Harnesses

[veraletta]

paperboy wife.. I read it a few days ago.. I cried my eyes out..
it was great reading that all the children were found...
it can happen to anyone of us.
thats one reason I vote yes for harnesses...

 

[Mamacelt]

...twins! We have 2 1/2 year old boys who delight in running in opposite directions. We also have a 5 year old son who dawdles and daydreams. On my own, there is no way to walk with the kids unless I use toddler harnesses. Even with another adult there to help, using the harnesses means I can keep all three kids safe (yes, we've had the older one wander off while the two parents were chasing the twins). After a certain age, kids insist on walking most of the time and even the most attentive parent can have a little hand slip out of their grasp. I've seen that happen in a busy parking lot (the little boy almost got squashed by a car), and it scared the living daylights out of every adult that saw it. That's when we bought our harnesses.

Like anything else, please don't judge until you've walked a mile in my shoes.

 

[kitnrose]

I guess this is a silly question, but what are the reasons for NOT leashing your kids? I don't have any kids of my own but I'm the oldest in my family so I've always been around children and know how any of them, even the shyest, most well behaved can wander away from their parent, no matter how attentive (and stressed out because of this!) they may be. From my little lurking it seems like the two arguments are (1) they're not animals and (2) leashes keep the parents from having to watch their kids. Both are rather silly. First, we leash dogs (not 'animals'... at least my fish, lizard, and gerbil never got leashed) for the same reason kids get tied to their parent ... because dogs like to wander, don't understand the potential danger, and are often so focused on the object of their attention that they don't hear calls to come back. So I don't see any issue with using similar means to control similar problems. Then with the second objection, saying that leashes are for inattentive parents is like saying that seatbelts are for bad drivers. I consider myself a good driver but I still buckle up every time I get in the car because things happen. A drunk gets behind the wheel, there's ice on the ground, a tire could blow... It seems the same with kids. If you have one child with four adults watching there will still be one moment when all four are looking somewhere else and that's when the kid will see something interresting and go to investigate. It's not bad parenting, it's the way life is. Besides, the alternative seems to be having a parent obsessing over the child's every move and a child who's so well trained not to wander that (if they already have a sensitive personallity) might keep this fear throughout life. I say to train the kid, watch them carefully, and go that one extra step by tying them up. Oh, and any who thinks those things are easy to undo has never actually played with one... the wrist ones miiiiiiiight be able to be slipped out of but even a mini houdini (sp?) would have trouble with the back versions!

 

[rebelmom]

I admit I used to be one of those people who thought that leashes/harnesses were terrible. When my DS now 10 was a toddler he was very easy to keep track of, always stayed right besides us never wandered, etc. Then we had our DD now 5, now I know why they were invented, lol. she never stays in one place for more than a second, has absolutley no fear of anything, including strangers. no matter how much we preach safety to her. I have never used the harness yet mainly because it is always me, my Dh and yes usually my Ds looking out for her, and we have never gone any where as crowded as Disney before, we are making our first trip in Aug and I feel we will definately need one there. As previous posters mentioned, why take chances. Even the best parents in the world are not perfect and at a place as magical as disney I am sure it will be easy to get distracted, not to mention all the temptations for Dd to wander off.

 

[athena's mommy]

My daughter is only 7 months old and I already know that when she is walking we will be using the leash. My brother was lost at Sears when he was 5 and I was 12. It was 1985 and my mother took him into the bathroom with her. He wanted to use the stall by himself so she stood right outside the door waiting for him. After 5 minutes she called him and he didn't answer so she looked underneath the door and didn't see his feet. She tried to open the door and it was locked. She started calling his name and he never answered. She proceeded to get on the floor and look underneath every single stall in the ladies restroom. He wasn't there. She started freaking out and ran outside yelling his name. A worker came up to her and asked what was wrong and she told him what happened. Back then there was only a lost and found department for items, not kids. This was around the same time that Cherrie Mahan had dissapeared and was big news in our area. Anyways, the cashier proceeded to contact her manager and they let everyone else in the store know what he was wearing, etc. The police were called in and the store was locked so no one could leave. We looked for almost 45 minutes. My mother was in hysterics and my dad was crying too. After about 45 mins., we heard a policeman yell, "We found him!" We ran over to him and there was my baby brother fast asleep in the policeman's arms. They said he was lying on the floor in a dressing room in the women's department. We still have no idea how he got there, and he can barley remember it.

They didn't have leashes back then, but after that situation, my mother made her own leash. She took a peice of rope and tied it to my brothers belt loop on his pants and held on to it. Granted, he fell over alot and got wedgies alot, but it worked.

So yes, I will be using a leash. Period.

 

[Captain Bram]

welovedis,
I didn't say you had a low IQ; you need to reread my post and not personalize. And if you were being helpful, why the less-than-friendly comment from you????

As far as Captain Bram--from the registration date in your post it looks like you weren't here 2 years ago either--it says you joined in Jan 2003!

Captain Bram--well, I guess you didn't have anything to add over the last 2 years since you lurked but didn't post.

Lurking?? Listen, I have better things to do with my time than to lurk. Maybe that's your style, but its not mine my dear...

In case you missed it we try to be helpful to each other here

welovedis, thanks for your helpful commentary about my registration date and my lurking. I found it to be VERY HELPFUL...

All for voicing my opinion??? My, aren't we tolerant here...

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by Captain Bram
welovedis,
I didn't say you had a low IQ; you need to reread my post and not personalize. And if you were being helpful, why the less-than-friendly comment from you????





Lurking?? Listen, I have better things to do with my time than to lurk. Maybe that's your style, but its not mine my dear...



welovedis, thanks for your helpful commentary about my registration date and my lurking. I found it to be VERY HELPFUL...

All for voicing my opinion??? My, aren't we tolerant here...

I've learned that if you oppose the OP on certain issues...you get attacked. That is why most against said issues don't often reply with their opinion.

Regarding harnesses, I have 2 DD's ages 3 and 6 and I don't use them and I think they make your child look like an animal, not a human, and that there are other ways, but to each his own.

I use strollers, hand holding, and carrying the child at WDW. I can say in my 4 trips to WDW that I've never seen one used. I would think they would be difficult to use when the park is very crowded...getting tangled up on things/people etc...flame away!

 

[welovedis]

beattyfamily-
I really don't care if someone agrees or disagrees with another poster, that is what the boards are here for. We usually do try to help each other in this forum and that is what I was trying to point out. Everyone is free to express their opinions and ideas without resorting to name-calling.

I think that the harnesses can be good or bad depending on the way it is introduced to a child and used. As you say in your post, to each his own.

Captain Bram- you seem to really get things out of context. I never said you insulted me personally, it seemed that you were insulting the board in general with your IQ reference. My comment was not meant to be unfriendly-more a statement of fact--you presented yourself as someone who has been around the boards for a few years since you mentioned a well-debated thread from a couple of years ago. Most people who remember threads like that & have "been around the boards" seem to post instead of lurk or whatever you are saying you did. I really don't care about it all that much except to point out that name-calling and using insulting remarks is not in the spirit of the boards. We do try to be helpful to each other, even when we are disagreeing. I just don't see how using IQ references and saying "DUH" is helpful.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

 

[Lexxiefern]

My feeling is I would rather have a kid on a leash than a lost kid!!

I had a harness for my daughter for our last trip in January. I used it in the airport and at Disney. I loved it! DD loved it too. She would ask to put it on.

To the OP, you are the mom. If you feel better using it, then use it. Who cares what other people think

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

Harnesses rule!

I used one on DD 4 1/2 when she was under 2 at Mardi Gras parades. Even the daytime family parades can get a little out of control. I used one on her sister (then 15 months) this past year.

I will be using the harness with DD #2 (22 months at trip time) this summer. She is into everything and will wander at a moment's notice.

FYI, when I had DD #1 on harness at parade, a mom nearby asked if they came in teenage sizes! Also, several policemen working crowd control complimented me on the foresight to put my child in a harness. I didn't need the validation, but it was nice!

 

[C.Ann]

If you feel it will insure the safety of your child then by all means use it - and who cares about the looks or what other people are thinking.. Those "other" people would be the first to rake you over the coals if something happened to your child..

Oh - and by the way - my Mom used a harness on ME as a child (I'm in my early 50's now) - and guess what? NO EMOTIONAL DAMAGE WHATSOEVER!!!!!

Child safety (and parents peace of mind) is the number one priority here!!!!!

Have fun!

 

[C.Ann]

Forgot to add...for those who think "children in harnesses look like animals to them", let me just say I would prefer that my child (or grandchild) look like an "animal" to YOU - than a corpse in a casket to ME !!!

Funny thing about accidents.. Once they happen, you can't "unaccident" them....................

 

[Captain Bram]

Captain Bram- you seem to really get things out of context. I never said you insulted me personally

That's right welovedis , you insulted ME with your commentary about "lurking"... Think before you type it and post it. Maybe you won't encounter anyone's ire then...

I really don't care about it all that much except to point out that name-calling and using insulting remarks is not in the spirit of the boards

Well, welovedis , I NEVER called anyone a name!!! You need to reread my posts. You were the one making the smart comments right after my first post on this thread about my registration date and "lurking." I took nothing out of context, welovedis. only quoting you directly. Do you know what context is???? If I quote you directly no context is taken, you speak for yourself...

Beattyfamily thank you for clarifying the process for me. I'll know better next time. I tend to think, as you seem to as well, that differing opinions get rude treatment and slights. I can assure everyone that I meant no harm; I was simply voicing my opinion! So much for tolerance and pluralistic thinking!!!

I'm flying to Las Vegas tonight. See ya!

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by C.Ann
Forgot to add...for those who think "children in harnesses look like animals to them", let me just say I would prefer that my child (or grandchild) look like an "animal" to YOU - than a corpse in a casket to ME !!!

Since you are quoting me, I guess I'll reply once more.

I knew opposing opinions on this subject would not be welcomed and attacked. I tried to be nice with my opposing opinion.

Like I said, there's many other more humaine ways to keep my/your children safe than a harness. Of course, I don't want my children or any others a corpse in a casket!!! Just because I disagree on how to keep them from being corpses doesn't make me wrong.

I said to each his own didn't I? And for me they are a lazy way to keep an eye on your child. Also, since I'm being attacked, they also look inhumaine to me too! But go ahead and use them. I could care a less how you watch your children. Whatever makes you feel better. They're just not for me or my family.

Flame away again, I can take it and I fully expected it!

 

[ckmommy]

C.ann--I remember looking at pictures of my dad with his harness on (he was a 50's baby too) LOL!

After reading all the threads on this thread, I NEEDED to make a comment. I am the mother of 4 children. Try as hard as I can, I can never watch (with my eyes) all four children while steering them though a crowd (like in WDW). It is impossible. Those of you that can do this, I am in awe. Call me whatever you want, but I plan to keep my children in harnesses (not leashes--those are for DOGS) on our next trip to WDW.
There are reasons that products are invented! Just because your car has airbags, should you not wear your seatbelt?? No you (should) use both! It is a safety issue. Case and point for the harnesses vs. eyes diagreement!

For the Captain--Hope you had fun in Las Vegas! BTW Did you use the Auto-Pilot? Certain products are invented for a certain reason!

 

[baloo722]

Captain Bram, you will learn very quickly that you are not allowed to have an opinion on these boards. Even when people ask for an opinion, you are not allowed to have one. If you do, you will be be in "trouble". trust me....

anyway, whenever i see a kid in a harness, it makes me nauseous. and yes, i have little kids.

 

[ckmommy]

baloo722--

You have a right to yur opinion as I have the same right. So sorry that I will make you nauseous when I pass by you at WDW.

 

[baloo722]

no problem, I'll take a dramamine. your kid, your choice. I choose to do it in a way that i feel is better and more dignified. opinions were asked for, and one was given. The love you have for your kids is not being questioned, we just have different ways of parenting. have fun!

 

[disneyluvers]

There is one thing I know for certain after reading all of the posts. Each and every parent in this thread loves their child(ren) with love that knows no bounds. From the parent that feels pro harness to the parent that feels con harness. I believe that there are infinite levels of parental concern and as long as the love is consistent and always given freely it doesn't matter what words are posted and how they are taken by others. What does matter is that all here love their miracles enough to post.

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by beattyfamily
Since you are quoting me, I guess I'll reply once more.

I knew opposing opinions on this subject would not be welcomed and attacked. I tried to be nice with my opposing opinion.

Like I said, there's many other more humaine ways to keep my/your children safe than a harness. Of course, I don't want my children or any others a corpse in a casket!!! Just because I disagree on how to keep them from being corpses doesn't make me wrong.

I said to each his own didn't I? And for me they are a lazy way to keep an eye on your child. Also, since I'm being attacked, they also look inhumaine to me too! But go ahead and use them. I could care a less how you watch your children. Whatever makes you feel better. They're just not for me or my family.

Flame away again, I can take it and I fully expected it!

---------------------------

I'm sorry if you felt I was attacking YOU personally, because I wasn't.. The "animal" issue is ALWAYS thrown out there when the harness issue arises..

I don't think I said that you or your family has to (or should) use them as I realize it's strictly a personal choice.. But to imply that those who DO use them are doing so because it's "a lazy way to keep an eye on their child" is certainly uncalled for..

Children come in all shapes, sizes, temperments, and personalities.. One child may do perfectly fine in a setting such as Disney World, while another may not.. Only the PARENT knows that for certain - not someone watching from the sidelines..

Children are far too precious to take unnecessary chances with and as I said in my previous post, once an accident happens, you can't "unaccident" it.. Ask any parent who has ever buried a child how many times they say to themselves, "If only I had......."

While you may feel that a child in a harness is "inhumane", I on the other hand feel it would be MUCH more "inhumane" for a child to be lost (or worse) in a crowd of thousands of people because their parents were more concerned with what OTHER people thought - rather than doing whatever was necessary to insure their childs safety..

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - and keeping a child SAFE is priceless!! Sometimes parents don't GET a second chance and I sure as heck would NOT want to be one of those parents who had to spend the rest of my life saying, "If only I had......" - or "Why didn't I......."