Hi
I have a 2.5 year old boy. He is generally really well behaved. He responds to well to time out, and usually complies with most of what I say. He is generally REALLY well behave (esp. for a 2 year old), but he does have his momments.
When we go to the gym, he decides to collapse and refuse to walk as we are walking toward the day care entrance. He typically does this in the MIDDLE of a busy parking lot. So, I typically end up carrying him (and his 13mo old brother who isn't walking yet). He doesn't do this any other time. And....the funny thing is....he LOVES going to the gym playroom. Once we get in there, he loves it, and runs off and plays.
So....my question is....how do I get him to stop this collapsing thing? I can't exactly discipline him right there in the middle of the parking lot. I am not a spanker...... I have thought about just putting him in time out when we get home.......but that would be 2.5 hours later.....so I don't know if that would be effective.
I'm not sure why your son refused to walk the first time, but he may have enjoyed the reaction from you so now this has become a game. Can you somehow change the routine? Have him count with you the number of steps to the door or "hop like a bunny" all the way there. Kids will do almost anything you want as long as you make it fun for them!
I would say "This is not safe and mommy must keep your body safe" pick him up and get him in the car. Once in the car explain that the behavior he used is not " mall/school/etc." behavior and the next time he will not have the priviallge to go with you. And the next time you go remind him that he did not use "mall etc." behavior and revisit the correct behavior or your expectations of his behavior while you are out and tell him the next time he will be able to come BUT if he uses poor behavior you will turn around and go directly home and make sure you FOLLOW THROUGH!!! Dont say anything you do not intend on actually doing. If at home IGNORE it. Recognize that he is having big feelings and when he is done you will be there and that using words makes it easier for you to be able to help him fufill his needs. Hope this helps.
If he does actually like going to the playroom and if he is refusing to walk but NOT throwing a tantrum and screaming "I don't want to go" then what about turning around and going back to the car and leaving? Right now it's a game and a routine to do this and then get carried into the playroom to play. Instead of rewarding it with playing in the playroom take him home. Now if he is saying he doesn't want to go and wants to go home then obviously you don't want to give in and give him what he wants. The other option is to have some sort of small reward for him after walking into the building properly (a sticker, an M&M, etc.)
Good luck,
K.
Melinda, I am eye to eye with you. I had a two year old that got "freaked out" at LA Fitness. Just about the time I thought I was going to have to quit....I pulled a "SuperNanny"....it only took three or four times of "You stay here for now and Momma will be back in an hour", to get the job done. You have to have a lil' "Dog Whisperer" in ya too. Boundries, rules and limitations.
Too much Reality TV!?! Dont know....all I know is that I can drop my DD off and work out!!!!
Good Luck!!!
Margo
Good Morning Melinda, At 2 he is to old to be pulling this, if he enjoys going he is doing this just to get carried, and you are giving him what he wants, then rewarding the behavior with play. To me this is just short of a tantrum and I would not talerate it. Children to be disciplined at the time they at the time they are miss behaving, because later on they may not realize what they are being disciplined for. Connie
I work out at home so I don't have to drag my kids out to a gym
