I'll be honest, I cannot WAIT until this phase is over. LO's favorite thing to do is to just run away and make us chase her around stores. She won't sit in a stroller or in the shopping cart for more than 10 minutes before she starts yelling to be let down and the running begins. I spend the entire time attempting to calmly explain that this behavior is not allowed/appropriate, and then we have to leave because I won't let it just go on indefinitely. Then she has a meltdown on the way out.

Phew! How do you handle this particular behavior? I really don't want to spank her in general (and definitely not in public) so I would love to hear how you handle behavior issues while out and about.

I really love browsing/shopping and wish we could do it together, but the experience is miserable these days. She'll be three in November. How long did this phase last for you guys?