I need some advice..... I have a two year old and twin 2 month old babies. My toddler is similar to most (I guess) in that he frequently runs off, and sees this as a game, very enjoyable as whoever is with him runs to catch him. Unfortunately with the babies (and while I was pregnant with them) its not really possible to do this as he really runs at full pelt off and can get quite far in a really short time.
I am really anxious about this, partly because Im worried he'll hurt himself, but partly because he could easily get out of sight and could be lost. Also, it means leaving the babies in the buggy behind while I chase after him, and someone could equally just walk off with them!
I have tried everything you can think of, praising him when he doesnt run off, explaining to him that mummy cant run after him, rewarding him for not running off, telling him off.
I mostly take him to places where it is enclosed and he cant run off, and today we went out to a soft play, where there is also a really big cafe on another level. He ran off a few times while we were having lunch, and so eventually I ended up saying to him that if he ran off, a 'bad man' might take him away. He seemed to take this in, and didnt run off again.
BUT Im worried this is not a good idea - I dont want him to be frightened, I want him to have a fear free childhood, and running around is part of that, but the reality is I also need to keep him (and the twins!) safe!
What do people think? Have I done the wrong thing, and any other ideas about how I can sort out this behaviour? Its exhausting for another thing, and could do without having to run after a energetic two year old after being up with two babies all night!
Thanks