4 year old behaviour

[4isfourbutisfour4]

My 4 year old is bright, funny and can be kind and thoughtful. However some of his behaviours concern me.

He cannot stop until he has completed his thought/idea/impulse. It is like I can see an internal battle of knowing he should stop because I am saying 'stop!' For example when running towards a road or across a carpark but his need to complete his compulsion wins. It is putting him in increasingly unsafe situations. Mainly this is when we are out and he runs near/by traffic or across carparks or out of sight in public.

I truly believe that he is not trying to be contrary as he'll say 'I'm sorry I just needed to...'

Short of not going anywhere in public, I'm not sure how to resolve this.

Is this behaviour common in reception aged children and something he'll hopefully grow out of?

If he’s not safe when out in public especially on a car park or near traffic then you need a solution quickly.
He either needs to hold an adult’s hand until he can control his impulses or use some sort of aid e.g. a strap you hold attached to a backpack.
Teach where it’s safe to run and not run. Even in a
“ safe” open space in a park there could be times when you need him to stop or come back to you for his safety e.g. a dog out of control.
I’d work on road safety too.

He does either start holding adults hand or holding the buggy but will just suddenly let go and run. He's fast! If I put a backpack on him he would take it off or throw an almighty tantrum.

He understands the dangers, but just can't see them in the moment. Even my most terrified shout of STOP! will not stop him.

I agree with getting a strap attached to his wrist or backpack. Like reins but for a slightly older child. This is a safety issue so you have to do it even if he has a tantrum about it.

I really dislike 4yr olds. They often know better yet attempt things a three year old knows not to do.
Best I can tell it’s pushing boundaries just for giggles.
Running away, coloring on walls, making needless mess.
Thankfully the phase passes.

Ha, they are a different breed! But I don't dislike mine, I actually feel for him because I don't think it's insolence I think he's acting on impulse which he needs help learning how to control. Just not quite sure where to start.