Leashes on kids

[PrinceAli]

How does everyone feel about kids who have leashes at the parks? Even if it is one of those cute monkey backpack style leashes.

[DOPEYLUVER]

While I never used leashes for my kids, it was only because they were calm. If I had kids that were more rambunctious, I would certainly put them on a leash rather than risk losing them.

While not necessarily the same, I read about a woman who thought her MIL was terrible for suggesting she use a leash on her child. The child pulled away and ran into a busy street where she got hit by a car and left permanently disabled.

[ampc3]

I personally feel different about this now...

but before I thought the same way as the OP, or thought the parent must not be able to "control" their own kid etc...

However, I have definitely changed my mind now that I have a set of twin boys! Although they are only 6 months now, I absolutely plan on buying a set of those cute little monkey backpack leashes for such occassions, it will be for their safety as well as my sanity!

[MyDizneyBoyz]

Honestly, if you've done a search here you'll find that most people, esp. those with kids, have no issues with them. And if someone does have an issue that's their problem. Parents are free to make their own choices and maintaining a physical connection to an easily distracted toddler in a busy public area strikes me as common sense. It's a lot more comfortable for a child than holding their arm up to hold onto a grownup's hand for hours on end.

I think the biggest part of the problem is when people call them leashes which brings up such a negative connotation and gives the impression that parents who choose to use one are treating their kids like dogs. I have a feeling that if they were called "safety straps" or similar this would not be an issue.

So yes, I leash my dogs and use safety straps (the cute monkey ones ) for my younger kids. Keeps everyone safe and I don't get a headache trying to keep my crowd all within my radar.

[mrsbornkuntry]

A child's safety is more important to me than how anyone else thinks I should parent, I think you do what you need to do to keep your children safe and if that means putting a "leash" on them so be it. And it gives them more freedom to explore than a stroller does, while still ensuring that they don't get lost.

Don't judge another parent until you've walked a mile in their shoes. You never know what the situation is.

[PrinceAli]

I appreciate the responses. I think those are all great points and I agree that my choice of words could have given that a negative connotation. I think a stroller could be just as restrictive but would help ease the mind of a parent with a energetic child. I respect anyone who is a parent for all there hard work and ultimately the choice is yours. My intent was not to tell people how to parent thier child.

[mrsbornkuntry]

Originally Posted by PrinceAli

I appreciate the responses. I think those are all great points and I agree that my choice of words could have given that a negative connotation. I think a stroller could be just as restrictive but would help ease the mind of a parent with a energetic child. I respect anyone who is a parent for all there hard work and ultimately the choice is yours. My intent was not to tell people how to parent thier child.

I think I should've worded my post differently as well, I didn't think YOU were telling people how to parent, I was just commenting about people in general who look down on those who are using the leashes.

And often, as was the case with two of my boys, kids can climb right out of strollers, either by unclasping the seatbelts or slithering out of them. My sons were very good and very fast at it.

[abirdd]

I think it comes down to safety... as a parent, you make a decision based on YOUR child and what YOU think is best. Sure, you may get looks - but that is life. If a leash/harness means your kids doesn't run out in front of a bus (I've seen this twice at Disney), I say go for it!

[Heidijs]

We have one and I rarely used it cus of the looks you'd get. And my daughter isn't a runner or wild or anything close to that. When you're in a mall or a park, it's so easy to look around and for a split second, they wander off not realizing it and get lost in a group of people...no thanks...that's scary...I'll bring ours but not sure if I'll use it. It'll depend on the crowds. My DD4 is good about staying close but like I said, oh look over there!!! Turn around and she's gone...it happens to easily. I want to be able to look around too and not have my eye on her every second to make sure someone doesn't walk between us and she gets sidetracked as well daydreaming. So we'll see how the crowds are. We have a stroller too but I know she'll walk as well...my 100 lbs golden retriever looks at me funny when she wears it around the house for fun.

[TinaMcTeer]

For my youngest DD who is 22 months I use a leash. She is full of energy, a strong will, and refuses to be in a stroller. She would rather be able to have the freedom of walking around than be strapped in a stroller. By using a leash it makes me feel more comfortable knowing that she is safe and it allows her to be happy!

[phillmolly]

I voted yes on this thinking I have plenty of time before I need to worry about this with my son, and then it dawned on me that he is almost 14 months old....so maybe I will be buying him one for christmas, LOL!

[ebtbmom]

I didn't reply to your poll because while I never used a leash on my kid, I don't really have an approve/disapprove kind of opinion. I had a really laid back kid, and only 1 of them, I may have done differently had I had several small kids.

I think it's easy to keep a metaphorical leash on your kid when parents outnumber the kid!

[Hannathy]

Absolutely HATE them. Never used one never will.

[DisneyClown]

I haven't used one yet with my 14 month old, but I would if I felt it was needed. Kids are full of energy and curiosity and most only tolerate a stroller for so long. As far as people staring(or glaring), I would rather have them staring at me for that reason, than because I'm running around screaming because I don't know where my child disappeared to in a massive crowd. If my child is safe in my arms at the end of the day, then stare and glare all you want! People need to stop thinking of them as leashes. They're not around a childs neck!

[PebblesMK]

I just bought one for my niece. She is 15 months old and loves to walk and run around. I knew we would be out shopping for a while and it wasn't fair for a kid full of energy to have to be strapped into her stroller. She was very content to think she had her freedom and yet was always in my safe grip. Stare all you want, I think it's a fantastic idea and it's cute to boot....Most people would think it was just an adorable backpack...until they notice the strap attached. Judge me if you will....but you'd be judging my more with a screaming child who just wants to burn off some energy. Take your pick.