Can't Stop Playing W/o 2Yo Having Tantrum

I usually take my son to a park or mall play area every Friday. After he's finished playing, we usually go get a cookie. So far, this has worked really well to keep him from having fits about leaving... but if he ever DOES throw a fit, then he certainly won't get the cookie. Maybe something like that would work for your little guy.

Honestly, if warnings arent working, then I would let him know that you wont take him anywhere. Now, I am sure this might be difficult, but try to take the baby to toysrus and come back with a new toy for him (the baby.) Help your son really see that you went without him, and make him wish he could have. Then plan something and lay out clear expectations. Help him remeber as time gets closer, and then see how it goes, if he does well, let it be very well know to anyone who cares!! Maybe he can call dad on the cell phone to report his good behavior etc. Help him see how much more attention, and rewards he gets for being good. However, do remember that if he still takes a nap, say at 1, and you are trying to leave somewhere at 12:45, he is tired and wont be as cooperative, but most of the time, he can do it. Also, maybe a small treat or reward in his car for when he gets buckled in. This is how the mother of the kids I babysit gets them to go home sometimes. I know it can be hard, but good luck! ~A.~

Have you tried giving him a count down warning. It worked well for my daughter. Tell him 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 3 minutes, 1 minute, time to go. Of course he can't tell time but he will understand the count down. You can make the count down as sort or long as you want. Sometimes our 10 minutes was actually 20 minutes or even 5, just depending on when I needed to get her out. Also, tell him up front 'When Mommy says it's time to go we have to go. If you can't go nicely then we won't be able to come back.' You might try mentioning the next activity. 'Let's go home and see Daddy' or depending on how his is with the baby say 'the baby needs a nap at home'. 'Blame' someone else so it's not Mommy making him go. If you are at a store ask him to help you carry something. Involve him so he's in the moment. Good luck. It's very frustrating but it will get better. I also use other people leaving to get my kids to go. It usually works when a little friend they are playing with has to go too.

I feel your pain, sister. This is a difficult time for this sort of thing

I always explain to my sons before we go in the consequences of not "obeying". IF a child is not ready when we pack up to go, I say "good-bye" and start walking away. Of course, I always have my eye on the child, but make them think I'm leaving. This has worked for BOTH my boys. I know it sounds mean, but I'm trying to get across to then that mommy decides when we leave. They have no issues with separation and are perfectly content when leave them with a sitter, so this method has NOT affected their security or confidence.

Also, realize this is a PHASE, so it won't last forever!! You can't give in, but it will stop before you know it!!

From a teacher's POV, I wouldn't give him a toy just because he behaves...that's bribery. Good behavior & good decisions should be instrinsic...from within the child. He should want to do a good job because that is how we are supposed to act. If you stop the toys, the tantrums will start up.

I'm going through this now, and I understand. We had a crowd (& I mean a huge crowd) watching us at Wal-Mart a couple of weeks ago. It was slightly embarrassing, but I just smiled & left with my son. A lady stopped me & had kind words for me. My DH stayed behind to pay, and he heard nice things, too.