How do I make my 5yo walk??

[Anonymous]

We have 2 kids - DD is 5 and DS is 2. Anytime we go out, we bring one airplane stroller as a travel aide - either for our bags and coats, or for the 2 yo. And we expect the 5 yo to walk.

The problem is that the 5 yo would rather be pushed in the stroller while my husband carries the 2 yo. We’re not going on huge hikes, just short walks that would take an adult 10-20 minutes. DD is a somewhat volatile kid and this is one of her trigger points. She’ll throw a tantrum and refuse to go anywhere, or wail the whole way, or walk so slowly that it isn’t worth going. Needless to say, this ruins the whole excursion.

How can I make her walk?? I’ve trying empathizing - “You wish you could ride in the stroller etc.” and trying to make the walk fun “Let’s find some red leaves!” But it often doesn’t work.

[Anonymous]

Sticker chart

[Anonymous]

Some things to try:

1. Will she bike or scoot?
2. Reverse psychology - ie. Larla won't need a stroller once she's a big girl (or something similar)
3. Acceptance - clearly she knows it bugs you, and she uses it to get under your skin

[Anonymous]

Move to NYC. Everyone walks. Although Ionce babysat a four year old who tried to hail a cab to the playground a block away.

[Anonymous]

Be consistent. Never let her sit in the stroller. Make her walk. Reward the behavior you want. Ignore the behavior you don’t.

Tell her if you get to place A in x number of minutes, you will have time to get a snack.

It’ll take a few times, but she will soon forget she ever sat in the stroller. Don’t give in to the whining.

[Anonymous]

Let her wail or walk slowly. I would also have one parent stay behind with her and let the other parent go to the fun. It’s not a punishment, they shouldn’t be mad, but they should be boring and reiterate that they’re missing the fun.

[Anonymous]

At this point they can both walk. Get rid of the stroller.

[Anonymous]

You can’t make her walk and stop tantrumming. You have to change something, up to you what you change.

-stop taking her on hikes (do another activity, one parent goes on hike, etc.)
-allow her to ride in the stroller
-try an alternative mode for her: scooter, wagon, bring a camera and she’s the official nature photographer

And don’t worry too much about this. She is a human, she’s allowed to dislike activities. I don’t like hikes either. Continuing to force the situation in the same fashion will result in the same result. Choose one of the above options for a different result.

[Anonymous]

I would go with option “Don’t bring a stroller.” And also make the stroller less attractive if you have to bring it — no hopping in/hopping out; rider in the stroller doesn’t get to make any decisions, etc. Also dad can just say he’s too tired to carry the 2yo the whole way so they have to go in the stroller if they’re not walking. If dad and 2yo seem happy to leave the 5yo the stroller, I could see why she would be cranky about being denied it. If you’re just using it for coats/bags, let her ride in it on the understanding she’s responsible for hanging onto all the coats and bags.

[Anonymous]

Could she have a disability or physical challenge that’s gone undiagnosed? My DD(4) the same way—she has tone and hypermobility issues that make it extra challenging endurance wise. We’ve done OT which has helped a bit with building core and posture strength. We also motivate on hikes with little objects that “the fairies leave” like little sparkles/sequins or gummies every .25 miles or so—she really likes this game.

[Anonymous]

Employ a natural consequence. Tell her it's fine to walk slow but that time comes out of time at the playground and you'll have to leave the playground early to make sure there is time to get home before lunch.

Don't get upset and don't negotiate.

Scooter is also a good idea.

[Anonymous]

Dont bring the stroller. Carry less stuff. Offer her to bring a scooter if she wants. Start going on longer actual hikes with just her to build endurance.

[Anonymous]

My DS was like this starting at a very young age. Twin sister walked everywhere and he complained of being too tired. Fast forward a few years and it turns out he has bad asthma. We never saw him wheezing so it didn’t occur to us this was a possibility, but he always felt a bit short of breath doing any exercise. I really really wish we had figured this out sooner.

Will your daughter run around at playground, play soccer, or is she generally reluctant to do much exercise? If the latter, please get her checked for asthma.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At this point they can both walk. Get rid of the stroller.

+1

[Anonymous]

You buried the lede: DD is a somewhat volatile kid and this is one of her trigger points. She’ll throw a tantrum and refuse to go anywhere, or wail the whole way, or walk so slowly that it isn’t worth going.

This isn’t about walking. It’s about a kid who is struggling. What are you doing to address the volatility? What does your pediatrician suggest? Are you working with a therapist?