Is this bad of us???

[Michigan]

I especially hate them on older kids, although I still don't like them on the 2 and under set it is a bit more understandable.

Did you ever think that maybe the older child is autistic and is a runner without it?

 

[darlak]

From a I'm-gonna-do-whatever-I have-to to keep track of my kids thinking, that leash is great.

I'ld go with this train of thought. Who cares what other people think? Are those people really going to care if your child is missing, lost or abducted?

 

[Hannathy]

Did you ever think that maybe the older child is autistic and is a runner without it?

Why does this have to be made into an argument every time? Yes there are exceptions as there are to everything but people were simply stating their opinions civilly why can't it stay that way?

 

[disneyjunkie]

Did you ever think that maybe the older child is autistic and is a runner without it?

The OP asked, "What are your thoughts on these type of things?"
Everyone has answered her. Some think they are great, some do not.

I don't anyone should feel the need to justify why they use a leash or why they refuse to use one.

 

[bellebud]

Use it, use it, use it! Any parent who has had a 'runner' child understands. And who cares about a *look* from a stranger who could care less about the safety of your child. someone else posted all the things we use to keep our kids near us and safe - so true! How about the 5-point safety harnesses in some strollers? no one gets *looks* for those, but some active toddlers need them. The leash lets them burn some energy, have a feeling of a little freedom, and stay safely near you. just be careful as others have posted about the tripping, etc.

 

[snoopy5386]

I could never use one of those things.

I think each parent should do what they feel is best for his/her family.

What would you do then if you had a child that screamed bloody murder when you put her in the stroller because she wanted to walk around, screamed bloody murder when you tried to hold her hand and stopped walking and collapsed to the ground in a tantrum or screamed, flailed around and tried to push your hands away so she could get down when you tried to carry her for more than 5 mins? That is my DD and she is only 17 months old so too young to understand why she needs to stay nearby. We have one and use it when the situation warrants it.

 

[disneyjunkie]

What would you do then if you had a child that screamed bloody murder when you put her in the stroller because she wanted to walk around, screamed bloody murder when you tried to hold her hand and stopped walking and collapsed to the ground in a tantrum or screamed, flailed around and tried to push your hands away so she could get down when you tried to carry her for more than 5 mins? That is my DD and she is only 17 months old so too young to understand why she needs to stay nearby. We have one and use it when the situation warrants it.

Like I said before, we all do what we think is best for our families.

I would never use a leash. Period.

I would find other ways to deal with the issue. But for me, a leash wouldn't be an option.

 

[Scuttle]

These are a MUST have for a mom of multiples! Yeap, I looked just like a NYC dog walker, but the kids LOVED them and I loved giving them more freedom, plus let's not forget about the whole "it's good for their health" aspect of walking!

 

[CastleCreations]

If its the one sold at Walmart, I have it. I bought it for our WDW trip(We leave on Sat). We are in the parks for 10 days, and there is no way my 20 month old will be in the stroller for the whole time, and she is a good stroller kid! I have been using it on her for the last few months, and I love and so does she. I have used it anywhere, shopping, Farmers market, on a walk down the street, and I've never had any bad looks. Most people think its adorable and she looks cute. I don't care what ever anyone else thinks, she is my DD and I want to keep her safe and NOT lose her in a crowd. She will walk holding hands, but I don't want to put that much responsibility on a 20 month old.

Here is a picture of her using it just over a month ago at Niagara Falls, ON

I think that is adorable. I would think that most people look, because it's different and new. I think it's great, and I almost wish I could use one for my 6 and 4 year old at the post office.

 

[disney_family_1247]

I've never used one, but I can definitely see the need at a place like WDW. DD#1 was so good and never once ran away from us. DS was a different story and DD#3 is wilder than those two combined! It has crossed my mind to buy one for our upcoming trip...

The one time I gave someone the "look" for using a leash at WDW was when a woman went by with a girl who had to have been at least 8 years old! If you haven't taught your child by that age to not run away, something is truly disconnected between you. Afterwards, though, I reconsidered and wondered if the girl was maybe autistic or something, in which case her poor mother didn't deserve any negativity from strangers! Since then, I've kept the "looks" to myself .

 

[tlbwriter]

I hate to see people using a leash instead of paying attention to their kids. But when it's used in addition to keeping an eye on them, that's different. I only have one child, and she's not a runner. If I had more than one kid to keep track of, and/or my child was a runner, I would do anything necessary for their safety, and I wouldn't give a rat's patootie what anybody else thought.

 

[Gabkatt]

Do what you gotta do to keep your kids safe!

 

[grlpwrd]

Like I said before, we all do what we think is best for our families.

I would never use a leash. Period.

I would find other ways to deal with the issue. But for me, a leash wouldn't be an option.

I was one of those people who never thought I'd use one. That is until I had more than 1 child. lol

Yes, it's certainly simpler and easier when you have just 1 or 2 kids to tend to, but it's a lot different when you have a larger family. Temperament and personality of the child are major factors, too.

I didn't need to use one for my 3 older dds when they were little. They were obedient. My son didn't need one either, but my 4th dd? Oh my, she's a little fireball. lol I have taught all of my kids to stay with me or at least hold my hand, but she is very, very different and oh so independent.

She has both the dog and monkey harnesses. I really don't care what people think. If something happens to my child, then it's all onto me.

Yes, do what is best to keep your child safe ...

 

[Tigger&Aidan]

I used to give "the look" , until I had a toddler of my own! We don't use one, but I can totally understand why people do. I think you should do whatever it takes to ensure your little one's safety! Don't worry about what anyone else at WDW thinks/says - you'll likely never see them again!

Have a great trip!

 

[novdisneydreams]

In my pre-kids days I thought that they were AWFUL - but two boys later I think that it certain situations they would be a great idea We never used one, but I may have if I had seen those cutesie backpack ones. My kids never wanted to stay in strollers and there was always a lot of chasing going on I was never one to force them to stay in a stroller - and I wonder why people think its OK to strap a toddler into a stroller to keep them contained, , but not strap them while they are toddling along to keep them nearby. If you think about it, it really is better to let little ones "out" to explore the world (and the World!) and if a leash helps you to keep them safe then I say go for it!

 

[fan_of_small_world]

Had one, used it, didn't care what anyone else thought.

I was keeping my child safe, and that matters far more to me than anyone else's opinion.

And, unless someone is abusing their child by using the harness (yanking them with it, etc.), I don't feel it is my place to judge them. If someone is using one on an older child, there may very well be a reason. I would NEVER just assume that they hadn't taught their child to stay near-by.

ETA: I did use it quite responsibly. It's a safety risk to others to leave too much slack in the harness, so in crows it is necessary to keep your child close by with less slack in the harness. Also, it would be a good idea to practice using the "tail" part of the harness before you go, so your little one has a chance to get used to it.

 

[elderfam]

Years ago while visiting family in LA someone thought going to Disney on Christmas day was a good idea.. My daughter was 3 and very well behaved. Thank god I had one that attached from her wrist to mine. The park was packed and if she got more that a few steps away from me, I couldnt see her. She also felt safe, because she knew where I was as well.

Do what makes you feel safe! I never give the look, I give smiles of understanding and support!

 

[tonilea]

We have used one off and on for DS at Silver Dollar City and Celebration City. He doesn't seem to mind it. but one day we forgot to pack it. About halfway through the day, I realized DS had bruises on his arm from him pulling away and me trying to hold on. So, my rather unhappy boy spent alot more time in a stroller.

At park closing we went to the nightly fireworks / patriotic display at Celebration City. We were there with my sister, her husband, their two girls (6&7) and my nephew (other sister's son). DS sat on my lap the entire show - couldn't have asked for a better kid. Afterward, we began picking up our stuff and just like that he was gone. BIL ran to the park entrance, DSis stayed put w/ the girls, DH, DN and I searched frantically for DS.

It wasn't long, maybe five minutes until DN & DH found him, but it seemed like an eternity. I have never been so terrified. Once I got him back in my arms, all I could do was cry. DS never even knew he was lost. He was happily dancing to the music. In just a few seconds he disappeared from four adults and three older kids. CC is a small park, I can't imagine it happening some place like WDW.

So, he will wear it when I think it is needed and I double dog dare you to say anything different. Until you have known the terror of a lost child, you can kiss my GRITS!

 

[brandylouwho]

I say practice a bit before you really have to use it, my daughter liked it, but to my horror she decided to ACT LIKE A DOG when I put it on her. She was panting, yipping, barking, it was not fun (although it is a little funny in hindsight).

So, although I am not opposed to using them, it didn't work out too well for us. we ended up doing fine without it. If she didn't hold my hand, she was in the stroller. If she tried to fuss because she was in the stroller...we took a "time out" (in the stroller) in the nearest out of the way spot. This is a sinilar routine as to what we do when we go shopping, so she knew what the expectations were.

IMHO--In the end you do what you need to do to keep your kid(s) safe. And have several "plans" of attack on how to keep track of them & minimize melt downs. Don't worry about if others like the idea or not, do what you are comfortable with doing. You know your kids and we don't.

Good luck!

 

[ICan'tWait]

It was a must for DS2 when he was little. It was very needed at Disney not to mention the airport! DS2 was a runner and hated to hold hands. We'd put on the harness and he'd walk freely and be happy as could be. Oh the fights I had trying to get him to hold hands or stay by my side before the leash.....