My 2 yr old keeps running out of ANY door, anywhere....any idea's please?

[MummytoJosh]

Josh is 2 yrs old and keeps running out of any doors, does not matter where, he just runs, the most problem area is in play school, i have to run like a mad woman after him! They cannot lock the door as it is a fire exit. I am 41, so not as fit as I once was, and need help before a heart attack looms!!!
Thanks in advance folks!

Where does the fire door lead to, MummytoJosh? If it's the playschool's outdoor area I'd just leave him to it, personally, but then again I'm a bit of a lazy toerag. Sounds like a badly designed playschool if the fire door leads somewhere dangerous! If you're out and about- shopping etc- how about keeping him in his buggy or on reins and, if you think he'll understand, explaining that it's not safe for him to run off?

If you can't give chase to haul him back every time....I wonder if it comes down to either rewards or punishments. At the end of playschool you could give him a biscuit if he hasn't run off that day. Or you can grab him and pin him down for 10 minutes (very distressing, but makes the point) when he does run off.

My 3yo still runs off, though, so I obviously haven't got all the answers! He's getting a lot better (I do the chase/grab and pin down thing).

MummytoJosh

Does he stop running if you ignore him, or is it more of a case that he will keep running? If so it is more of a problem.

I'm always chasing after my three year old. He's a fast runner and loves to explore new surroundings. He has been known to open our front door and run into the street, so I have to lock the door on the inside.

I can't offer any solution that will halt your son's urge to run I'm a fellow suffer here as well. I just try to watch my son closely, run after him and pin him down. Most effective solution of all is to distract him and move us away from the danger exit.

I am in my 40s so I know where you are coming from about fitness. Keeping up with my son was one of the main reasons I took up regular exercise a year ago - running and fitness classes.

HTH

Being thick what does HTH mean?

Hope this helps (HTH)

I sympathise - my DS is only 19 months but will run off anywhere - I too have to lock all the inside doors and in fact have a sort of 'cage' for him ie: his playroom has doors to the living room & kitchen which now have stairgates to keep him in. No doubt this will be seen as very cruel by some mums! I use a wrist strap when we are out but otherwise just have to sit next to the exit all the time (is it something to do with us older mums - I am 44!).

Thanks Cam

mummytojosh, I agree about the nursery being a bit lax if the fire door that can't be shut leads somewhere dangerous. Nursery is one of the few places he should be able to run away with no danger in sight. I remember my ds legging it too at that age and it's a nightmare, esp in busy places (they're so fast aren't they?). I had a wristband rein thing that I used to threaten and I used it if he didn't stay with me. Other than that it's buggy time I suppose. Good luck.

Thanks everyone! The fire door leads to anoter corridor, which leads to some steps and the outside door. So, you can see, I cannot just ignore him and let him go , I have to follow. He loves it, cos I have to run, and he lOVES to run!His eyse light up when i catch him, he thinks its great fun. So I think I i will now sit by the door, and read to all the kids at the reading table, until he realises that he cant get out without me seeing him and stopping him. Should have also added that he likes to hide in the biscuit cupboard too! We lost him one day and he was in there munching the choci bici's, Happy as a pig in mud he was!I should just accept I have an escape artist for a son I think!! If I am outside we have the pram or reins, he never walks holding my hand, so he only escapes indoors...for now anyway!!!!