Parenting
Updated: November 9, 2020
Originally Published: August 1, 2015
My 3-year-old is determined to send me to an early grave.
Taking him to the playground feels like releasing a wild animal in the midst of a bustling city. The moment I unbuckle him from his stroller, he zooms off toward the nearest pit of bears, a construction site that’s clearly not up to code, a shaky scaffold, or a hole in the fence that leads to a rushing river.
Forget about “having fun” or “enjoying the day out.” My sole focus has now shifted to “keeping him safe, whether he likes it or not.”
One time, he wriggled under a fence at the Family Farm, and I had to enlist the help of four kind strangers to locate him, only to find him attempting (and failing) to milk a bronze cow statue.
He darted off toward a kid’s birthday party at the park, and in the blink of an eye, his tiny, dark-haired figure disappeared, swallowed by a sea of people moving in every direction. I’ve never been more relieved than when I found him happily munching on a hot dog from a stranger’s plate.
Running is in his DNA. I remember purposefully wandering away from my mom in crowded stores just so I could find a cashier to report my “lost mommy” status. Kids will go to any lengths for a free cookie.
While I know I can only do so much to keep him safe, we’ve devised a few strategies to ensure he makes it home in one piece:
- The Monkey Backpack: He loves it because of the cute monkey face and the stash of fruit leather inside. I appreciate the red nylon leash and my phone number written inside.
- Accept Defeat Gracefully: Stick to enclosed parks, playgrounds, and toddler activity centers. This phase of running is just that—a phase. It won’t last forever. I hope.
- Dress Him Brightly: Just like when you tie a garish ribbon to your black roller bag at the airport so you can spot it easily, do the same with your child.
- Communicate Clearly and Positively: Keep discussions with your kid straightforward, upbeat, and proactive. If he’s already running, it’s too late for a safety talk. Use the car ride to lay down the rules: “Running away worries Mommy. I want you to have fun, but please stay close. If you run off, we’ll have to pause our adventure and I’ll strap you back in the stroller, okay?”
- Follow Through on Promises: “If you run away again, we’ll have to go home.” He might dart off a few steps, glancing back to see what I’ll do. It’s tough, but I know I have to stick to my word.
We’ve got a little speedster on our hands, and I know we’re not the only ones. I see you at the park, calling out to your brightly clad toddlers as they sprint toward busy streets or heaps of scrap metal. I see you, working hard at this parenting gig.
I’m not here to sugarcoat it and say spirited kids are a blessing. We navigate life on a constant edge of worry, and that’s messy. We’ve chased our children down slippery hills, through thorny bushes, and even, in a terrifying moment, under the tables at a fast-food joint.
I won’t try to find a silver lining. Toddlers who run are challenging and nerve-wracking. I just want to say I understand and wish you luck, fellow parent.
And between you and me, I know a guy who operates out of a warehouse near the airport who can microchip lively little ones. Mention my name, and he might throw in a decent grooming session too.
For more tips on parenting, check out this resource on pregnancy and don’t forget to explore our post on the home insemination kit for more insights on family planning. You can also visit this site for at-home insemination syringes for effective parenting strategies.
Summary
Parenting a speedy toddler can be a challenge, but with a few strategies in place—like using a monkey backpack, setting clear expectations, and dressing them in bright colors—you can help keep your little one safe. It’s a wild ride, but you’re not alone on this journey!
Keyphrase: toddler running safety
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