Teaching kids to stay with you

amyjoy18

Brinley has always been a wanderer--so the easy route has been to keep her in a cart when we're out shopping.  She's 4 1/2 so she should be more than capable of listening and staying close to us when asked.  With our upcoming trip to Disney we've been letting her out most of the time as practice, but I feel like I'm constantly telling her to come back, hold onto the cart, don't wander off, etc.  

She is very independent and feels confident in new and different situations (which isn't a bad thing!).  Her curiosity rules all when she sees something interesting and her impulse is to just go look at it, right now.

Any tips for teaching Miss Independent better habits? I don't want her to be fearful, but a bit of caution and patience would be good, 

Luckystar2

I found Disney to be easy honestly! I have a hard time with dd when out shopping, etc because I'm busy doing other things. I'm grabbing groceries or whatever and can't hold her hand every second and she may start to wander.

At Disney I was always really focused on her and what we were doing. We talked to her beforehand about always making sure she was holding someone's hand. We talked to her about not wanting her to get lost. For precaution we also talked about what she should do if lost. And I made up an engraved tag with her name and our phone #s and attached it to her shoe just in case.

I was nervous but it was fine. We usually have success in big places like this and zoo, amusement park, airport. Places like the grocery store or target are more frustrating!

amyjoy18

Luckystar2 said:

I found Disney to be easy honestly! I have a hard time with dd when out shopping, etc because I'm busy doing other things. I'm grabbing groceries or whatever and can't hold her hand every second and she may start to wander. At Disney I was always really focused on her and what we were doing. We talked to her beforehand about always making sure she was holding someone's hand. I was nervous but it was fine. We usually have success in big places like this and zoo, amusement park, airport. Places like the grocery store or target are more frustrating!

Well that gives me some reassurance!  Target and the grocery store are by far the worst.  

AmandaJLewis

EJ was pretty much the opposite. When the doctor asked at her 4 year well visit if we discussed what to do if she and I were separated in a store she worried about it for months after. she is my shadow and I have never worried about her wondering off. But in Disney she was much more ready to lead the way and walk ahead of us. Thankfully most days it wasn't so insane in the parks when we were there and I could let her have some of that freedom. I would just prepare for the worst like Luckystar did and hope for the best.  But not to stress over it!

waltsgirl102503

It helps if I give Brody a choice.  Like I tell him if we're some place busy (or dangerous like a parking lot/crossing the street).  "you have to hold someone's hand, doesn't matter who, you pick".  So I think that helps that he gets to pick me or Walt (or my parents if they're with us or whatever).