I have been reluctant to release the wee girl from the buggy (stroller).
It’s faster, easier and less scary when she stays in it: she’s a runner!
But, she has to learn to walk safely, to listen when I say stop, to stay close.
We still have a way to go with all of the above, but I have started to let her walk occasionally.
Once the cries of I wan walk begin.
Once there are no more roads to cross, and we are on side streets close to home, I let her escape and walk along with me.
Unless she runs away, at which point she goes straight back in the buggy!
She is getting better, she now stays close (well closer!) and she stops when I call (read: shout) – most of the time. But, if she doesn’t, it’s straight back in the buggy.
She’s getting the hang of it!
It’s such a nerve wracking stage, a completely necessary one, but scary. There are roads and driveways and moving cars!
But, there are also leaves and twigs and snow. Birdies and planes and doggies. And squirrels…
Another milestone. Another step on the path through toddlerhood. Another step towards being a buggy free household :)
I’m also linking up with the wonderful Country Kids at Coombe Mill again this week. I have to admit that the cold has finally got the better of me and quick walks on the school run (on the days where I didn’t drive!) have been the extent of our outdoor fun. But, it’s actually going to be above freezing for the next few days, we’ll have to make the most of it!
Click on the badge to see what everyone else has been up to and be inspired to get outside!
It’s so hard to let go of those last little things isn’t it. It’s great that she wants to walk though and I’m sure she will soon get the hang of not running off.
It is – just a bit nerve wracking until she stops running away :)
We’re at the same stage, and only use the stroller for longer walks. It is a little scary to let them go off on their own on the pavement! But my toddler won’t have it any other way :)
Yes, the wee girl is very determined to walk :)
I totally know where you are coming from. Bruiser is at the stage of running off too (mostly to keep up with his big brother). He has no danger awareness either so I just want to keep him close and safe. But I know I cant do that forever. We are getting there though and Im hoping to be pram free soon too. Your llittle princess sounds like shes learning fast though.
Loving your snowy pictures!! We’ve not seen any yet!! Was hoping for s dusting today but Mother Nature had other ideas :(
linking up with #SSAA
We’re getting there! She knows what she should be doing, but she can be a little defiant… :) it will be great to be buggy free though!
Lovely photos! Sounds like you’ve got a good set of rules there and she’s learning them gradually. Being without a buggy is such freedom!
I can’t wait to be buggy free! Almost hitting 8 years of lugging one around now :)
Gorgeous pics. And when you’re buggy free it’ll probably make you a little sad….! over from #SSAA
You’re probably right, end of an era – but I think I’m ready, eight years with one is quite enough :)
What a cutie pie! Letting go of the stroller is harder for us than it is for them! Beanie was desperate to be out of it, but I remember being reluctant, too, as I didn’t want her to run away… Mel
I know, it’s a tough one isn’t it?! But, such a necessary independence step x
Ooh tough stage, Monkey is good most of the time, and usually loves holding hands, until we get a road when for some reason he wants to go on his own and not get out of the road. Maybe he wants to do what is forbidden? He loves walking though and just means we have to try and teach basic road safety early! The bonus to all that walking is that it tires him out and he has a nice loooong nap :) She is so cute by the way and I love that coat! :) xx
Thank you! It is a tough stage, but I know it will get better, and the whole ‘danger awareness’ thing is so important.
such a relief to leave it at home – but where do you carry all the paraphenalia ;-) She looks like she is having such fun
Very true, part of me is very reluctant to let it go :)
Sweet girl. Look how much fun she’s having. I can only imagine the gritting of teeth from your end
Ha! It has it moments :)
we are nearly there too! the only time we use our buggy now is the school run!
Yes, when there is a need for speed, I’ll be keeping it!
The two things I thought I’d be rid of by the time my son reached the age of 3-the buggy and nappies. Well, we still have both! I remember the fear factor when walking, and it’s the cars and traffic that bother me especially too. But the fun they inject into a simple walk to school is worth it isn’t it? If you ignore the fear that is. Lovely shots and I don’t blame you for retreating from the cold :)
I’m not quite ready to lose it yet, it carries all the bags for me too!
Ah, look at her there, starting to look all grown up! Boo was a runner, and I don’t doubt Little Man will be, too, so I’m keeping him strapped in for as long as I can! He’s actually happy in there and so far doesn’t ask to come out, but I know the time will soon come…
She now asks to get out and walk! But it is nerve wracking :)
It is a nerve racking stage but hopefully a short one, at this age they are so desperate to explore their surroundings and can only see adventure and fun! Thanks for linking up and sharing your lovely photos with Country Kids.
Yes, it really is! But, there’s just so much for them to see :) Thanks for hosting xx
There is a lot of joy in letting them get out and walk, you just that that extra time though!
Mich x
I know, I’m always in a rush!
I remember that stage, really scary at times! #CountryKids
Absolutely!
I am handing on to my buggy with ever ounce of being .. i am so lazy i love it and i dont want to admit he is growing up xx
I can understand that! Where will I put all the bags, coats etc :)
Well done forgetting outside in the freezing cold for #countrykids! It is such a difficult stage but you do have to start giving them some independence and what toddler can resist snow!
I know – I love to see her getting so excited by the leaves and the snow, but I’ll be happier once she learns not to run!
Soon you’ll be buggy free and hopefully not hoarse from shouting :) Reminds me of suddenly letting my two free and worrying about them running in opposite directions.
I can’t imagine doing it with two! It’s bad enough having to dive after one :)
She does seem to be enjoying herself :-) I know what you mean about shouting instructions every few seconds. Or favourite at the moment is, “No running in the car park!” xx
I know, mine are ‘no running’ and ‘stop!’ :)
It really is nerve wracking isn’t it. I don’t let Ethan get out of his buggy unless he has his backpack reins on, I need this to keep me sane! I bet you can’t wait to be buggy free, I have no idea when we will be!
Thanks for linking up with Small Steps Amazing Achievements :0)
x
Part of me can’t wait, but I’ll miss the storage capacity of the buggy :)
ooh lovely snow! Well done little girl! I need to start to do the same as my daughter calls out ‘ork ork’ meaning ‘walk walk’. xxx
Ork ork,love it! She loves the freedom, I would like it if she didn’t run away :)