Guide
Safety for runners and impulsive children
Simple steps to keep a child who bolts safe out and about, in the car and at home, plus boundary words to practice together. Free one-page printable guide in English and Spanish.
Free from Oaklin Lane’s therapists. Nothing here is a diagnosis, and if something feels off, that’s enough to ask.
Some children dart away, climb or grab without stopping to think. The part of the brain that puts on the brakes sits behind the forehead, and it keeps growing all through childhood. Until it catches up, young children cannot always see danger coming. Kids with attention challenges, processing differences or developmental delays may need even more help. These steps keep your child safe while those brakes grow.
Out and about
- Plan the outing. Before you go, tell your child where you are going, what will happen and the rules. Bring a favorite toy or snack to keep hands busy.
- Use a safety harness or wrist link in busy places, especially parking lots and near streets.
- Hold hands near cars, crowds, water and other dangers. Make it a must, not a choice.
- Practice boundary words at home. Pick short words like “Stop!” or “Freeze!” and use the same ones every time. Practice in calm moments and cheer when your child stops. Games like Red Light, Green Light make practice fun.
In the car
- Use the right car seat for your child's age and size, with the harness snug on every ride.
- Add a buckle cover if your child unbuckles, and turn on the child locks on the doors.
At home
- High locks or childproof covers on outside doors, out of your child's reach
- Door alarms that chime when a door opens
- A fence on all sides of any pool, with a gate that closes and latches on its own
- Tubs, buckets and kiddie pools emptied right after use
- Cleaners and medicines locked up and stored up high
Safety
- If your child goes missing, check water first: pools, ponds and tubs. Then call 911 right away.
- Keep a recent photo of your child on your phone.
- Let neighbors know your child may run, so they can help watch.
Questions families ask
Why does my child run off without thinking?
The part of the brain that puts on the brakes keeps growing all through childhood. Until it catches up, young children can’t always see danger coming, so grown-ups help keep them safe while those brakes grow.
How do I practice stopping?
Pick one short word, like “Stop!” or “Freeze!”, and use the same one every time. Practice in calm moments, cheer when your child stops, and play games like Red Light, Green Light.
