Maybe the park is too big a place to venture out to just yet. Try other places with smaller areas for the 2yr old. Some places that have bounderies so he can't go but so far from you. And be firm and consistant. Teach him now that if he wonders off and Mommy has to come get him then he goes home. AND STICK TO YOUR WORD! That means if you don't want to go, go anyway. It will only take so many times before he will get it. I promise you!
I hated those things that look like a leash for a dog. In fact, I had to eat my words when I said, "I will never have one of those on my kids!" I am a SAHM with 3 boys and I only have 2 hands. So if I get one child in one hand, the other child in the other hand, the third child is gone! So I learned that safty was more important than what I felt I looked like. We have the monkey one from Wal Mart. It's a back pack that we put snacks in for him and the tail is what I hold onto. He feels like he is "free" and I know he is safe. This is great for walking especially when I have my sister's baby with us. I learned to get everything packed and to plan ahead for just incases. I take food, snacks, drinks and clothes every time we leave the house. As for naps, when they sleep in the stroller or car carrier, it counts as a nap. All of my boys sleep on the go and maybe that's because we did it on purpose. I don't know. If you need to get home by a certain time, then be sure to get out earlier.
You go mom! You can do it! There is nothing that can hold you back but you. And there is always your yard for those days that you don't feel like going anywhere. Pack a brown bag lunch for you and your little man and eat out in your yard. They love it! And the vitamin D from the sun is so very important for all of us.
Keep up the good work! They will grow up fast so be sure to enjoy the journey.
Take Care,
N. :) SAHM homeschooling 3 boys 12, 8 & 2 yrs old and married to my Mr. Wonderful for almost 15yrs. I love to help moms, who want to become SAHMs, reach that goal!