Do your DCKs RUN everywhere in the house?

[MaritimeMummy]

Mine run even if it's to take the 10 steps across the living room. Or, to go from one end of the ottoman to the other. STOMP STOMP STOMP. And it's dangerous because the older kids are running into the younger kids and knocking them over. How many times I've had to comfort a victim of a "run-in". How on earth do you enforce, with a group of kids between 14 months and 3 years, not to run everywhere in the house?

[MrsSteinel'sHouse]

Training I would take them outside and play a little game with walking running, skipping, whatever else you can think of. And explain that they can run outside but inside we need to walk.
Inside I think I would play "lifeguard" for a little while. Explain lifeguards can't have running around the pool and you can't have running in the house. I would get a little whistle or buzzer or something. If they run, blow the whistle like the lifeguard. Have them go back and walk. 2 whistles and they are out of the pool... time out after a while phase out whistle and just have them go back and walk.

[SilverSabre25]

Training I would take them outside and play a little game with walking running, skipping, whatever else you can think of. And explain that they can run outside but inside we need to walk.
Inside I think I would play "lifeguard" for a little while. Explain lifeguards can't have running around the pool and you can't have running in the house. I would get a little whistle or buzzer or something. If they run, blow the whistle like the lifeguard. Have them go back and walk. 2 whistles and they are out of the pool... time out after a while phase out whistle and just have them go back and walk.

That is a great idea!

OP, mine run and I consider it pretty normal at those ages. I have not had any problems and I have a group that's very vigilant of the babies. If someone runs and isn't being careful, then I make them try again and put them on a "warning" for running--the boy in particular I do this for is 4, almost 4.5. It works okay.

My big worry actually is about my little dcg who does NOT run in the house, and she rarely runs outside, either. When she does, it's clear that she's not used to having the freedom to move as she pleases and it makes me sad.

[MaritimeMummy]

It wouldn't be so much of an issue if this wasn't such a small house. And my kids sleep different times. My son is 14 months old and I am *trying* to get him on the same nap time as the other kids but it isn't working, he still needs 2 naps. So most of the day is spent trying to tip-toe around *someone's* naps. I don;t mind making noise but when the bedrooms are right off the living/play area, stomping and running around is a big no no for me.

[Blackcat31]

No straight paths to run in. Everything is strategically set up so that running can't happen. I know this isn't always possible when you have child care in your own home but maybe use moveable, heavier toys for temporary blockades.

I also don't allow my kids to play on their feet. Every one must sit unless they are moving from one center or area to the next. Really cuts down on any rough housing and running.

[Meyou]

My mantra is, "Walking and quiet voices inside. YELLING AND RUNNING outside." Or I can just ask, "Are you inside or outside?" when they get a little older.

I also say things like, "Walking feet now but we will run outside later, ok?" "Save that yell for outside so it doesn't wear out!"

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

We talk about walking feet. If I see them running then I will ask them, "Johnny, please show me your walking feet!" and they will.

We have special times where we run indoors. We call it a dance party and dance/run/hop/skip to Greg and Steve songs

[daycare]

walking feet, like pp said.

when I see a child running, I say sit. That ends it right there.

Running is for outside only, we walk inside.


try this song....


(sung to the tune of "The Wheels on the Bus".)

The children in the room use [walking feet],
[Walking feet, walking feet].
The children in the room use [walking feet]
All through the day.

Continue with the following: inside voices, friendly words

[harperluu]

No straight paths to run in. Everything is strategically set up so that running can't happen. I know this isn't always possible when you have child care in your own home but maybe use moveable, heavier toys for temporary blockades.

I also don't allow my kids to play on their feet. Every one must sit unless they are moving from one center or area to the next. Really cuts down on any rough housing and running.

I thought I was the only one that didn't allow playing on your feet. It's a safety rule, and I've had a few parents look at me funny when I say find something to play with and sit. We have lots of outside time for large motor activities like running/climbing/jumping. The littles get the message when the bigs are playing this way.

I also consider it a life skill and a measure of respect. There's no running inside in nearly all indoor spaces they will come in contact with, such as church, the store, preschool, and other peoples homes. I'm very proud of the respectful way the children behave when we go to another location such as the library and all my kiddos are walking nicely, rather than tearing around like unleashed puppies.

[youretooloud]

I have a really long house...so, they tend to run intentionally. Back and forth.

But, if they are just moving through the house, they walk.