How to persuade a toddler to walk

[grace11]

I'm having a nightmare persuading my toddler (she's 2 yrs 3 mths) to walk home when I collect her from the childminder. I can't bring a buggy as I come straight from work and I can't carry her as she's heavy and I often have my hands full. Yesterday she screamed and screamed, walking in front of me, hitting my legs etc, and eventually sat on the pavement. I sat nearby not saying anything and started to read. She finally got up and came over and walked with me but this whole thing had been going on for about 40 mins. Today I thought it would be better but it was worse! She remembered about sitting down on the floor and did it straight away. I resorted to bribing her with food as I needed to get back quickly. I know this isn't the way to go -- has anyone got any other suggestions? Help!

My dd is a year older than yours, but I have the same problem, I find distraction is the best technique, eye spy is perfect, but your dd might be a bit young; I also say things like can you see a blue car, whoever sees one first is the winner; how many dogs will we see etc.

It doesn't always work, but can help.

Good luck, I really appreciate how tricky it is when they won't walk!

Can't you leave the buggy at the childminder's?

She's only little and you're both probably tired.

This suggestion is only really addressing the practical issues but have you thought about tak

Argh posted too soon - bloody phone!

This suggestion is only really addressing the practical issues but have you thought about taking a sling with you so that you can carry her if you are in a hurry? There are some v good ones that fold down v small. Sorry if this doesn't help!

What worked with mine was a snack to eat on the way home. And playing a game - spot the red cars, spot a cat, spot a bird, finding sticks, leaves etc. Then they'd forget they were 'walking home'

I'd say she wants to be carried not particularly because she is tired but because she's missed you all day and wants you to look after her. I read an article once about children asking to be carried and the author was saying that they are asking to connect with us.

You could try out a sling from your local sling library to see if you both get on with it?

try distraction.....

can you walk like a.......snail?
horse
kangaroo
crab
rabbit
sneaky cat
invisible frog?

etc
etc
etc

I'd suggest trying a toddler carrier - Connecta, Rose and Rebellion, I love the Tula I hired, I've got an Olives And Applesauce on its way to try.
Your DD is probably tired and wants to be near you for reassurance - carrier solves both of these, and you can get home quicker - win/win!

Some sling libraries do postal rental if you can't get to one.xx

I found the best thing was to let mine take her toy pushchair out walking whenever we did. She was so distracted pushing baby that she didn't realise she was walking

DD2 was (and still is) a reluctant walker, but would happily go on a scooter or a balance bike at that age. Micro scooters are good, because if she gets tired, she can just stand on it while I pull her.

If you can't leave the buggy at the childminders, can you take it to work with you?
2.3yo is very little to be made to walk IMO if they are tired after a busy time at the childminder's...

I used to take a Zapp in a carry bag to work with me.

Brilliant, thanks so much - lots of things to try - phew!