Parenting
We’ve Got A Little Sprinter
by Jamie Foster
Updated: November 9, 2020
Originally Published: August 1, 2015
My 3-year-old is on a mission to keep me on my toes. Taking him to the playground feels like releasing a wild animal into a bustling city square. The moment I unbuckle him from his stroller, he bolts towards the nearest pit of danger—be it a construction site, a rickety scaffold, or a hole in the fence leading to a fast-flowing river. Forget about “enjoying the moment” or “having fun.” My sole responsibility has turned into “keeping him alive, whether he likes it or not.”
He once squeezed under a fence at the Family Farm, and with the help of four kind strangers, I found him trying to milk a bronze cow statue. He dashed straight toward a kid’s birthday bash in the park, and in the blink of an eye, his little brown curls disappeared into the crowd. I can’t express the relief I felt when I spotted him happily munching on a hot dog from a stranger’s plate.
Running seems to be in his DNA. I remember when I would intentionally wander off in crowded stores just to find a cashier and dramatically announce, “I’ve lost my mommy.” Kids will do anything for a free sugar cookie.
While I know I can’t completely prevent my son’s escapades, we’ve devised a few strategies to ensure he returns home in one piece:
- The Monkey Backpack: He adores the sporty chest clip, cheerful monkey face, and stash of fruit leather inside. I appreciate the bright red nylon leash and the emergency contact number I’ve written inside.
- Embrace the Draw: Don’t hesitate to choose fenced-in parks, playgrounds, and toddler gyms. This running phase is developmental, and it won’t last forever—at least, I hope so!
- Bright Clothing: Just like when you tie a gaudy ribbon on your black roller bag at the airport, dress your child in vibrant colors so they’re easy to spot.
- Clear Communication: Keep discussions with your child straightforward, timely, and positive. If he’s already off running, it’s too late for a safety lecture. Use the car ride to quickly explain the rules in a way he’ll understand: “Running away scares Mommy. I want you to have fun, but be safe and stay close. If you run away, it’s back to the stroller, okay?”
- Follow Through on Promises: “If you run away one more time, we’ll have to go home.” When he darts off, even if it’s just five steps, he’ll check to see how I react. I want to ignore it, but I know I must uphold my word.
We’ve got a little sprinter on our hands, and I know many of you can relate. I see you at the park, calling your kids’ names as your neon-jacketed toddlers race towards busy streets and scrap heaps. I see you working hard, and I’m right there with you.
I won’t wrap this up with a neat bow about how energetic children are such a blessing. The truth is, we navigate life with a constant undercurrent of anxiety, and it’s anything but tidy. We’ve chased our kids down muddy inclines, through thorny bushes, and even under restaurant booths.
I won’t pretend there’s an easy answer. Chasing after spirited toddlers is a challenge. Instead, I just want to say I understand and wish you the best of luck, fellow parent. And between us, I know a vet who microchips adventurous little ones out of a warehouse near the airport. Just mention my name for a complimentary grooming session too!
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Summary
Parenting a spirited child can feel like a daily adventure filled with challenges. This article shares humorous insights and practical strategies for keeping energetic toddlers safe while navigating their boundless curiosity. From the use of a monkey backpack to maintaining clear communication and dressing them in bright colors, these tips aim to help parents manage the chaos. Ultimately, it’s about understanding and supporting each other in this wild journey of parenthood.