Before going into any shop when my teen was little we had a quick chat of expected behaviour whilst shopping.

I feel your pain, and it’s tough if you don’t want to use a lead. (Although that might be a last resort – don’t dismiss it.) We had a rule about having one hand on the pram at all times – that worked well when we had several kids. Perhaps you could have a similar rule about your clothing or bag?

It was interesting reading the comments on this!

Some great suggestions here – ive been wondering what to do when this happens

My daughter has 2 option, she either holds my hand or goes in the pram

I always put my toddler in a pram for shopping etc to svoid the risk of him taking off

Sorry, but I would suggest using one the back pack leads. I would use it just until she learns to hold on to your hand when you ask her to. Otherwise in the trolley could be another option.

what did you end up doing?

Hope you managed to find the answer you were looking for.

What did you end up doing?

maybe put her in a stroller

Not sure what to tell you. My youngest still does and she is 6. She likes to hide in the clothes. Even now when I pick her up from prep, when they open the class door she will be hiding somewhere.

I purposely let my daughter think she was lost once-she could not see me but I could see her above the clothes racks. She had a moment of panic and then I appeared, she never disappeared on me again because she thought she would get lost.

I did not want to use a lead but I did it saves running it also protects your child. Because if your not quick enough down a step they can go … But on a lead they have freedom until they understand safety … So if you want to let walk on a lead until they learn to walk with you… But good luck with that … I had three only one of mine come off the lead a little over two… No way with the twins .. In fact one of our twins ran and if it had not been for the lead they would of gone under a bus… Yes I was standing on the corner and he just decide to take off…

Thanks heaps for posting, was also wondering.

Awesome question, my 19month old has no fear and will happily leave me for any other family with children while shopping. I have been reading everyones answers.

I have found that if i plan short easy trips eg shopping for only 1 item. That way he can walk beside. Otherwise i have strap him in the pram and dont stop moving!

Good luck

Well hello person with the exact same issue as me! ha!

I am having the exact same issue with my 20 month old at the moment. She yanks her hand out of mine and races off, I have to chase after her. I am trying something one of my friends suggested, she said whenever they get out of the car ready to go into the shops she looks him in the eye and has a talk about how he needs to stay with her as it’s safe and can he remember to do that.. etc.

I know it seems strange with kids that are this young, most people would think they don’t get it. However it really does seem to work! I always talk to her now and 5 times out of 10 it does seem to work. I also make sure to talk to her about where we are going and what we are doing.

I hope this helps somehow! I will be paying close attention to other answers to get other tips!

I taught my son to put his bottom on the car as soon as he got out and also taught him wait and stop. We have stairs at both the front and back doors so I would let him out and ask him to wait then take him down to check the mail box. I would also ask him to grab my jumper so that he was attached without feeling annoyed he had to hold my hand (which most of the time he likes anyways). I would get him involved to so he would ‘help me’ which meant he couldn’t wander off.

I never had that problem. My daughter was more fearful that she would lose me!

mine still does it & she’s 4