Toddlers love their independence. They want to get out of their strollers and walk with their parent. They don't want to hold hands - they want to walk by themselves. This is all normal. And dangerous. Toddlers truly can disappear in a flash and, unfortunately, they are not always quickly retrieved. Give your toddler the freedom to run around in truly secure environments like an enclosed yard, an indoor playground or the hallway of an apartment or office building. However, I suggest you wait till he's older before allowing that independence in a store, library or other densely populated public place. In such venues, you can have him wear one of those cool baby harness backpacks - the cute kind that has a little animal or something that wraps around his back and has a belt that attaches to your wrist. Although some people object to a baby being on a "leash" like a dog, until they can suggest a better way of keeping your child safe, just ignore them! Kids like the backpacks and parents like the security of knowing their toddler is just where he or she should be.  Sarah Chana