Harnesses for Kids

[Stinky_Pete]

touche! I guess you are right, but in that case everyone has a "side", right?

If they're posting, I kind of think they do.

 

[lovinwdw]

At WDW it's very difficult to take many pictures without getting someone's kid in it. You want a picture of the castle? Probably going to have someone's kid in it, unless you are there very early. Want a picture of the parade? Probably going to be someone's kid in it.

I don't understand why people freak out if someone takes a picture of their kids. I think sometimes we're a little paranoid as a society.

I understand that if you are taking pics at WDW that you are bound to get other kids in your pics. that's not the point i was trying to make. I was talking about the website someone posted where people intentionally took pictures of parents with their children who were on these "leashes"

you're telling me that you'd be ok with someone intentionally taking a picture of your kid and then posting it up on the internet?

 

[luvmickey5374]

I'm confused as to what you're teaching a child that you're either directly holding on to or otherwise confining to a stroller that's any different from what someone with a foot of tether between themselves and their child are teaching.

I'm 6' tall. My 2yo is just over 3'. He's too heavy for me to carry for any useful length of time. Exactly what moral high ground, or additional "teaching" am I gaining by having to walk stooped over while the poor child holds his arm straight in the air for a hours at a time, rather than having him walk at my side with both of our arms and backs in a comfortable position?

And exactly what "teaching" would I be offering by forcing the child to spend a significant portion of his day strapped immobile in his stroller, rather than walking comfortably at my side?

I would suggest that a way to move past a feeling of "too much babying . . . in the world" would be to allow your child out of his stroller/off your shoulders and allow him to WALK like a person. Once you do that, there's really only a difference of comfortable posture between hand and harness holding.

On the subject of "not enough teaching," I'm still unclear as to what is being taught when the child is still either actively physically restrained, or passively harnessed in a seated position in a stroller . . .

Ummmm, I don't believe I ever have said you need to confine a child to a stroller or you HAVE to carry them, it was just other options that I feel are more appropriate than a leash. The point I was trying to make is that I have always taught my children how to behave and WALK with me holding my hand and not falling down on the ground with a temper tantrum! And I'm sorry but there is A LOT of babying that goes on in this world which makes for temper tantrums and kids not leaving their parents house until they're 32. Geez, I am so tired of coming on here and joining a discussion and having people freak out!! Get a grip peeps...take a breath! Now as I said I don't agree with leashes but I also don't care if people feel the need to use them...it's your life live it how you want.

 

[luvmickey5374]

Well, congratulations on being a better parent than anyone else. It must be wonderful.

Ok, I never said I was a better parent, those are your words. I was just giving my point of view like everyone else.

 

[bas71873]

I know that allot of people dislike the harnesses for kids but for our family they are a life saver! I have a 2yo DS who hates to be in a stroller all day so when he is ready to walk I put on his harness and he walks. I feel like this, no matter what is said to me I still feel that it is the right thing for our family. We know where our son is at all times and I'm not worried about him getting away from us at all. I don't have to fight with him to hold my hand or keep telling his to "stop" or to "get over here". And best of all he feels like a "big boy" because he has a little freedom.

DITTO. My DD, now 6, was the same way. The harness was a lifesaver for me (not for Disney, but for airport travel, walking the mall, etc.). She hated being confined to a stroller and still isn't a big hand holder!

 

[bas71873]

Honestly, I have seen uglier threads. So far with the exception of a few holier than thou, most are been there done that and have the shirt peeps! I must say I have enjoyed quite a few of ya hehehe

Now I must go find where my rug rats are maybe if I had leashed them they would not be rolling in the mud or splashing in a puddle. Of course I am kidding- they are coloring next to me. But I do admit I am not a germ-a-phobic when it comes to puddles and things. Kids are kids! Heck even I go splashing with them. It is how I got my Autistic one not to be afraid of rain.

Good for you. I splashed thru puddles just last week with DD at Busch Gardens. As a 36 year old, I'd forgotten how fun that could be . We were already wet from getting caught in the rain, so we went for it!

 

[mjkacmom]

Ummmm, I don't believe I ever have said you need to confine a child to a stroller or you HAVE to carry them, it was just other options that I feel are more appropriate than a leash. The point I was trying to make is that I have always taught my children how to behave and WALK with me holding my hand and not falling down on the ground with a temper tantrum! And I'm sorry but there is A LOT of babying that goes on in this world which makes for temper tantrums and kids not leaving their parents house until they're 32. Geez, I am so tired of coming on here and joining a discussion and having people freak out!! Get a grip peeps...take a breath! Now as I said I don't agree with leashes but I also don't care if people feel the need to use them...it's your life live it how you want.

I never needed a harness until #5 came along (in the form of twins). Sure, I could've stopped at 2, and had my life as a parent be easy-peasy, but I like a challenge. I also don't think I baby my children (heck, with 5, it's pretty impossible). My kids walk to school without me! I also see you have girls - when I had my first ds, I was a bit shocked at how "different" he was from dd - boys tend to be a "bit" more adventurous, active, impulsive, and fearless.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

Ok, I never said I was a better parent, those are your words. I was just giving my point of view like everyone else.

It's always better to just say "thank you" to the haters rather than defend yourself for trying to be a good parent.

 

[pilferk]

I think the overwhelming point from many posters in this thread is:

Do what you think works for you and your family!



We don't use the harnesses, but DO bring along a (double, umbrella) stroller, which our youngest two tend to stick to. I've seen the harnesses, we've thought about it...but have never made the leap and bought 'em.

 

[Little_Sister]

To answer your question..your child is not a dog. They are your child.
I have more respect for my child than my dog.

Even if it means watching them closer, they needs to learn to stay close and just think a lease is a temporary restraint that teaches the child as soon as it's off it's time to bolt when given the chance.
Defeating the lesson that my children needs to learn.

As I've stated I won't use one, I think they are embarassing to the child.
and while I didn't say it before...I think it makes you look like a lazy parent.
Fair statement or not, that's the appearance your giving out to me.

Again, I'm not telling anyone not to or calling them bad parents or anything just giving my opinoin.

30 years ago I was one of those kids on a "leash"...and 30 years later I'm just fine for it.

Once when I was a kid...I ran off in a mall and my mom couldn't find me for a half hour...I was terrified and so was she...so it made sense to always be tethered to one another in crowds...

I was never embarrassed by it...but rather I felt secure that I wouldn't lose my mom and dad in the crowd again...

My parents were not lazy...they had four kids to keep track of...my father was on the police force in New Orleans...so he was all too aware of the risks associated with a child in a crowd.

I think it's really callous to assume or even suggest someone as being "lazy" when they are obviously just trying to take measures to protect their child.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

zombie post!!!!!!