Silly question.... My son will be 21 months next week. He refuses to hold my hand while on the street and i hate that because it could be so dangerous... Does it happen to you?? Is that normal?
TIA
Natalia
For that age, yes, it's normal. My son is three and still fights with me sometimes over the hand holding but is somewhat easier to convince now than when he was smaller.
It really isn't an option, YOU hold HIS hand. At that age they get away too quickly. It isn't worth it.
At that age, my kids HAD to hold my hand on the street or parking lot whether they liked it or not. They always get independent and stubborn at that age. But to me safety outweighs the need to be independent. I think it's normal though. Good luck!
Sounds normal, they want to be independent. Of course, you should never allow him to dictate his own safety in the street at this age, however! ;)
HI!
It was never an issue for me because it was 'non negotiable'...
We had 'parking lot rules'...and crossing street 'rules'...(ie holding hands). Same thing with seatbelts in the car...they ARE 'the rule'.
Now that they are older, I still ask 'everybody buckled?'...and occasionally yell 'parking lot rules' (or one of them does...lol)
They are now 15 to 22.
Best Luck!!
michele/cat
Yes, it is normal for kids this age to want to be independent. My 2 yr old constantly tries to let go of my hand when we're crossing the street or in a parking lot. I do not allow him to do that for obvious safety reasons. I give him the choice to hold my hand or I carry him. You may also consider getting a backpack buddy. That way he can feel like he's free, but you will still have a hold on him. Good luck!
All the time! We got a mum rope for my purse that has knots in it. He will hold on to the knots!
My son went through a phase like that. I resorted to using a harness if we were going to be somewhere with a large crowd or busy area. We also practiced a lot. Getting the mail with Dad or mom became a great teachable moment with this. I remember one time when my son (around 32 months) took off across our church parking lot. Thankfully it wasn't terribly busy at the time, but it was enough traffic to warrant a huge consequence for him and I had my 18 month old daughter to keep safe too. He wasn't able to play outside, listen to music or watch tv for the rest of the day. He has never forgotten that day. I explained to him that there are cars that may not be able to stop fast enough if he were to run in front of one. It is danger, danger. (His way of identifying scary moments and the phrase has stuck ever since!) From the age of 3 he really seems to understand the concept so I will allow him to walk beside me close enough that I can reach him, but he doesn't have to hold my hands. Now that he is almost 4 he will usually hold my hand or his sister's hand. It is a phase, but a scary one. Hang in there!
Angie
When my daughters refuse to hold my hand when I need them to I give them 2 options: I can hold your hand or I can hold your hair.....they're usually quite willing to hold my hand after that offer.
Your hand is bigger and stronger than his hand. It's no joke. Hold on for dear life. When he throws a fit, take him home and put him to bed. He'll figure it out.
He TRIED. Most kids do.
He found himself carried, or held onto.
This was not negotiable. Yes. He cried, threw fits, etc. over it in the beginning from time to time. And he was punished for that.
I NEVER allowed my under 6 year olds to cross a street with me without holding my hand or the hand of an older sibling. That was sometimes difficult because I had 4 under six at one time.
If they wouldn't hold my hand voluntarily, then I grabbed and held on. NO EXCEPTIONS. I loved my kids too much to do otherwise.
As long as he isn't the parent and you are, grab his hand and hold on. Unless there is sometyhing unusual about him, you will be stronger than he is and he won't be able to pull his hand away. If he gets too rebellious, reach down and spank his bottom. His health and well being is just too important to do otherwise.
Good luck to you and yours.
HA! My 22 month old doesn't have a choice, sorry kid, but I'M in charge :)
I don't allow small children to walk in parking lots, along side a street or across a street without carrying them, holding their hand or having them in a stroller.
Yes, our daughter went through this stage so her choice was "hold my hand or I will pick you up and carry you".. No other options..
She never ran off, because I held her had hard enough, she could not get lose.
My son does that too sometimes. I have been working with him at home though. If he needs a diaper change, then I tell him that and ask him to hold my hand and walk to his room. Or when it's bath time, outside time etc. You just have to get him to practice with you at home, so that when you two go out he will be more willing to hold your hand.
Yes it happened to me, yes it's normal. However I was bigger and smarter than they were so that is not a battle I would lose. Not an option.
:)
Yep, he can hold your hand or be carried/sit in the stroller. He will get it real quick.
pretty common, yes. and his choice is to hold your hand or be carried. he can walk himself and hold your hand, or if he fights that, pick his tushie up and carry him. no other option. just like the other ladies said. my son is 5 and still holds my hand walking in parking lots or crossing streets. just IS. period.