You asked

My toddler loves to run! How can I keep him safe, and still let him have fun?

It seems like your 19 month old just started walking, but there’s a good chance that he’s already begun to run. Toddlers are excited about their newfound physical skills, and running is one of the ways that he’s learning what his body can do, and practicing his balance and coordination.

The trouble is that while your toddler is having fun running, he might not have the best balance just yet. It’s normal for toddlers to take the odd tumble, but you need to make sure that he is safe when he does.

Make sure that you let your toddler run on soft surfaces, like a grassy field or park. Pad the corners of objects like fireplaces, coffee tables, and counters, to avoid serious injuries, and make sure that your child has good, non-slip shoes, which help him to grip better on surfaces.

If you live in a double story house, then gates at the top and bottom of the stairs are a must – at least until your toddler learns how to put the ‘brakes’ on when running!

More questions

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Up to the age of three, your toddler will be over separation anxiety. However, as there are so many separations in the years of growing up – pre-school, a few days away at camp, and even your child’s first year at college, bouts of separation anxiety could very well occur from time to time all through your child’s life.
As long as your toddler has plenty of space and time to play, and practice all their new physical skills, they’re probably doing just fine with her development!
Toddlers are naturally curious about everything. Instead of stifling that curiosity, you should be making every effort to promote it!
Your child’s imagination is not only a source of fun – it’s one of his or her most important early learning tools.
Young children are emotional beings. The worst thing you can do is make them stifle those emotions. Teach them how to cope with them instead, and you’ll raise a well-adjusted child.
If you want your child to grow up with a strong spiritual foundation, it’s never too young to start teaching, but remember to teach by example.
For toddlers, as with older children and adults, happiness comes from inside, not from outside.

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