When did you stop using reins?

[PomPomBear88]

To ask when those of you who used reins with their children stopped?!

my toddler is coming up to 3 and a half but going outside is just an awful experience most of the time as she just doesn’t listen to whatever I’m saying. She’s so independent and strong willed that every outing just turns into deflation. Used reins non stop when she younger but gradually started using them less from around the age of two as toddler seemed worse with them on than without. I now tackle every outing without them but seriously thinking about forcing her to wear them as I’m worried about her getting injured when out and about from traffic etc. She is very switched on and I do explain what could happen if she runs off and the dangers of roads and whatnot and she seemingly does understand but when actually out her listening ears get left at home every time.

any suggestions? DD is my first child so is this just total normal behaviour during this age?

thanks!

Dd1 loved the reins. She liked the feel of being independent without completely being loose. She used to ask to wear them until she was three and a half or four.
DD2 thought the only reason for reins was that she could pick up her feet and swing from them. I think I gave up on them at about a year, and just used the threat of "hold my hand or go in the buggy". She hated the buggy so that was reasonably effective.
Ds wasn't keen on them, and I don't think I used them once he was steady on his feet, and didn't need them for security if he fall.

None of them were runners though; if they had been then I'd have insisted.