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Parenting
We’ve Got a Little Sprinter
by Emily Parker
Updated: November 9, 2020
Originally Published: August 1, 2015
My three-year-old seems determined to endanger my sanity. Taking him to the playground feels akin to releasing a wild animal in a crowded station. The moment I unbuckle him from the stroller, he bolts toward whatever danger he can find—be it a bear enclosure, a questionable construction site, a shaky scaffold, or a gap in the fence leading to a fast-moving river. Forget about “having fun” or “enjoying our outing.” My sole responsibility has become “keeping him alive, whether he likes it or not.”
Just the other day, he squeezed under a fence at the Family Farm, and I had to enlist the help of strangers to find him, where he was trying to milk a bronze cow statue, which, thankfully, was unsuccessful. Another time, he dashed toward a child’s birthday party at the park. I turned around for a split second, and his tiny, dark-haired figure vanished in the sea of people. I can’t express the relief I felt when I found him happily munching on a hot dog off a stranger’s plate.
Running is clearly in his DNA. I used to intentionally wander off in crowded stores just to approach a cashier and say in my best sad voice, “I’ve lost my mommy.” Kids will go to great lengths for a free sugar cookie.
While I realize my options are limited when it comes to ensuring my son’s safety, we have devised a few strategies to help keep him safe:
- The Monkey Backpack: He loves it for its cute monkey face and hidden stash of fruit leather, while I appreciate the red nylon leash and my phone number written inside.
- Embrace the Draw: Don’t hesitate to admit defeat. Stick to fenced parks, playgrounds, and toddler gyms. This phase of running is just that—a phase—and it won’t last forever, or so I hope.
- Dress Him Brightly: Much like when you tie a gaudy ribbon to your luggage at the airport for easy identification, do the same for your child to spot them quickly.
- Keep Conversations Simple and Positive:
- Preemptive: If he’s already off and running, it’s too late for the no-running lecture. Use car rides to review the rules.
- Simple: Kids have short attention spans. Try to keep it under 7 seconds: “Running away scares Mommy. I want you to enjoy, but you need to stay close. If you don’t, we’ll take a break and hop back into the stroller.”
- Positive: Redirect their energy and foster teamwork: “If you’re ready to leave the penguins and see something else, just say, ‘Hey Mom, let’s go!’ and we’ll go together!”
- Stick to Your Word: “If you run away again, we’ll have to go home.” When he takes off, even if just a few steps, he’ll glance back to see how you’ll respond. You might want to pretend you didn’t see him, but you know deep down what you must do.
We have a little sprinter on our hands, and I know we’re not alone in this. I see you at the playground, shouting your children’s names as your brightly-clad toddlers dash toward busy roads and scrap heaps. I recognize the effort you put into parenting.
I won’t wrap this up with a neat bow about how spirited children are a blessing and all that. The truth is, we live in a constant state of mild panic, and it’s anything but tidy. We’ve chased our kids down muddy slopes, through thorny bushes, and, quite frighteningly, beneath the tables at restaurants.
I won’t try to find a silver lining here. Toddlers who run are indeed a handful. I simply want to acknowledge your struggle and wish you all the best, fellow parent. And just between us, I know a vet who operates out of a warehouse near the airport. He microchips adventurous little ones. Mention my name, and he might even throw in a decent grooming session!
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Summary
Parenting a spirited toddler can feel like a continuous race against time. With strategies like using a monkey backpack, sticking to safe areas, and maintaining open communication, you can better manage the challenges that come with having a little runner. Ultimately, while the experience can be stressful, you’re certainly not alone in this journey.