How do you manage a fearless toddler?

[Thistledew]

DS is 18 months old and is a lively and curious little thing.

When we are out in public he would quite happily toddle off completely on his own without a backward glance. He has limited tolerance for being in his buggy, particularly if we are eg out shopping so very stop-start rather than walking somewhere purposefully, and will scream and protest to be allowed to get out.
If we are walking down the street he is reasonably good at holding my hand, but is far less amenable to doing so if we are in a shop or shopping centre and will continually try to break free or will just lie down.
I've tried reins, but he will either literally run circles around me or will just swing off them if not allowed to go where he wants.

Is it normal for someone so little to be so independent, and if so, how on earth do I manage to persuade him to either stay near me or to tolerate holding his hand? I feel like I'm getting judgemental looks if I let him run freely even though I am just an arms reach away so I can stop him getting in peoples way or coming to harm.

Mine was like that, it's exhausting. Take him to soft play and as many toddler groups as you can and let him tire himself out in a safe place.

He doesn't ever seem to get physically tired! Even after a busy day of swimming, trip to the park and plenty of active play he will still literally be hopping up and down on the bed as we are trying to put his pyjamas on.

My youngest was like this too. I was really firm saying it was holding my hand or the pushchair, it worked for us. My eldest hated reins so just knowing they were in my pocket was enough for him to be sensible

He doesn't ever seem to get physically tired! welcome to being the Mum of a boy! You’ll probably end up doing lots ot Rugby/Cricket/Football and swimming when he’s old enough

Sounds normal - he's too young to have any sense.

My oldest girl was exactly the same. Nothing wore her out. I had to use reins near roads. I’d hold her hand as well. I was the slimmest I’ve ever been when she was a toddler. She grew out of it eventually.

DS2 is the same. The screaming when I insist on the buggy is unreal. I just focus on the fact that it will pass eventually, and the messages and rules I constantly reinforced about handholding and staying close to mummy and daddy will sink in. Eventually.