How do I get 2 1/2 yr old home from the park?

[baileyslover]

Just that really, want to take my son to the park but have 10 month old triplets so really struggle at leaving time when he throws a huge tantrum and I am there by myself. I give him plenty of warning,but even if he is hungry and getting tired, he is enjoying himself too much to want to leave. He really lashes out at me, and I just feel myself losing it, thus ruining a good outing.
Would a reward chart work, or is he too young?

You may find it easier to sling the triplets and let him lie the full width of the pushchair to tantrum instead...

Seriously though - definitely not too young for a reward chart. Something else you could try if that doesn't work is to give him something he doesn't get any other time for leaving nicely (could be a chocolate button/five minutes on a particular dvd etc.,)

My strategy is to distract and offer something exciting. Eg, "let's run to the gate, who can get there first?", "lets go and see if we can see a fire engine", "shall we go and see if the postman's been?". I never mention the fact we are leaving or the fact we're going home. The forced enthusiasm in my voice makes me cringe but it usually works! Failing that I offer food - foolproof.

Bribery.

You are not going home, you are going to watch a dvd, have a snack, get out that most coveted toy which is stowed away for such an occasion (bloody Thomas Post Office loader here) etc

I would put him in the pushchair and sling a triplet, too.

Also, don't feel bad if it is too much for you to take triplets plus toddler to the park on your own, that must be flipping hard work.

you have 4 under 3? I had 3 under 3, no multiples, and avoided the park like the plague! I hate the park, the dc's never want to leave or they run towards the river to look for ducks.
For me it's denial of what we are actually doing, if I tell them we are going home then they switch off so I pretend we are going to do something more exciting over there - look at that doggy over there, lets go see what that noise is, what's that over there, I can see a big boy on a scooter shall we go watch...anything to make moving in the right direction more exciting than what he is currently doing.

- genuinely thought people were suggesting you "throw out" one of your babies.... never heard of a baby carrying sling being used as a verb before

Seriously though - RESPECT. The very fact you even get out your front door with a 2 yr old and 10month old triplets just puts me in huge awe of you.

I think bribery is your friend in this situation. I do the walking off trick. I.e. walk off but look over my shoulder,have never got more than 3 steps, but I honestly think in your case chocolate buttons is the solution here.

I take my hat off to you, 4 under 3 and out still go to the park! Op you're a star!

Aww bless I have one 10 month old and a two year old, I go for the chocolate buttons myself, with four I'd suggest a large garden and

Wow, 10 m/o triplets and a 2 y/o, you are supermum!

Some good suggestions on this thread, I'll use them for my ds's, thanks.

With my son I also use the 'i will race you to the gate, I'm going to win' tactic. Works every time but he's 3 now so I expect some day for him to turn around and say 'no its ok thanks'

Wow, thanks everyone for the replies.
Pattie, gin just as appreciated as baileys here
Am investigating an extra seat to go on triple buggy, as while DS walks to the park fine, is always too tired to walk home properly. Think until then slinging a triplet is the way and will definately try bribery! Walking away won't work as he is too bloody confident,he will quite happily play the other side of the park out of view of me. Luckily the babies are happy in the buggy as we have to walk around following him!

Plenty of good advice here but here is a medal from me, your toddler is a very lucky one that you even take him. I am now going to have a lie down after just thinking about dealing with four under-3s!

Oops - hadn't even thought of the actual meaning of 'to sling' when posting.

baileys - would a buggy board work for him?

Moonlight - buggy board won't fit on my triple buggy, ideally looking for something I can strap him in, so that he can't jump off and run away as we are leaving!

Ah - would something like this work maybe or one of these?

I know you'd still have to push/pull but at least there's a strap to stop him escaping.

Chocolate. Seriously

At that age what worked quite nicely for us was warnings that we were going, then getting him to wave goodbye to the playground, swings etc. Leaving that way and on foot was fine, but all hell would break loose if I attempted to put him in the buggy.

And kudos to you for managing it at all!

I use the alarm on my phone, make it clear that when my alarm goes off it's time to go home, it really works with my DS. We use it for bed time too. The alarm means no messing, it's time.