we're going somewhere, not just walking, and partly because she just doesn't seem interested. she's not aphysical child. It's hard for me to engage her in ball-kicking an dtree climbing and grass tumbling etc.<br><br>
That said, just this week, she walked 4 blocks (UPHILL! In <i>Nelson</i>) all the way home. Now, it took 45 minutes. And we stopped to climb under/over/around hardscapes and playing hide and go seek on the trees along the way (sort of urging her forward, by hiding behind the next tree as we go) whatnot, but she did it. I can't even imgaine this happening one year ago.<br><br>
Keep in mind, though, that we weren't really <i>going</i> somewhere...just putzing our way home. I find that me having to say, "C'mon, here we go, this way, almost there, just across the street, yes, nice flower, keep coming" etc is very stressful for both of us. Cut from the same cloth are we!<br><br>
SO I think for some kids at almost 3, a 10-30 minute walk is nothin' (see: Wolfie <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/winky.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink"> ) But for others (Lydia)it'd be darn near impossible.<br><br>
Could you try just moving a & walking around in the park/backyard and timing it to se ehow long she walks before becoming disinterested? That might ease your frustration a bit.<br><br>
Hugs, though, sometimes they really irk our zen, don't they?

 

[dubfam]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Breeder</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/11045342"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">This struck me as not very sympathetic. Some people don't have the money to replace a stroller, no matter it's cost.</div>
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I meant because people don't usually steal cheap strollers...<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="thumbs up"><br><br>
not sure how you could have misunderstood that...

 

[dawncayden]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Ellp</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/11046688"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">We're not up to getting another stroller either, even a cheap umbrella one because we don't have the space for it. As I see it the span of time that she would use an umbrella one would make it unpractical.</div>
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Ellaine, I've seen your place, you do so have room! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol"><br><br><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngbiggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="orange big grin"><br><br><br>
Widemouthfrog,<br>
I think it really depends on the kid. Ds loves to walk and will walk for 30 minutes minimum, but I also don't ever refuse if he says he needs to be carried or ride in the stroller.<br>
I always bring the Ergo or stroller with me, on the off chance he gets tired. I can't imagine 'making' him walk further, he would probably start whining then that would turn to crying then it would be a complete meltdown. Its just not worth it imnsho <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/redface.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Embarrassment">