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Parenting
We’ve Got a Little Speedster
by Sarah Mitchell
Updated: November 9, 2020
Originally Published: August 1, 2015
My 3-year-old is a tiny tornado. Taking him to the playground feels like releasing a wild stallion in a crowded city square. The moment I unbuckle him from his stroller, he bolts toward the closest construction site, a precarious scaffold, or a hole in the fence leading to a rushing river. Forget “enjoying the day” or “having fun.” My sole mission has become “keep him safe, despite his insatiable desire for adventure.”
He once crawled under a fence at the Family Farm, and a few kind strangers helped me find him while he was trying to milk a bronze cow statue—unsuccessfully, of course. He dashed toward a kid’s birthday party at the park, and in an instant, his little brown-haired figure disappeared into the throng of people. I have never felt such relief as when I found him devouring a hot dog from a stranger’s plate.
Running is clearly in his nature. I remember the days when I would purposefully wander off from my mom in crowded grocery stores just to find a cashier and dramatically announce that I had “lost my mommy.” Kids will do just about anything for a free cookie.
Strategies for Keeping Your Speedster Safe
While there’s only so much I can do to keep my son safe, we’ve developed a few strategies that help bring him home in one piece:
- The Monkey Backpack. He loves it for its cheerful design and the stash of fruit leather inside. I appreciate its handy red nylon leash and the phone number I’ve written inside.
- Don’t hesitate to call it a draw. Stick to fenced-in parks, playgrounds, and toddler gyms. This running phase is temporary, or at least I hope it is.
- Dress your child in bright colors. You know how you tie a hideous ribbon on your black roller bag at the airport to easily identify it? Do the same with your kid.
- Keep the conversation with your child proactive, simple, and upbeat. Proactive: If he’s already running, it’s too late for the “no running” lecture. Discuss the rules while you’re in the car heading to the zoo. Simple: Your kid won’t listen for long, so keep it brief: “Running away scares Mommy. Let’s have fun but stay close. If you run away, I’ll have to clip you back in the stroller, okay?” Upbeat: Try to channel your child’s energy into a team effort: “If you’re ready to move on from the penguins, just say, ‘Hey Mom, let’s go see something else!’ and we can go together!”
- Keep your promises. “If you run away one more time, we have to leave.” When he takes off, even just a few steps, he’ll look back to see what you’ll do. You might want to pretend you didn’t see him, but you know what’s required.
We’ve got a little speedster, and I know we’re not alone. I see you at the park, calling out your children’s names as your neon-jacketed toddlers sprint toward busy roads and scrap heaps. I see you doing your best.
I’m not going to tie this up with a neat little bow about how spirited children are a blessing or any of that. We navigate life at a constant low level of anxiety, and it’s messy. We’ve chased our kids down muddy slopes, through thorny bushes, and even, terrifyingly, under booths at a local restaurant.
I won’t try to find a silver lining. Having a toddler who runs is daunting and exhausting. I simply want to say: I get it, and I wish you strength, fellow parent.
And between you and me, I know a vet who works out of a warehouse near the airport microchipping adventurous little ones. Just mention my name, and he might throw in a nice grooming session too. For more on home insemination methods, check out our other blog post here. And if you’re looking for a reliable home insemination kit, this retailer has you covered. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, this resource is invaluable.
Summary
Navigating life with a toddler who loves to run can be a challenge, but implementing some strategies can help keep them safe while allowing for fun. From using a monkey backpack to dressing them in bright colors, these tips can ease the anxiety of parenting a little speedster. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey!
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