Mommy2Jacks&Wil I am a stay at home wife and mommy. I've been married to Travis for 5 years and we have two sons, Jacks (2 1/2) and Wil (8 months). I have a BS in nursing and worked as a pediatric nurse before I had children. View all articles | Contact author

So we've all been there. We're trying to leave the train table at Barnes and Noble or the swings at the park and your toddler doesn't want to leave. What do you do to get your child to leave of his or her own will with a smile on their face? OK well maybe not a smile but at least without the kicking and screaming. As soon as my son was able to say "bye bye" (maybe as early as 12 months old) we've said "bye bye" to whatever it is we have to leave. For example, if you're leaving the train tables at Barnes and Noble, we say bye to the choo choo trains, and we'll see you next time. If it's the park, we say bye to the slides and swings, etc. This has worked miracles with my son. He's 2 1/2 and still says "bye" to everything and will leave without throwing a tantrum (most of the time). I think that it not only helps them to be able to say "bye bye" to thier activity but it also helps by changing the focus and distracting them. Hope it works for you!