What do I need to do to keep my 2 year old from running into the street??? She does this as I load up my 5mo old in the car. I have tried a few different things, telling her to hold on to the little tree by our car and whenever she runs away she starts laughing like its a game! It will really scare you! Even when I catch her I will take away the toy she is holding or she isn't allowed something. There is absolutely no reasoning with her! When you tell her that a car can come and hit her and she can get really hurt, she says "ok" like if she says it you'll stop talking.
I always had my older kids climb into the car when I was loading the baby into the car seat. Tell her to go and sit in her seat and after you get the baby buckled in you will come and get her buckled in. I did this with all my kids, and it worked for all of them. Good luck.
Our household is all about learning/disciplining through consequences (i.e. Love & Logic). When my oldest daughter was two we walked around the corner of our house toward the driveway just as Grandpa's big truck was slowly rolling into the drive. I stopped her and knelt down next to her. With my face close beside hers I pointed to the big truck inching closer and explained simply in a very serious voice how cars are large and heavy. I told her in easy to understand terms that if she went into the places that cars go, like streets or parking lots, that she could get hit by a car and it would hurt very badly. The truck stopped well before it came close to us, but the looming image of that big hunk of metal must of had an effect because she always asks to hold my hand when we get near the street and chastises little sister to stay away from the curb. Just saying to your child that she will get hurt can go in one ear and out another. Give her some serious visual images so she understands.
My daughter is now 3.5 and she recently saw the aftermath of a car wreck. I further explained to her that is what happens when cars hit each other. It may seem like showing your child the dangers of an immense vehicle or pointing out a crushed auto is a bit much for a small child to handle, but a visual image like that will affect them more than any words. I'd much rather have a preschooler who is afraid of cars, until she grows to understand them, than have a child who recklessly runs into the street to tease and test mommy.
Hope this helps!!
J.
I have a 3 year old and 13 month old so I can understand the juggling of 2 and getting them into car seats. Some things that I have tried is the art of distraction. I have realized that my 3 year old loves to be my 'helper'. I usually give her a job like carrying her own bag out from the grocery store. Makes her feel big. Also, I give her a goal to shoot for when she gets into her car seat such as a cookie (yeah- I know bribery), book to look at or toy that I hold onto until she is completely in the car seat and at least waiting for me.
Oh - I also play 'choo choo' with her where she hold onto my purse, coat, etc. and we say choo choo into the place and it becomes a game. (sorry this probably goes more with the running into the street)
It does get better. She is definitely testing you which happened with me when I had the second child. I made special trips to the grocery store with her at night sometimes to spend time with just her. It helped. I still make 'dates' with just her and is a great reward and she loves to have mommy all to herself again.
Your daughter seems to be a very normal 2 year old. She is asserting her independence and testing you. To her it's all a game because she probably sees you getting frustrated when she does not do what you ask her to do. It's fun to get Mommy's goat! Trust me, I've been there. It seems the key here is to get HER in the car FIRST, then the baby. I would also try a reward chart where she can get a happy face sticker when she does what she is asked to do. Also, remember to praise her heavily when she does do what is asked of her. Tell her what a "big girl" she is and how proud you are of her. Believe me, this will pay off. If your met with resistance to the new program, don't give up - just hang in there and remain consistent with it. Two-year olds are smarter than you think and she will catch on. I hope this helps you.
Good Luck!
S.
When I was 2 I ran into the street & almost got hit by a car. My grandfather beat my butt (best way I can word it) & I never ran into the street again. He told me that was the only time he ever layed a hand on me. I don't beleive in spanking for everyday type situations, but if it's a kind of thing that will save my child's life, I wouldn't hesitate to try it.
That is really scary. I also read your other post where your daughter laughs when you ask her to do something. It sounds to me like she's got some attention getting behaviors going on here. What if you had her get in the car first and buckle up before you load the baby in? You could give her lots of positive attention when she does it. That way you know she's safely in the car while you load the baby. I wouldn't give her her toy until she is safely buckled into the car. She needs to know its not a game to run away from you. If she continues, I'd consider a firmer reprimand. While I don't believe in spanking or anything like that, she somehow needs to know that you mean business. As for your other post, if she doesn't do what you ask and just laughs at you, you may need to go over calmly and without much attention, physically guide her to do what you asked. Then when she does it, even with your guidance, heap lots of praise and attention on her. Good luck! And rest assured...it does get better!
