Coming when called/asked - when?

[Flossie69]

Hi all

Just wanted to know when your LO's started to come to you when called or asked? My DD is now 16 months, and knows when I want her to come to me (I think), but doesn't. When I need to change her nappy, I call her once I have everything ready, but she seems to have other plans. I have to go and get her.

Also, when we go to pick her brother up from school, she loves to run and play on the extensive fields and grounds, and will just keep going, regardless of me calling her back, especially when she sees other children playing.

Does this sound about par for the course? Wil she eventually learn to come back when I call?

Mine are 4 and 3 and ignore me most of the time

I appreciate that there will be alot of that going on even now she emplys her cheeky grin and tries to hide.

But I would like her to learn that when Mummy calls, she needs to come - there will be times when it will be important....

I can give you a few tips from working with small children. Can't guarantee they will work
When you want them to come to you, ask them calmly and extend your hand. if they refuse, stand your ground and use your 'do as you are told look and voice'.
If they still refuse, use the countdown method 'come here or I will count to 5'
Whatever you do, do not run after them, or laugh or make it in to a game. It's one of those times when you really need to let them know who's boss.
If you get to 5 and they still don't come, then march over and pick them up and say something like having to pick them up because they are a baby and not listening to mummy.
You will rarely have to count all the way up to 5 and you are teaching them numeracy at the same time

I have no idea but when DS hit 6 and was still deploying the ignoring technique I adopted another even less recommended one.

I called DS a million times and he didn't come, so I said (in a voice no louder than I'd originally called him) quick come here the house is going to collapse. .
He came, looked at ceiling, looked and I simply said it could have been an emergency so that's why he should come the first time I call him.

Not recommended but it did work

You will only have a tiny window where they will actually come when called...somewhere between 4 and 5 years. After that, they perfect selective hearing. Especially boy children.