Toddler with no road sense

[bluebell1]

Hi all im a single parent to a 3.5 year old ds and soon to be 2 year old ds.Ds2 is still in a pushchair but ds1 refuses to get in one so walks everywhere(only short distances).This is perfectly fine in theory but he has speech and understanding delay and is being referred for assessment which could take a few months.I have told him and told him about the road but he still tries to do a runner and worse still tries to stop in the middle of the road.I dont think he understands the difference between road and pavement.I have tried reins and a wrist strap but we go nowhere as he has a full on tantrum.Anyone got any suggestions?

Unfortunatley children don't become more "road smart" until they are about 7 iirc. Have you thought about rewards such as stickers well done we are waiting have a stocker - wel done you crossed the road safely holding my hand - heres a sticker.

no answers sorry just to say I have the same issue with my dd1 this afternoon she nearly ran into a main road was only me screaming like a banshee that stopped her.

He is still very little. I think holding hands/the buggy when crossing rods is non-negtiable, like being strapped into the car seat. But he is to little to understand why. Might help to give a running commentary as you walk around. 'We're getting ready to cross the road...I'm waiting till it's safe...now we 're going to walk across quickly and safely...now we're on the pavement again, pavement is just for people, not cars....'You coulD also try (worked for us) giving him something to hold on to thats tied to the buggy. That way he doesn't feel restricted bt is still attached. Or tray a buggy board?

This is not unusual for a 3yo. It takes a while for them to know where the pavement ends and the road starts. I would say put reins on him. I would tell him he could get in the pushchair or wear reins or hold on to the pushchair. Depending on his reaction, I would let him walk holding the puschair or put on the reins or put him in the pushchair.
You are responsible for keeping him safe.

Message withdrawn

My son has huge communication difficulties and was unaware of roads rather than pavements etc.
I just concentrated on teaching him to hold my hand whenever told to. It was non negotiable. If he refused I would take him home. He soon understood even though he has limited understanding.
You may not be able to explain road safety ( as with my son) but you can teach him to follow a clear instruction.
It is a pain to have to stop and go home but if you can do it consistently he willget it.

Thank you for all of your replies im so relieved that others have this prolem too.I think because he does have communication difficulties i let him get away with too much as i always think im being too harsh.Other problem is my ex when he is out with the dcs (which isnt very often)he is awful ds1 cant take a step without a comment so im sure this adds to the problem.Whilst in town today i saw a dad with his ds in some kind of back pack/rein thing that looked pretty useful.Has anyone else got one or seen one and thinks its a good idea.

Forgot to say i had to pick ds1 up from nursery since my first post andhe wa complaining of being tired so for the first time i put him in the pushchair and ds2walked.Ds2 actually walked much better and quicker than ds1.Now my only prob was crossing the road with a wriggling ds2 in my arms and trying to push ds1 in pushchair.Why oh why did i think it was a good idea to have two children so close together.AArghh.

I have the backpack thing - it is called Little Life

www.bloomingmarvellous.co.uk/product.aspx?CategoryID=n-travel&ProductID=44151&language=en -GB

Wait the tantrum out, don't make any eye contact when he screams, and fit the reins before you leave the house, and offer icecream.

lol at offering ice cream.

I feel for you. My dd (2y4mo)occassionally does a runner and it scares the life out of me. Screaming banshee, indeed! I think the special backpack idea sounds great. Make it important for him to carry it, etc.

I also have a Little Life backpack with a "lead" and would recommend it - especially if you can make him feel it is not the same as reins! It has the benfit of being able to carry trains, a drink etc also.

My almost six year old ran across a road without looking a couple of weeks ago. I have threatened reins if she does it again. And I WILL follow through which will embarrass her hugely in front of her friends.

Well KerryMum after reading that i fear i will never leave the house again.

Second the idea of littlelife back pack, DS wears ours and the lead thingy hooks onto the pushchair handle so he doesn't need to hold on but can't escape too far. Got mine from ebay, there's a seller that does them brand new, also John Lewis have them.

Can put all manner of exciting things in the bag, so it's "grown up" and not like reins! (he might throw a tantrum though, I suppose... good luck!)

I would put ask him to hold the pushchair once and once only, then put him in it. He needs to understand that this is dangerous. My DS now 5 but was nearly 4 at the time, slipped my grasp when I was holding his wrist firmly, ran out in front of a car, got run over and it was awful. Trust me, even now, he knows what happens and is still not road savvy.

It is YOUR responsibility to keep him safe (as the social workers told me afterwards) so even if he's screaming, you have to do it.

Oh my goodness Working24Hours im so sorry to hear that.Thats the thing i think i just presume it wont happen to me but i know it so easly could.I will get the backpack im thinking perhaps i could wrap it up and give it as a special present for him as its his brothers birthday next week and i usually always get him a little something to open as well.Good idea or not?

I have ordered my ittlelife backpack managed to get one for £10.80 including postage.Bargain

I insisted on my dc's wearing reins until they had learnt to hold onto the buggy.