Walking with reins; I can't get the hang of it, help!

[LaTristesse]

DS seems fine to walk with reins on but I'm finding it a struggle! I can't help but do like I'm walking a dog - pulling him back from the pavement edge etc - this obviously pulls him over, so what's the technique? How do I 'control' him?!
I want to use them because he prefers walking to being strapped in the pushchair. He's 14mo if that helps...
Thanks

I hold DS's hand and the reins. If falls over, I just keep the reins at the same height which prevents him bashing himself on the pavement and stops me wrenching his arm off , but I can do all the 'steering' via his hand.

I do a lot of talking too - 'let's stay near the gardens / wall / fence', 'the kerb is dangerous' etc and always try to position myself between him & the road so he gets the idea that he always walks on the side of the pavement furthest from the road.

either hold his hands, or hold the reins further up so he can't get too far away from you. make sure if you're walking on a pavement that you go on the road-side yourself

What you need is something like this. Much better IMO as the rein attaches to the top of the backpack, is one string and has a loop at the end so you can either hold it or loop it on your arm. Also gives them a bit of freedom without them running too far.

I usually use it so both DS3 and I are holding the hoop.

Reins aren't for controlling your child, they're simply to stop them wandering off to too great a distance - you still need to use your hands and voice to control them. AngelDog's approach is the right one.