It's getting to the point where I don't want to take him anywhere!! Advice pls!

DS is 21mths old.  Going out anywhere with him is a complete hassle!  I can't let him out of his pushchair as he will not hold anyone's hand and tries to run off in any direction possible.  Going out for a meal is also a disaster as he doesn't want to sit in the highchair to wait for his food so will cry to get out.  Once he's eaten he will do the same, regardless if you have finished your meal.  What can I do?  Is it just a phase kids go through....please say he will soon learn he can't do these things!!

I see other little kids walking holding hands with their mummys and sitting at the dinner table eating nicely.....why won't my son do the same

It is just a phase. The best thing to do is to distract him and bring things to keep him busy. Just yesterday I downloaded some toddler games onto my iPhone to keep the kids busy or even to just distract when we have to wait in line. I know it seems like everyones kid is better behaved than yours but I promise you that no kid is perfect.

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its normal so dont worry all of mine have done it and my DD is only just 11mths tommorrow and starting to scream when we go out and she has to go in the buggy etc its just because hes got to that age where he wants to do things for himself it wont last but it is hard work when they are going through it ((hugs))

xx

My 2 year old does the exact same thing and when were out he will walk in front of you and trip you up just because he doesnt want to walk next to you. I feel the same way too i just want to leave him at home ha ha ha. I have to admit i will go to resturants where children are welcome i have never let having kids stop me from going out. I just take sticker books and cars with me. Or if you want to go really extreame buy a portable DVD player and a pair of big headphones and put on his favorite DVD. I havent had to do this yet but i have seen it alot. I just cant wait till he is old enough to play handheld games and just do that till dinner ha ha ha. I am sorry that your going through this i have two boys and from the moment my DS2 could sit up he hated being in his pushchair and highchair. I am suprised i have any hair left. It is a phase though and i have had people come up and comment on how good my boys are even though i could have swore the had drank a litre of straight rasberry cordial.

I think all kids go thru times like that where they are testing their limits.  I always bring snacks for the boys and different ones just incase they dont want something i have.  Snacks always keep them occupied for a bit.  Also when eating out as soon as the waiter/waitress gets to the table i order drinks and the kids food because I know they have no patience to wait until all the food is ready, they get theirs 1st and they are happy.  Also its a good idea to bring a toy or coloring book or something else just so they dont get bored.

It will definitely get better, hang in there.

missodyssey:

I have to admit i will go to resturants where children are welcome i have never let having kids stop me from going out.

I agree - if I waited til my kids were old enough, I would have been waiting 4+ years at this point   That said, I am very mindful of them not disturbing anyone else and will walk them around outside of the restaurant if they get fussy.

To the OP, I totally feel your pain as my 2 year old is exactly the same.  An iphone or handheld game can help - my guy loves to play the toddler games on the iphone.  And I also understand about the walking - my guy never wants me to hold his hand anymore, or ride in the cart or stroller It's such a pain!

Not funny to you, but funny to me because I've lived through this ... TWICE!!!  It is a phase, and they will get through it.  Just keep being consistant with your expectations, even though it a lot easier to let him act like this!

My oldest, disappeared behind a tile display at home depot while we were looking for new flooring. I ran after him, and by the time I got there he already had his pants down (new skill of the week) and working on the diaper.  Nice!  Now he follows along at the store ... fully clothed!  Most moms of boys will understand and even laugh with you .... if you let them!