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My 4 year old and boundaries

Beth - posted on 02/19/2013 ( 4 moms have responded )

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My 4 year old just got a new bike. We just moved and don't know our neighbors yet. He loves to ride his bike but keeps going into our neighbors driveways. I personally wouldn't mind if neighborhood kids did that in my driveway but I have been telling him to either stay out of their driveways or he puts up his bike. I told him it's ok to use others driveway space just to turn around because I don't want him going too far down the sidewalk, and turning around on the sidewalk itself is hard but he insists on riding all the way up to their garage doors. . Which I think is NOT ok. My three year old follows him so they end up hanging out for a sec. Not doing anything but running and riding in circles but I still think they need to stay off. I move our truck out of our driveway so they can have our whole drive but for some reason, they don't ever do circles on our property :/

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4 Comments

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Shawnn - posted on 02/19/2013

3,236

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I think Dove may have hit the exact thinking of a 4 YO...

In his mind, he IS just turning around, momma! He probably doesn't think beyond that, because he's 4. Maybe try drawing a "guideline" on your drive, showing him about how far up the driveway his turn should take him?

When mine were that age, it was animals...any yard that had an animal, especially a kitty...there they would be found. We were in a small town (less than 1500 people), everyone knew everyone else, but I was mortified to keep finding my kids 2 or 3 doors down in a yard! I would tell them constantly (because I could see them where ever they roamed) to stop at the fence and come back, and still trek after them to retrieve. Finally I restricted them to our yard only, unless invited.

And I really don't think your neighbors will get bent out of shape about it, because it is obvious that you are supervising and trying to keep them within set limits. If they've raised kids, they'll understand.

Dove - posted on 02/19/2013

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Although I will add that letting him turn around in the driveway, while understandable, could be where you are getting the issue. Even if he is riding up to the garage and hanging out for a bit... to HIM it could be that he's just turning around. Personally speaking I would have him stay in your own driveway... or put up the bike.

Dove - posted on 02/19/2013

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Keep consistent with the consequences you've set up. You have to put the bike away EVERY time he breaks the boundary without arguing or giving a second chance (for that day). He'll learn.... or he won't ride his bike. Either way it will be his choice.

Liz - posted on 02/19/2013

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I think you have set a good consequence if he doesn't listen, just make sure you are consistent with it. He will get it eventually, or else he won't ride his bike.

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