Reckless 2 Year Old

It sounds like you've developed a very fun cat-and-mouse game at the playground! My son is a little reckless too, and I had similar issues at the park, though we only have one playset which gets pretty high. Whenever he would get to something I thought was too dangerous, I would say, "that's for 5 year olds!", then I would walk over to something else & he'd follow. It got to the point, that he'd walk up to the dangerous part, jabber something, then go to where I'd want him. It can be scary! One time we helped him up the ladder & before we could get to one of the openings, he did fall off -- complete with midair flip and everything. They are required to put so much mulch under those playgrounds, that he was fine! Maybe practice "safe choices" at home, and just be confident she'll learn to incorporate that into the every day. Try to make the playgound thing less of a game -- maybe walk calmly rather than run, or only play with what you want her to play with. When you aren't chasing her, it won't be as fun. And I guess, if she does fall, feel a little good in knowing there is lots of mulch to protect her! Since my son took his little tumble, he has not played by those openings any more!

I think most 2 and 3 year olds tend to be like this. They are just finally learning what their bodies can do. And of course as moms, our heart leaps out of our chest each time. Just keep watching and stay close so if something does happen, you are there to get her-or catch if needed. She will learn limits given time and it is great that you are giving her some freedom on her own. My daughter was climbing fences at 2, no fear whatever. She even followed her dad up to the roof one day--2 stories! TG she didn't fall.

My son will also be 2 in Sept, and is exactly the same. NO SENSE OF FEAR. My mothers home has a split staircase(carpeted) which my son tried to jump five stairs to the landing. Hed of course flipped, got his leg stuck in the railing and landed with his head on the landing. Thank god for plush carpet. He was fine, got up and immediately tried walking up and down the stairs for the rest of the morning screaming if anyone tried to help, mastering them. I stood within catchers distance biting my lip afraid to show my fear because it may put him on edge which could cause a more dangerous situation. When kids fall, they don't tense up like grown ups do, which is why they tend to have fewer injuries from falls. Sometimes they have to fall to learn a lesson, though when it is really dangerous a parent has to put their foot down. This is a time when they have an internal need to try everything especially when they see other children doing it. When my son runs near our pool, I just say "no running", he gets one more chance and if he still runs we go inside. Chasing makes it a game and more enticing. They have to learn now that there are consequences to their actions, and if they doesn't listen they don't play.

Wow, you have a challenge on your hands. There are people who crave more adventure in life than others. She may just be one of those people. Or, she may just be trying out how her body works and having fun. She may just be pushing your buttons to get your attention, like you mention - a game - and she gets a kick out of you running over to grab her. You can talk to her briefly about going to the park and how you want her to be careful and that if she is not you will have to leave, but at her age that might not sink in. At the park, go up there with her and show her how to be careful and reward her verbally when she does it. If she starts being dangerous, stop her and show her what is dangerous and how you want her to be careful instead. If she does not follow your directions and example, then leave and briefly tell her why. If you teach her and she sees that you will not play the "game" then maybe she will get the idea. This way you can still let her play and explore, and teach her your boundaries as well.