My 2.5 Year Old Son Runs and Hides from Me at the Park.

2 1/2 is NOT too young to expect him to answer you and not hide. We farm and ever since our kids could walk and talk (about 18 months) they KNOW that when I say, "Where are you" to ANSWER! They usually come running and smiling and say "HERE I AM MOMMY!" They know it is important to be safe ESPECIALLY when we farm and they are in the barn with us.

Sit him down and tell him the rules before you leave. Tell him what you expect. Have him REPEAT it back to you. Tell him what will happen if he disobeys. Have him say YES MOM so you know he heard you. And most important, FOLLOW THROUGH!

We count sometimes with our kids when they are being testy becasue they think it's funny. We NEVER get to 3! They know there would be consequences. They would either get a spanking, time out, or SOMETHING.

This is dangerous behavior. If he won't stop after laying down the law, I would stop going to parks for awhile OR leave him behind with a sitter (doing something not fun like nap or quiet time) while you and the 1 year old go have fun at the park. A time or two of that and I think he'll shape up!

I agree you could try a few test runs. Keep them quiet and loving. No lecturing. Tell your son what will happen if he runs away and then do it. Be LOVING. Say, "I'm sorry, but we must go since you xxx." Then put the baby in the car safely if you can't retrieve him with baby in tow. And carry him in the car. Fully expect him to test you and fully expect him to cry and make promises when you start to leave. Try, "I'm so sorry. Maybe next time. We can try again tomorrow."

Also, there's a class coming up this month called "Understanding Your 2-5 Year Old" that might help you deal with toddler/preschooler issues in general. See http://www.inspiredabq.com

Simple. Before you go to the park warn him and tell him if mommy calls you and you run away and do not come we are leaving. If he doesn't listen pick him up put him in the car and go home. If you do it a few times he will catch on quickly. Children need to learn to listen and there has to be consequences to their actions. He is not to young to learn the rules, better now then him take off into a street and not listen to you when you call him.

Your son is at that age where they love to chased but enjoy it even more when they are chased.

My suggestion is to go along with it and try to get the 1yr envolved as well. It will tire them both out and could actually be a lot of fun for both of them. However, be sure to set boundaries and limits on when to play the game, how far you can travel from your site, and when it's time to stop, it is time to stop.

I have four children and all of them loved to play the chasing game. My youngest is now two and that is definitely his favorite game - in the house, outside, at the park, in the store, everywhere we go he wants to play.

Good luck!

Look at www.oneweekparentingmiracle.com. I use this program with my two toddlers and I have seen some great results. I've had experiences with my daughter running away from me in the grocery store. It's definitely not fun! Look at this method and see what you think, I hope it will help.

Thats kind of a hard one. He's at a young age to be doing this. However I remember my son taking off on me at the store all the time so one time, and one time only I thought okay. You can do this to me, so I'm going to do it back. Believe me it hurt me but he never did it again. I seen him idle off not caring so I went and moved a few isles up, well when he couldn't find me, he screamed to beat the band. He never left my side again. Perhaps this is something you might want to try. I don't mean go far but just far enough that you can see him and him not you. See his behaviour something tells me it may change him. Just make sure that you are able to catch up to him should he decide that he's going another way. Good luck, they sure can keep us on our feet!!

My oldest son did this. As soon as he would run from me, I would catch up to him and we would leave immediately. One time I ended up carrying him and his little sister (too young to walk) while he kicked and screamed and made a huge scene. I was very consistent and everytime he ran off, we left the park. It didn't take long for him to see that it was in his best interest not to run off. I also tell my kids, if you don't come when it's time to go home, then we will not be able to come back the next day. Now I have 4 little ones and no one runs from me or even throws a fit when it's time to go. Just be consistent and he'll get the message.