Please tell me how to stop my toddler running away!

[BibbidiBobbidi]

DD is 21 months old and is a runner. She doesn't walk anywhere.
I got her out of the car today and before I could grab her hand she was off straight towards the road and scared the life out of me.

She finds it funny, the more I chase after her the more she runs and laughs.

I've tried shouting. I've tried ignoring (obviously not by the road!). I've tried chasing. I've tried turning and running the other way.
None of this has worked. She just can't wait to be off.

Please give me tips on how I can stop this and keep her safe!

Reins are your friend here.

I think you're right. Do I put them on before putting her in the car so when I get her out she can't do it again?
I literally grabbed her arm before she ran in front of a bus.
Then I sat on the floor and cried!

Yep reins are the way to go. She either epwears them or walks nicely holding Mummies hand.

I’d put them on her before letting her out of the car.

Thank you, I'll try that tomorrow.

They do grow out of it. DD always went in the opposite direction to what I wanted until she hit about 2. Then I realised one day that she was following me round the supermarket! My life changed that day

Love I can't wait for that day! I'm glad to hear they grow out of it.** There's light at the end of the tunnel!

I don't think there is any way to reliably stop a bolting toddler. You just have to wait for them to grow up a bit and learn that wild sprinting away from their frazzled parents is not cool. Unless they have SN, they do all get it in the end.

My DS has always been a runner, and an escapologist. I still don't take him anywhere near a road without his little backpack and leash combo on. He is 2.5 now, and is generally very good about listening to me and not taking off, but still just isn't 100% reliable. Typically his bolting episodes are now limited to when he has seen something utterly fascinating like a cement mixer and can't seem to help himself!

Agree reins - buy the old fashioned simple ones, not the backpack, then she can comfortably wear them in the car so they're always on.

Thanks all.
I've been putting reins on her ever since and have been telling her "you have these on or mommy will carry you" and I've had to carry her once.
The rest of the time she's walked lovely holding my hand with the reins on.

Thanks for all your advise