7 Tips to Prevent Your Child from Wandering Off

4. Label Your Belongings!

A great idea for anxious parents is to place name tags with your child’s name and contact phone number on their clothing or bag. Some parents even go to the lengths of custom ordering wristbands and stickers for their wandering child to wear when they attend highly populated areas and events.

5. Consider ‘Training Wheels’

Many parents will look into a child’s lead and backpack combination which allows you to keep close contact with your child. Very similar to a dog lead, you are in control; however, the lead is placed in the backpack, not around the child’s neck.  This may be something to consider if your child is constantly wandering off and refusing to listen.

6. Pick the time and place

Toddlers often hate being confined when out and about and thus you may find that they prefer to run ahead than sit in the pram. However, if they fail to listen to you and continues to wander off, then bring the pram with you. Make sure they sit in the pram during the times when it is dangerous and busy. Just make sure you do give them the opportunity to walk beside you and practice good behaviour.

7. Praise Good Behaviour; Explain Bad Behaviour

If your child does run off, don’t simply yell “Stop” and scold him. Tell them exactly what they need to do such as “come back to mum” or “stay on the path.”

When your child does walk beside you then make sure you let them know they are doing the right thing.