Alternative to baby "leash"

[GadgetRick]

I'm curious just how many toddlers you were parenting at the same time? I find it beyond hard to believe that you have more than 2 eyes, 2 arms and 2 arms so you clearly weren't parenting more than 1 child. So stop telling people with multiple children that they should simply focus on ONE child. It's rude, condescending and makes you look foolish.

I love how people put words into others' mouths.

Where did I say anything specifically about multiple children? You're being rude and condescending and you look foolish when you talk about things I never typed.

How many toddlers can someone have at one time? Sure, there are exceptions (twins, etc.) but I'd say 2 is about the max most people will have.

Either way, I wasn't talking about multiple toddlers--or any specific number or age.

Maybe you should go back and read what I've typed again then try replying to me in a more adult way.

 

[GadgetRick]

I can't believe people have such a hard time controlling their kids that they have to resort using a leash. Do you all also use a leash whiel dining at the restaurants or do you let them run free. I never had a problem with my 2 girl running away from us while at the parks, grocery store, restaurant, beach, etc.... We tell them that if they run off, we will pack up and leave or they will sit out for 10 minutes. It always works.

Thank you. This is what I'm saying.

Look at how many parents (can't speak about anyone around here as I don't know anyone) allow their children to run around and do whatever they want at restaurants, etc. I see it all of the time. I have never allowed my children to behave like this and I've left places before I wanted to many times to teach them the lesson they can't act that way.

It sucks because it ruins my time (and my wife's) but, again, it's what I signed up for as a parent.

 

[twinboysmom]

The lazy parents comments just amaze me. I can assure you, with two two year old boys, I am hardly lazy. Also the comments on discipline. What makes you judgmental folks assume that those who harness, tether, or leash (whatever name you like) do not discipline our children. And Hannathy, what makes you think that we have not attempted to teach our children to follow rules and listen since day 1? I have said this before but obviously is bears repeating. If you haven't had a runner then you truly don't understand. It's not about being a lazy parent. It's about having concern for their safety. I only harness when I am in a busy parking lot, when I am at an interstate rest area by myself (I travel a 6 hour drive frequently), and at wdw (rarely and only unless absolutely necessary). One of my boys can easily wiggle his sweaty little hand out of mine and I'd prefer he not end up being run over by a car.

 

[GadgetRick]

Holding hands for little ones is not so pleasant, imagine walking around with your hand held above your head

Really? Not pleasant for the little one? I don't know, both of my kids LOVED to hold our hands when they were that age. In fact, they'd come up and grab our hand. My 6 year old still comes up and holds my hand (or my wife's) almost ALL of the time.

They like being close to the people they care about and who care about them.

 

[GadgetRick]

I'm a little confused why all discipline is looked at as punishment. For us discipline can be as basic as correcting a behavior verbally or reminding them of something they already know. Discipline should not have such a negative connotation attached to it.

Excellent! I agree with you 100%.

Kids need us adults to show them what's right and wrong. They don't know. Many times, the only way they'll learn is through discipline. My parents did it to me and I do it with my kids.

So far so good. We alway get compliments on how well-behaved our boys are--even when around other kids who may not be so well-behaved.

 

[GadgetRick]

I know it's shocking to some people but alot of parents actually would like to enjoy themselves while on vacation and not just have it all be about the kid and proving yourself to be a "consistent and controlled" parent that is always "on". If leashing the tike allows you to actually have a better time and nobody is being hurt in the process and it's not disrupting other guests than what's the problem? My 12 year old son loves soda and I never allow it at home but when we were at Disney, that kid OD'd on the stuff. You know why? I wanted to be lazy and have a good time at Disney and didn't feel like arguing about how much coke was too much etc etc. His coke drinking didn't effect any other guests or take away from anybody else's enjoyment of the park so I didn't let it bother me. If a "leasher" wants to relax and attempt to have a good time and loosen up on the "consistent parenting" thing for a couple days I highly doubt the kid will turn out to be a delinquent because for 5 days he wasn't disciplined enough to walk side-by-side with mom. Loosen up people........

Sorry but, as a parent, we don't get to be lazy and not be parents. We do have to always be on. It's part of the responsibility of being a parent.

It sucks when it interferes with my enjoyment of things but it's my responsibility to ensure they're behaving the way they're supposed to and are safe.

There is no option to turn ourselves off with kids until they get older.

 

[GadgetRick]

Yeah, cribs, strollers, baby carriers, and car seats are all baby cages, but people freak out if the kid has a leash that actually gives them some independence? I never understood that.

I still don't understand how a kid can have independence while tied to a parent. That just makes no sense.

My kids have had much more independence by NOT having a leash on. Because I taught them they can't just run off whenever they wanted to, they didn't have to be tied to mommy or daddy.

I find it funny how some claim putting a kid on a leash gives them independence....

 

[GadgetRick]

I have to ask:Why is a stroller a viable alternative to walking, but a leash is not? At least with a leash the child is out and walking.

Also, many posters would argue that having your child in a stroller is teaching them to be lazy, and they sure won't learn any consequences to bad behavior if you keep them strapped down all day. Not sure how someone can justify using a stroller but not a leash.

A stroller is a very different thing. We used a stroller when they were younger mainly because they couldn't walk as much as we could since they were so young. It wasn't used to keep them from running off like people use a leash for.

 

[twinboysmom]

Excellent! I agree with you 100%.

Kids need us adults to show them what's right and wrong. They don't know. Many times, the only way they'll learn is through discipline. My parents did it to me and I do it with my kids.

So far so good. We alway get compliments on how well-behaved our boys are--even when around other kids who may not be so well-behaved.

Would you like a cookie? Glad you have such excellent parenting skills.

 

[Hannathy]

I still don't understand how a kid can have independence while tied to a parent. That just makes no sense.

My kids have had much more independence by NOT having a leash on. Because I taught them they can't just run off whenever they wanted to, they didn't have to be tied to mommy or daddy.

I find it funny how some claim putting a kid on a leash gives them independence....

All it teaches them is how long the leash is.

 

[GadgetRick]

The lazy parents comments just amaze me. I can assure you, with two two year old boys, I am hardly lazy. Also the comments on discipline. What makes you judgmental folks assume that those who harness, tether, or leash (whatever name you like) do not discipline our children. And Hannathy, what makes you think that we have not attempted to teach our children to follow rules and listen since day 1? I have said this before but obviously is bears repeating. If you haven't had a runner then you truly don't understand. It's not about being a lazy parent. It's about having concern for their safety. I only harness when I am in a busy parking lot, when I am at an interstate rest area by myself (I travel a 6 hour drive frequently), and at wdw (rarely and only unless absolutely necessary). One of my boys can easily wiggle his sweaty little hand out of mine and I'd prefer he not end up being run over by a car.

My younger son was just like this (WAS like this). Through disciplining him if he'd try something like that, he stopped doing it. He realized he might get a few seconds of doing what he wanted but he was going to pay for that.

I'm sure there are exceptions to everything. My whole point has been, I see many parents who actually ARE lazy about disciplining their kids--friends and parents of kids I've coached over the years as well as parents I see with their kids while out and about. I know this is a much bigger problem than people want to admit. I'm not saying you--or anyone else here--is like this since I don't know you or the others here. However, I find it hard to believe that everyone here who is claiming to be Mr./Mrs. Mom but can't get their kids to listen truly are taking the time to properly control/discipline their child. Those are the people I'm talking about. Not the ones who actually are doing the right thing with their kid(s).

 

[GadgetRick]

Would you like a cookie? Glad you have such excellent parenting skills.

Didn't ask for a cookie. I don't know if I'm a good parent or not. All I can do is look at how my children behave and judge my parenting skills by that. Apparently, I'm doing the right things...and I never used a leash either.

 

[twinboysmom]

My younger son was just like this (WAS like this). Through disciplining him if he'd try something like that, he stopped doing it. He realized he might get a few seconds of doing what he wanted but he was going to pay for that.

I'm sure there are exceptions to everything. My whole point has been, I see many parents who actually ARE lazy about disciplining their kids--friends and parents of kids I've coached over the years as well as parents I see with their kids while out and about. I know this is a much bigger problem than people want to admit. I'm not saying you--or anyone else here--is like this since I don't know you or the others here. However, I find it hard to believe that everyone here who is claiming to be Mr./Mrs. Mom but can't get their kids to listen truly are taking the time to properly control/discipline their child. Those are the people I'm talking about. Not the ones who actually are doing the right thing with their kid(s).

There are plenty of lazy parents who do not leash their children. We have all seen more than we want when at WDW, kids running everywhere, doing things they shouldn't be doing, etc. A child on a leash doesn't equal a lazy parent and that is what you and other posters have implied. A child on a leash doesn't equal an undisciplined child. Sure, sometimes it does but to automatically assume so is unfair. There are way too many unknowns. And by the way, we get lots of comments about how well behaved our boys are in public places, particularly restaurants. Must because they behave there doesn't mean they listen in parking lots or busy rest areas.

 

[FosterA]

My opinion is that children on leashes is a result of just plain lazy parenting. I cringe when I see children on leashes. I rarely see this, so I know leashes are the minority.

You are right, leashes are in the minority because parents want things to be easier for them which is why they choose a stroller. The kid can be tied down and out of the way versus walking around. Most parents want the easier way to get their kids from point A to B. I've never used a leash and hardly ever strollers either because my kids never left my side and we're either being held or in a backpack thing. I just feel that your theory about parents being lazy is really backwards. It "appears" almost lazier to me to strap a kid into a stroller to get them out of the way. Just my opinion of course.

I have to ask:Why is a stroller a viable alternative to walking, but a leash is not? At least with a leash the child is out and walking.

Also, many posters would argue that having your child in a stroller is teaching them to be lazy, and they sure won't learn any consequences to bad behavior if you keep them strapped down all day. Not sure how someone can justify using a stroller but not a leash.

You are right. It makes ZERO sense. I truly believe that people are just hung up on the "appearance" of the leash since it's so "dog like". Thanks to Oprah and 20/20, we are exposed to seeing neglectful parents that cage up their kids, feed them dog food and tie them up so when somebody sees a kid at Disney with a leash on, then they get this icky feeling like certainly that parents must be neglecting the kid at home or something. I don't know, it's weird for sure. I'm 100% sure the reason people are freaked by the leashes is purely because of the "look" of them no matter what they say. It's pretty obvious that strapping a kid into a stroller is actually worse in a way.

I don't agree. Discipline is discipline. It bugs me when people use this as an excuse. To me it is a cop out parents use to make themselves feel better when they can't control their children.

I think the poster was simply saying that kids respond different to discipline than others. Some are scaredy cat types and others run off easier and require more discipline. You really don't believe that kids have different personalities? Do you have more than one child?

Sorry but, as a parent, we don't get to be lazy and not be parents. We do have to always be on. It's part of the responsibility of being a parent.

It sucks when it interferes with my enjoyment of things but it's my responsibility to ensure they're behaving the way they're supposed to and are safe.

There is no option to turn ourselves off with kids until they get older.

Oh please. I think you know what I was trying to say in my other post. Don't go and try to flip it like I said when you go on vacay you should just throw all rules to the wind.



And I have a question for the people repulsed by leashes and that think it's lazy parenting. Do ya'll have child proof locks on your cabinets or covers on your outlets? If you weren't "lazy" and they had proper discipline than you would never need to worry about your baby sticking a finger in a socket right?

 

[luvmy2babies]

What a revelation. After 5 years of spousal caregiving, working full time and raising one child, burying that spouse 2 months after having another child, going back to that job 6 days after the funeral and working and caring for both children for the nearly 2.5 years since then, going to every parent/teacher meeting, doing all of the homework, school projects, attending the activities while also doing tutoring appointments and therapy sessions, getting my dyslexic child up to chapter books I'm a lazy parent because I sometimes harness my toddler in situations where him running off could be dangerous.

My children behave in restauraunts. I can take them about anywhere. They get compliments on their behavior quite a bit. This particular thing we are still working on with my son. I know he'll get it, but we have made an adjustment until he does. That puppy whom he adores actually is the least of what I think about when it comes to raising him.

Thankfully I am not too fragile for strangers on the internet to bring me down. Have a magical day.

 

[FosterA]

What a revelation. After 5 years of spousal caregiving, working full time and raising one child, burying that spouse 2 months after having another child, going back to that job 6 days after the funeral and working and caring for both children for the nearly 2.5 years since then, going to every parent/teacher meeting, doing all of the homework, school projects, attending the activities while also doing tutoring appointments and therapy sessions, getting my dyslexic child up to chapter books I'm a lazy parent because I sometimes harness my toddler in situations where him running off could be dangerous.

My children behave in restauraunts. I can take them about anywhere. They get compliments on their behavior quite a bit. This particular thing we are still working on with my son. I know he'll get it, but we have made an adjustment until he does. That puppy whom he adores actually is the least of what I think about when it comes to raising him.

Thankfully I am not too fragile for strangers on the internet to bring me down. Have a magical day.

 

[minnie mum]

I believe that I will have to side with Foster A. Using a tether doesn't make someone a lazy parent any more than using a stroller makes them a good one. Just because they choose to ensure their child's safety in a high traffic area while at the same time ensuring that the child is able to get some exercise does not mean that they never discipline their children. That's just nonsensical. Those people making blanket condemnations of the parenting abilities of those who choose to use a tether are absolutely jumping to conclusions when they have no facts to base them on.

I was fortunate not to need to use a tether on either of my children. One was a 'clinger' and the other was timid. But I have had friends who had to resort to its use. They didn't just give up and leash the kid the first time he tried to run. They tried everything short of tieing him down. And eventually he grew out of it. But when they had to go into as situation that involved crowds, that little boy was tethered. And safe. And these were two of the best parents I have ever known. In every other respect that little boy was a joy to be around! And that little runner who had to be leashed? He's now an Air Force major, a pilot, and a father himself. A fine man. Lazy parents? I don't think so.

 

[phorsenuf]

I think the poster was simply saying that kids respond different to discipline than others. Some are scaredy cat types and others run off easier and require more discipline. You really don't believe that kids have different personalities? Do you have more than one child?

I have 4 children actually, all boys. Each one so very different from the other. They are all grown now and somehow made it into adulthood without ever wearing a leash. Go figure.

As for strollers, that's much more safer then letting them roam to the end of a leash. Strollers also keep the flow of movement, especially in a crowded environment. Little feet move much slower which makes them easier to trip over.

 

[hgeisler]

As a mother,imho, it's hard enough to do the best job I can every day with my three little ones. It's defeating when others pass judgment on my parenting decisions. I think most (not ALL) parents feel this way and try to do what's best for their child. It just plain stinks that parenting has become a competition over who has the best kids.

 

[FosterA]

I have 4 children actually, all boys. Each one so very different from the other. They are all grown now and somehow made it into adulthood without ever wearing a leash. Go figure.

As for strollers, that's much more safer then letting them roam to the end of a leash. Strollers also keep the flow of movement, especially in a crowded environment. Little feet move much slower which makes them easier to trip over.

Remember...I also have never leashed my kids and I certainly don't think a leash is the only way to go. I just can't, for the life of me, wrap my brain around why so many people on the DIS have such hang ups about them and insist on judging and calling parents lazy for using them I just wanted to point out that saying a parent is lazy for using a leash is like saying a parent is lazy for using a crib versus training and disciplining your child to sleep in a big-kid bed the day they learn to pull up or walk.