Child Leashes

[totalia]

Getting my nephew to sit in his stroller without fighting his damnest to get out is like.... well its impossible. He acts like your killing him. He will only stay in the stroller for a while.

Its not as easy as people seem to think it is.

 

[Disney Doll]

I used to have the same opinion about leashes until I was wlaking in Manhattan near Christmas one year with my 4 year odl godchild, came to a corner near 5th Avenue and I had a death grip on her hand liek oyu wouldn't believe!!

Well, lo and behold the light changes, the "walk" sign blinks, the crowd waiting to cross just swarms acroos the street like a tide, I lose her hand and off she goes and she and I were never so frightened in our lives. I about knocked people down to keep an eye on her in the crowd that was literally carrying her across the street in their wake. When she got to the corner. she just sat down, a couple of people tripped over her, I grabbed her up and carried her after that, but a 4 year old isn't that light to be carrying all over NYC in the Christmas crowds.

Let me tell you, I'd have sold my soul to the devil at that moment for a child leash.

 

[cardaway]

I used a harness with a 6ft dog leash attached to it to keep my third child safe while I watched her older brother and sister play base/softball. It was the summer I was very pregnant with my fourth and I was exhausted keeping my toddler either sitting in her stroller or on my lap for the big kids' games. At the softball games I would sit on a blanket under the trees (no bleachers) and DD could wander 6 feet in any direction without getting away from me. At the baseball games I would sit in a lawnchair by the bleachers and again, DD could wander 6 ft around me in safety. This really saved my sanity that summer.

Now see, that is what I figure these things were designed for. I can't imagine the people who designed these things thinking they would be used in high traffic areas. I'm going to have to find one in a store and read the box. I would be surprised if there are not warnings about children getting injured if the tether were snagged by a moving object.

 

[slo]

I used a "leash" on my DD when she was younger and it was great for both of us. I didn't have to scold her for running off and she didn't have to deal with me putting a death grip on her hand so she wouldn't wander off.

People would stare at us when I was using it, but I didn't care, because my DD's safety came first!!

 

[MELSMICE]

When it's really bad (think the exit walk after Illuminations, Fantasmic, or all day Saturday in the MK) there is no way even two feet of tether is going to be safe for your child or the people around you.

I would venture to guess that the majority of parents are carrying a young child or have them in their stroller when leaving Illuminations or Fantasmic - just safer then having them walk with such a large crowd.

Again - it's all about safety.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

Discuss......

I don't have a child, but if or when I do, the child would not be leashed. Personally, I beleive that it's a child, not your dog, so save the leash for your dog. Most of the parents who use leashes just use it as a way to let their kids run around while the parents do their own thing.

.

YOu know one thing my mother always told me was, "never say never" it comes back to bite you in the ****. That is especially true when you have kids. Perhaps you will be a perfect parent, of course to date I have never seen one so if you are you will be a first.

I remember saying when I got married and had kids I was still going to eat from china and crystal. Tonight we used paper plates !! Never say never.

 

[MELSMICE]

I remember saying when I got married and had kids I was still going to eat from china and crystal. Tonight we used paper plates !! Never say never.

 

[RitaZ.]

Getting my nephew to sit in his stroller without fighting his damnest to get out is like.... well its impossible. He acts like your killing him. He will only stay in the stroller for a while.

Its not as easy as people seem to think it is.

You are right, it's not as easy as it may seem. Every child is different, some are curious, independent and others are quite content to sit in the stroller. My kids (3) are on the curious and active side, which was physically draining on us. Just thinking about those days makes me tired...

With DS#2, as long as the stroller was moving, he was happy. When we stopped, well that was a different story... He wanted to get out, would arch his back, crying, screaming, kicking... there was nothing easy about it! Trust me, I got many dirty looks from bystanders that found our situation interesting. We tried different tactics, distractions, leaving when they/we had enough of the situation and were tired... We just tried to do what we felt worked for our kids based on their temperament. Some tricks worked and others didn't, there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to kids.

The "hand on stroller/cart" or "hold mom or dad's hand" approach worked well for us. I'm not saying that my kids were thrilled to hold on to the stroller or cart, but over time, they got the message that there was that one option or we would leave.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

The "hand on stroller/cart" or "hold mom or dad's hand" approach worked well for us. I'm not saying that my kids were thrilled to hold on to the stroller or cart, but over time, they got the message that there was that one option or we would leave.[/QUOTE]


Worked for number 1 son but number 2 had to have the leash. He was a, "I am not going to hold your hand" squirmer. I got dirty looks and comments to which I replied very rudely.."it's none of your business, maybe you re the person from whom I am protecting him." Shuts them up fast.

 

[Jessy]

BUT I have heard some justifiable reasons to use them--like to prevent your child from getting kidnapped or killed. Some kids just take extra effort to learn their boundaries and they certainly won't learn them staying home and avoiding situations that the child could get lost in.

I have never used one for my DS (now 6) but I certainly see the need for them. He still runs off sometimes. If I was the one tangled or injured by the leash by a parent not paying attention then so be it, at least I know the child is safe and not lost or kidnapped. I small price to pay for a child life.

 

[lulugirl]

I don't recall ever seeing a child on a "leash" while at WDW. Jeez, some of you that oppose using them make it sound as though there are innocent park guests getting tangled in them all over the place.
Personally I don't care what other parents do as long as they are watching thier children. I never had a reason to use one since Dd loved her stroller and when walking she was not the "wandering" type.
I think it's really unfair to judge other parents and to liken it to "walking" a dog.
.....and to the Op have a child, then comment.

 

[totalia]

Thank you. I just get tired of everyone figuring its easy. You have to let him out of the stroller or he screams bloody murder like you're beating him. Can you imagine what would happen if someone took that the wrong way? A leash is just much more practical when he wont listen to "hold my hand" or "hold the stroller" or anything else either. He wants to go off on his own.

 

[Michie]

I think we have enough threads going already attacking parents for the choices they do or do not make. Don't leash your kids if you don't want to and good luck in your quest to be the perfect parent someday.

 

[Aidensmom]

With DS#2, as long as the stroller was moving, he was happy. When we stopped, well that was a different story... He wanted to get out, would arch his back, crying, screaming, kicking... there was nothing easy about it! Trust me, I got many dirty looks from bystanders that found our situation interesting.

And no matter what you do, someone will find the situation "interesting"!

Last time we were at WDW, DS started up with us because we told him "no" about buying something he wanted. He rebelled by doing what you just described as he sat in his stroller. I picked him up and placed him in "time out" behind a fast pass machine in the Norway pavillion, where he proceeded to do his usual "time out" routine of screaming and trying to hit, etc. (something I wish some people on these boards who think that there is no such thing as a "difficult" child would have experienced). As I calmly stood there waiting for him to calm down, I got the dirtiest looks and meanest comments I ever got in my life. DH and I joked afterwards that they were from probably some of the same people who preach about needing to discipline your kids on the DIS boards! Someone is always going to judge you, no matter what choices you make.

 

[Planogirl]

I see nothing wrong with a short leash. Luckily, I never needed it because our son was real content to stay in his stroller. But I can see how useful they would be for a wandered.

I don't like the idea of really long leashes though. Those just sound like accidents waiting to happen if used while walking in a crowded area.

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

DS is not yet at the age where he can walk on his own(yet..but he's getting closer) and I can't imagine the kind of struggle we're going to have with him once he can and discovers he can go places all by himself. He's a very independant, spirited kid and I will not hesitate to leash him for his own safety.

I've worked in the mall for the better part of 3 years now and it terrifies me that something will happen to the youngsters that are brought there with their parents. I've seen parents go up to a food court place, order and be oblivious to their child who is running u p and down the length of the food court. OR Mom/Dad will order food and pay, then leave Jr and Little Susie to wait on the order while they (the parents) go find a seat or go order other food from some place else or take Littlest Bratling to the bathroom.

TOV

 

[4greatboys]

Jeez, some of you that oppose using them make it sound as though there are innocent park guests getting tangled in them all over the place.

LOL now that would be quite a site.

I have seen them used at WDW and I didnt see any innocent bystanders wrapped up. Though I dont doubt some have been before. If you asked me before I had kids would I use one....the answer is probably not.
All kids are different. Ds #1 was wonderful. Always stayed right next to me. Ds #2 not so great about staying close but okay with stroller. Ds #3 once he passed 2 he listened pretty good and for ds #4 (who is 3) we are still waiting for the listening to kick in. The boy was born running full speed ahead. He has a very independent nature and wants nothing to do with the stroller, holding hands or even just walking for that matter. Though he is getting better with age and LOTS of work I have had to use the safety harness with him before.
My last 2 are only 2 years apart so while one may be walking nicely beside you the other on is ready to tear out of there. Its a smidge hard running after a toddler while dragging one along with you.
I think if you need if for you childs safety then use it and if you can get by without one, well thats great too.

 

[lbgraves]

Well, I also said never...until my flight solo with DD 11 mo & DS 32 mo. On the way to TX I managed to get someone from the ticket counter to help me. I had a double stroller with DD in the front & the two carseats & other carryons in the back seat. DS walked with me but that was a trick getting us thru the metal detector having to take everything out of the stroller & then putting IT thru the machine. Of course that meant loading it all back up again. Then the very unhelpful airline staff at the gate & on the plane. I swear if it wasn't for the other customers I would have totally lost it! When we arrived in TX I knew that I needed to get DS a harness. He was SO excited! He picked out the color & loved that it had a teddy bear on it. He insisted that we walk around the hotel with it right then to try it out. On the trip back home, I was unassisted & was very thankful that I had the harness for DS since it was difficult enough to push the stroller & keep the back seat pile from falling over as we turned.

 

[Goobergal99]

It's in humane to "leash" a human being. DD is 6 and very energetic and DH and I have never had to put a leash on her (she hasn't been lost yet) DMIL had 5 kids and never put anyone of them on a leash (not one has been lost yet)

They are kids not animals, Oh and when my mom and I see parents with kids on leashes we bark at them

 

[Goobergal99]

Hey while were on the subject, how about we start purchasing "bark collars" for the little kids too and maybe have them walk on all fours and beg for treats After all as some of you say it's a dictatorship not a democracy

Oh well, I am probably the most hated member on the DIS by now anyway so I might as well extinguish my honest opinions.