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Original poster

Struggling with 2 year old while out - practical tips please

15 replies

Qwerty8474 · 10/12/2025 11:45

My just turned 2 year old is currently going through a phase where he wants to throw everything, scream, shout, try to run off (we use reigns) hates the puschair and constantly shouts "let go of me" anytime he's buckled in the carseat, pushcair or when I hold his hand (hence the reigns)

I am attending DD's Nativity play on Friday and I know if he causes disruption i'll have to walk out but i'd like to avoid this if possible of course.

Any practical tips on how I can keep him in the pushchair? How can I keep him entertained? If I take him out he will absolutely try to run off like he always does. This is is the reason I stay home on my days off as it's not worth even popping to the shops.

I have tried snacks, he has a terrible habit of throwing them if it's not what he wants

I may be wrong and he might actually find the play interesting but from how he's been for months and months now, I doubt it.

Advice please

OP posts:
Original poster
Qwerty8474 · 10/12/2025 11:49

At the start I thought this was normal, testing boundaries etc. But seeing other children now who are the same age, I am worrying whether this will improve or not. Sounds silly as he's only 2 but I have not experienced this before

He is an angel with DH. He only needs to say something once, if I use the same firm tone ds will ignore me

OP posts:
letitallopen · 10/12/2025 11:52

I have a two year old pushchair hater so I sympathise. However, I am kind of wondering if maybe being at home a lot is part of the problem? My toddler has been cooped up a lot more than normal as the weather has been so poor and I’ve definitely noticed she’s more irritable and whiny and demanding than normal.

I wouldn’t try to make him stay in the pushchair. As long as he’s not causing anarchy he can wander around a bit. Food may help (it doesn’t for DD sadly!)

Mt563 · 10/12/2025 11:54

Not necessarily helpful for nativity inside but we have a ride on scooter with parent handle which is so much easier than the pram. She doesn't have to be buckled in so doesn't resist the same way and we can easily get her off to walk if it's appropriate.

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Timpanic · 10/12/2025 11:55

Does he watch cocomelon etc? For DDs nativity I would be handing him my phone (silenced ofc) at the first sign of disruption. Try and get an end seat so he can be in his pushchair holding your phone. Appreciate that not all 2 year olds will watch stuff on a phone quietly though.

Day to day I wouldnt worry too much about snack throwing. Just pick it up, throw it away and carry on. It's not a big deal. Do you want to go out more with him? If so I think it's just a case of strapping him in the pushchair and trying to make it fun for him like play I spy something red etc, let him put stuff in the trolley at the shops. If you're happy just staying home when you have him then don't stress, he'll grow out of it.

FuzzyWolf · 10/12/2025 11:56

I think reins can be counterproductive because the child doesn’t feel they have any control or freedom so will push the boundaries.

letitallopen · 10/12/2025 11:58

FuzzyWolf · 10/12/2025 11:56

I think reins can be counterproductive because the child doesn’t feel they have any control or freedom so will push the boundaries.

I agree … I know they are suggested a lot on here and they can be useful but I’d say more for that early walking stage. Once they get stronger if they resist you end up almost fighting with them! They are fine for compliant children who are just a bit spacey and may wander off but for non compliant children, I don’t really think they are great tbh.

Original poster
Qwerty8474 · 10/12/2025 12:05

Thanks all! The ride on scooter sounds like a great idea, I have seen a few of them around.

I will try snacks again for the play to keep him busy. I'll try find some intersting looking ones 😂

Ill try nursery rhymes on the phone again, hopefully he's settled for most of it at least.

It's interesting regarding the reigns. I never really thought about this. He has been walking for a long time now so it's probably time to ditch them and get him used to holding my hand (which he probably doesnt do because of the reigns)

OP posts:
Ilovechees3 · 10/12/2025 12:21

I am a believer in using reins, have used them for my children and grandchildren, and not all of them were compliant.
It is so easy for a child to slip it’s hand out from yours and then run.
I used to hold the reins and the hand of the child when I felt they were behaving well I would leave the reins on and just hold their hand, if played up back to the reins.
I would rather have a safe child than one who could potentially run into harm.

TheNinkyNonkyIsATardis · 10/12/2025 12:38

I find my son is starting to understand and respond to being given an itinerary.

"We're going to the shop to buy xyz, then we're going to the park and you can get out and play. Then we're going to your sister's play and you'll need to sit still. After that it's a Christmas disco"

Etc. he knows what is coming next and that he'll be able to run around soon. He gets some choices (Lidl or Sainsbury's).

Panicmode1 · 10/12/2025 12:49

I never used reins with my four but I did do a LOT of park excursions and getting out and about as much as possible.

I had three boys so they needed to expend a lot of energy and I would go out every day, rain or shine. Yes it can be a pain to get coats and wellies on etc but with the right clothing it's fine..and the pay off is they are tired and nap better!

If he's not getting enough exercise it may be why he is kicking off about being in the pushchair or confined by reins? It's a bit of a chicken and egg thing - ie you are worried he will run off but if you can play games whilst you are walking with him holding your hand next to you...ie can you hop on one leg or how many red cars can you count with me..then you may find he won't run off...? Or if you say, we are going to the park but you have to be in the pushchair or walk nicely with me...talk a ball or something so you can play "football"....

Would he do sticker books or something like that whilst you are at the Nativity?

Lookingforthejoy · 10/12/2025 12:55

It’s really comfortable for a child to hold an adult’s hand due to the height difference so I would stick with reins

Imisscoffee2021 · 10/12/2025 12:58

I use a trike when he doesn't love a pushchair, been using one since he was 1.5 and he loves it as he can see more. I attach a steering wheel to it and he has fun pretending to drive 😆

Naticott wise hopefully he will simply be entertained by the nativity.

Fizzysticks · 10/12/2025 13:15

I can completely sympathize with this as I also have a defiant 2yr old! She will sit in her buggy but grabs anything she can get her hands on in shops which is really stressful. Have you got one of those busy books with different buckles/clips etc to keep his occupied? We got a felt one on Amazon specifically to use in the buggy and it does give us a few mins of peace when out and about. For the nativity…. Could your little one stick stickers on the pram?

Panicmode1 · 10/12/2025 14:03

Lookingforthejoy · 10/12/2025 12:55

It’s really comfortable for a child to hold an adult’s hand due to the height difference so I would stick with reins

Not something we ever had a problem with (and my DH is 6'6) but if hand holding is an issue then perhaps they can hold the buggy?!

I had four under 7 so reins would have been impractical in any case!

letitallopen · 10/12/2025 14:05

Yes, depends on your height. I’m 5’2; hand holding isn’t a problem!

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