My spirited toddler simply doesn't stop moving all day long. I can't take him to the market because he refuses to sit in the cart and won't walk around with me in the store. He keeps darting off on his own. What do I do?
Safety is your first priority when it comes to your children. That need is further amplified when you have a high-energy kid. So the truth is, when you're juggling tasks and can't keep an eye on him the whole time, you'll need help. If you have to take your toddler shopping, the best strategy is to take your partner or a friend with you so you can take turns keeping watch over your toddler. Alternatively, if you aren't able to find someone to go with you, you'll need to plan your shopping errand so it's quick.
You can't be expected never to run to the market, so if you are on your own with your son, try this: Before you go, make sure he's had the opportunity to run, climb, jump, and use his big muscles. Let him run around the house, or stop off at a playground first. Then he's more likely to stay in a stroller or cart. If he's been in the car for 30 minutes en route to the store, he probably won't be able to sit still for more than a few minutes — it's just not possible. The reason is purely developmental: His brain is telling him to try things, and the way he does this is through his body, so he runs around. Another trick that might work for an older toddler is involving him in the shopping, so that you wheel him close to the shelves and ask him to grab something down for you. Then he's at least using his arms, and he won't get bored as fast.
As a more long-term plan, help your toddler channel his energy in a positive way by enrolling him in fun activities such as swimming, gymnastics, karate, and dance. And rejoice in the fact that you have a child with lots of verve. He's a future dancer, percussionist, or athlete. He just doesn't like to shop.
You can't be expected never to run to the market, so if you are on your own with your son, try this: Before you go, make sure he's had the opportunity to run, climb, jump, and use his big muscles. Let him run around the house, or stop off at a playground first. Then he's more likely to stay in a stroller or cart. If he's been in the car for 30 minutes en route to the store, he probably won't be able to sit still for more than a few minutes — it's just not possible. The reason is purely developmental: His brain is telling him to try things, and the way he does this is through his body, so he runs around. Another trick that might work for an older toddler is involving him in the shopping, so that you wheel him close to the shelves and ask him to grab something down for you. Then he's at least using his arms, and he won't get bored as fast.
As a more long-term plan, help your toddler channel his energy in a positive way by enrolling him in fun activities such as swimming, gymnastics, karate, and dance. And rejoice in the fact that you have a child with lots of verve. He's a future dancer, percussionist, or athlete. He just doesn't like to shop.
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