How to Teach 2Yr Old Not to Run up and Talk to Strangers

Hey there!
I am a mother of a 4 year old and I have experienced the same thing! I guess it feels all bad to dicipline your child when all they want to do is to be social...they understand more than how much we give them credit sometimes. I would try to talk to him about limits and who and where and how much to be social...he will grow out of it knowing what to do in the future and social gatterings. The last thing you should do is to leash him. That would be like punishing him without explaining why. Punishment work for the time being and that particular behavior not teach a child what is right or wrong.

Good luck

No dont use that lease oh gosh I hate those!

All of our children are different and grow out of whatever phase they are in. When you are in the store always use a shopping cart, its alot of work for you I know you will get your exercise you just have to keep a close eye on him! Also get him in physical activities so he tires more easily. Gymboree or take him on walks to Turkey Creek where he can wear himself out or a park with a fence. Try to find alot of activities where he can burn the energy!!

B.,
Think about it, we tell them not to talk to strangers but the minute were caught with a stranger talking to them we tell them respond. Example, your son helps take small packages from the buggy to the counter and a man behind you says to him "my how strong you are, are you going to grow up and play football one day?" We wait for our child to respond with manners and all.......
It's difficult. We can't shun friendly conversation from others while in public yet we can't allow our child to run off and initiate conversation either.
He first needs to understand what a stranger is. Even a police officer is a stranger. Someone Mommy or Daddy does not know by name. Then as gently as possible explain the possibilities of what can happen if a stranger grabs him and takes him from you. He could stand you in a corner and pinch you all day and not feed you or let you come home to mommy or daddy, or won't let you watch t.v. or have your favorite toy. Scare them into understanding. It's difficult but necessary. Each time he's drawn back to in public with your motherly tone remind him, does mommy know his or her name? Only while mommy is with you to protect you can you talk to anyone. Over and over again, just like anything else they learn. Repetition is the key.
It is a scary world sister and just trust in the Lord to help guide you into teaching you little one the way. He's only two keep a close eye on him and constantly explain your ways. He'll catch on. And you'll be suprised what he'll understand.

hello mommy, I am married with 3 kids 13,10,3 and I had this same problem with my 10 and 3yr old. My 10 is better now because of course hes old enough to understand and I still have to watch my little one. I found a DVD that is great also you can go to the website for great imfo. The Safe Side DVD it is made by Julie Clark maker of the Baby Einstein series and John Walsh Host and creator of Americas Most Wanted TV show (his son was abducted ) This is great way to teach your kids. You can find stuff as well on the website as I said it is www.thesafeside.com I wish you the best of luck God bless!! I dont want to scare you but warn your child against kids as well as adults. look up the story on web of Jamie Bulger he was a 3yr old abducted from a shopping center by two 10yr olds and taken and tourtured and killed by them. please read it we all need a wakeup call now and again and I for one will do everything I can to make sure this dont happen again. Please let me know what you think!!

I also have "The Safe Side" video. You can get it on amazon.com cheaper than anywhere else. Believe me I looked everywhere. Good luck~!

B.,

This is always a hard one, because you do not want your kids afraid of teachers, police officers, or fire and rescue personel. I recommend that you continuously explain to him that some people are good and some are bad. The only time he should talk to someone he does not know is when you, Daddy, Grandma, etc. are standing right there, so that you can protect him just in case the person turns out to be bad.

Good Luck!!

i can totally relate to you since my daughter is the same way. and i don't like those either. i havr learned though that kids understand more then what we realize. i have been explaining to chloe that some people are bad people like monsters and they will try to hurt her or take her away so she can't see mommmy or her brother ever again and she has stopped doing a little bit it hasn't stopped her completely. and it normally makes for an embarrassing scene but most of the time if the person is a parent they understand why i am telling her that they might be a bad person. i also make a big deal about how police and firemen are good people. i just feel more comfortable with her being scared of people then just runnig up to everyone hugging them and talking to them.