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Pick Me Up!
Deciphering the Reasons Behind a Toddler or Preschooler's "Uppy" Requests
By Katherine Bontrager
Casto says that the situation has improved over the past few months, with Chloe asking to be carried less frequently. But Casto admits that they're far from being out of the woods. He has found negotiating worked well for his daughter.
"When she asks for an uppy in a parking lot, we'll oblige (as it's really safer for her)," Casto says. "But then we'll say, 'Once we get to the curb, you know you'll need to walk, right?' And almost every time she agrees ... If we're in a mall and she's looking tired, and asks for an 'uppy,' we'll give her a quick boost and maybe walk 20 to 50 feet holding her, saying that she needs to gear up for more walking. Then we'll cut the shopping trip short and head home, if at all possible."
Negotiating, like Casto has found success with, or making a game out of it, like Miranda-Abate suggests, can help. But if explanations, fun games or bargaining don't cut it, consider that your child may just want a little bit more time with you.
Deciphering the difference between when your child wants to be carried for emotional support versus when she just wants to give her legs a break is important. One warrants cuddle time while the other merits a gentle explanation that your little one is big enough to walk on her own for a bit.
"Young toddlers still have needs for closeness and holding," says Dr. Joanne Baum, author of respectfulparenting.com and Got the Baby Where's the Manual?!?
