It takes a toddler forever to do just about anything.
Her self-feed mealtimes can last for hours, bath times
may go on, and the walk from the house to the car takes
long as she stops to explore every pebble, twig, and
leaf in her path. If you try to hurry her, she will
insist on being carried, or may stand rooted to the
sidewalk or even throw herself on the ground. There
are lots of reasons for this dawdling, the basic being
it is hard for them to move fast. They may lack the
muscle coordination to move along fast. Some toddlers
are very persistent; they find it hard to switch to
another activity especially whey they are enjoying the
present activity. To top that toddlers don't have a
clear concept of time so they are unable to think in
terms of getting somewhere sooner or later.
Another reason can be self-assertion; a way to set pace
that suits her or to manipulate the situation. So dawdling
that happens at home is best dealt by avoiding confrontations,
arguments and anger. Let your toddler know in a firm
but calm way that it is time to finish what she is doing.
Also gain her cooperation by turning the situation into
a game. Dawdling in public can be a little different.
You may feel embarrassed by your inability to control
your toddler, and disinclined to hurry her for fear
that it could lead to a fight or tantrum.
If you need to get somewhere quickly take along the
stroller. But suppose you didn't bring the stroller
and you are running out of time, it is best to keep
walking at a slow, steady pace. Turn around frequently
to ensure your toddler isn't doing anything she shouldn't
be doing like eating a leaf. As long as you keep progressing,
she will more or less try and catch up for fear of you
getting too far ahead. Avoid frightening her by using
lines like "I am leaving you. Bye". You will not only
frighten her but chances are she will discover soon
enough that you are bluffing. She may start doubting
your other commands too. Instead encourage her to walk
with lines like "Its time to go home, we will come another
day".
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