1 year old exploring front gardens and Xmas decs decd

[FamilyofTrees]

When we've been out walking recently in our fairly small village, my 22 month old has been wandering into front gardens and having a look around. Especially if they have Christmas decorations up, like reindeer or a Santa.

I say to him not to touch and that it's not our stuff, but beyond carrying him away or putting him in his trike (I'm 8 months pregnant so can't carry him if he refuses to walk so we always bring his trike with us, but I give him the option to walk) there's not much I can do to stop him and I'm not particularly inclined to cause a screaming meltdown over a quick little detour that I personally wouldn't be bothered by. He isn't causing any damage.

YABU - You shouldn't let him go into front gardens at all

YANBU - As long as he doesn't break anything or stay too long it's fine

What the hell? That's unbelievably rude! I remember having a curious toddler, but going into someone's garden (or driveway) is just wrong.

What will your next excuse be for failure to parent your child: 'but I've got a newborn, baby, toddler...'?

He's one. Just hold his hand or pick him up and move him away.

Bloody cheeky wandering into other peoples property and thinking it’s ok. What if a massive dog came bounding out from the house.

What if the toddler was a postie?

What happens if he hurts himself in someone else’s garden? You don’t know what’s in them.

I think will also buy some reins.

I can't believe you haven't brought some already. Your post is so passive. What happens if he decides to wander into a road. Honestly cannot believe you needed strangers on the internet to tell you to get some reins so you can keep your child safe.

Stroller?

Yabu ++ Being pregnant isn't a valid reason not to parent.

What would happen if something happened when he was wandering in other people's gardens? A hidden pond you didn't spot? Touching an outdoor plug? Tripping over something?
Who would you blame then?
If your child cannot walk holding hands then definitely consider reins and using the word no.

YABU.
You are the adult, you can’t let your DS go into other folks gardens just because you’re not inclined to deal with a tantrum

Seriously, parent the kid.

Yes, or one of these extendable dog leads but with a really, really strong retraction mechanism so you can whisk them back when necessary.

Actually, these would be beneficial for use with dogs too.

Absolutely not. We've been going to see the Christmas lights in our neighborhood for 3 years with 1 then 2 toddlers, we've never let them enter others' property to get close. That's not part of the deal when you put your lights up!
It's also a risk to break everything as there are cables running everywhere which kids can't see/don't pay attention to in the dark.

Yes, there has been tantrums. If they can't behave, they don't go.

YABU. It's peoples private property.

Absolutely not. You are the parent you teach him no that’s not our property. You wouldn’t let him wander into the road so why the hell would you let him roam into private property? Teach him right from wrong. Why don’t parents ever want to say no to their kids anymore?

Sorry op but keep hold of them, or just don’t take them out. It’s not ok to wander on private property.

It's your responsibility to keep your kid off other people's property.

Being pregnant doesn't stop you needing to parent if you cant handle a toddler now how will you once another is here it is their property you know the answer

No, I don't think this is ok.

Over and above the lack of manners, what if the freedom to roam leads him onto a road one day?

Of course you can do something about it; you’d spring into action if he wandered in front of a car, you’re capable.

I personally wouldn’t get upset at a toddler wandering in, but I’d be a bit shocked at a parent doing nothing to guide them back. And you’ll eventually come across someone who’ll come out and go off their head at you.

YABVU, and rude and entitled. Parent your child!

Well done for taking on board what people are saying and yes, reins are your friend - especially when the new baby comes, your son can have his freedom to toddle but is always under your control and if you're at a cash point or a till or seeing to baby just put your arm through the reins and you've got both hands free but your son is safe.

Backpack reins. Take buggy or trike with you

You'd find a way to manage if he was running in the road so of course you can stop him! You just want to know if it's worth the effort.

Thankfully this thread has given you the sense check you need that yes, it will massively piss people off to have your child in their garden so yes you do need to go to the effort of stopping him.

Well she did take the comments on board so that’s a bit rude yourself really

OP, I can understand wanting to let your toddler explore a bit, but this has terrible idea written all over it - what if your son trips over something and hurts himself, or ends up breaking some of the decorations?

Maybe think of the reins as keeping him safe rather than stopping him from exploring. He can still look from afar.