Kid "leashes"

[oneprincessjo]

I don't have an issue with these things. I can see in crowded situations where they may be necessary.

Where I have a problem is HOW some parents use them. I witnessed once a mom being so horrible with these it's no wonder these kids were trying to run!!!!

Let me explain,

I believe it was AK. They have a penquin or some water tank area where you go,down a few steps and view underwater. It was just my family and a mom with 2 kids with those furry back-pack leases with the tail. Cute I thought as I have never seen them in this form. This mom was constantly yelling at these kids ( maybe 3ish). Stop doing this, that etc. IMO they weren't doing anything. One kid would try and climb up on a rock wall. Nothing dangerous, a better view. One of those rocks you can sit lean on. 2 feet high?? There was no where to fall. This mom YANKS with lease, not pulls this kid down. Starts screaming and scolding like this kid it was some bad dog doing something. Next kid tries to walk over to a different window, YANK again, scolding, other kid would wander a few feet over there, YANK again. She was yanking so hard the kids were falling back with force. Imagine a dog trying to get away.

Keep in mind we just were two families in an enclosed space. These kids were not bolting, but just looking around like everyone else in this underwater viewing area

My kids were so scared of this lady. I almost said something, should have. This is what I would have said

" those are children, stop,treating them and yelling at them like untrained, wild dogs. Which by the way they are not even close to acting like"

OMG... This makes me feel so sad for those kids!! Like I have said a few pages back, I will be getting one for dd for our trip in January... Just to have on hand just in case. But I would NEVER use it in the manner that you described that woman used it. That is terrifying, fortunately I haven't witnessed anyone use it that way because I definitely would have said something, maybe not directly to her but definitely loud enough so she could hear, enough that she would be embarrassed by her actions.

On a much lighter note, I don't think I have ever seen penguins in AK, we usually head over to Everest and Dinosaur and leave. I bet my dd would LOVE to see the penguins. Which area is this in?

 

[North of Mouse]

There are 'no' penguins in AK. We have been all over that park many times and have never heard of them! Thinking of the otters, maybe??

Maybe the poster is getting AK confused with Sea World??? They have a lovely below water and above water viewing area.

 

[mousefan73]

Might have been the Otters. It has to be AK. I cannot recall any other park where my mom was with. She was with as she was so red faced after seing this.

I just remenber going down to an enclosed area, no crowds, tanks, and details of experiencing this family.


We were shell shocked a while after this. It's not abuse, but still IMO not good parenting or how to treat your kids.

 

[Scornelius]

Well I did say that "I" would be humiliated or later I said that "I" would be ashamed of Myself. Thats just the way I feel. "I" think it is degrading to a child.

Wow.


OP, I used a monkey backpack harness last year with my then 3 y,o. son. He has ASD and is a runner, and he can dart and weave like a pro. I held his hand the whole time with the "tail" looped around my wrist. So basically, it was only a backup system. If he bolted, it was there. When it wasn't needed, I tucked the tail into the little pocket on the back of the monkey. I only had one rude comment the whole week, and at least a dozen people commented on how cute the backpack was or how much they wish they'd brought one.

The bottom line is to do what is best for your family. We're going again in September, and I'll be bringing the backpack again. The peace of mind it gave me was just fantastic.

 

[jbuey22]

Wow.


OP, I used a monkey backpack harness last year with my then 3 y,o. son. He has ASD and is a runner, and he can dart and weave like a pro. I held his hand the whole time with the "tail" looped around my wrist. So basically, it was only a backup system. If he bolted, it was there. When it wasn't needed, I tucked the tail into the little pocket on the back of the monkey. I only had one rude comment the whole week, and at least a dozen people commented on how cute the backpack was or how much they wish they'd brought one.

The bottom line is to do what is best for your family. We're going again in September, and I'll be bringing the backpack again. The peace of mind it gave me was just fantastic.

Good for you. I am starting to change my thinking on this entire matter. You sound like a very responsible parent. After reading and thinking, the problems I have with these leashes may not even be with the devise itself.

A few posts ago with the poster who ran into the problem with the parent who was ( " " abusing her children verbally) I thought about it and it kind of struck a chord. Thinking a little it is really parents like this that really bother me and occasionally when kids are walking around with leashes (probably rare and few in between) we have parents who are lazy and only thinking of themselves when using a Monkey back pack or leash. I guess that actually bothers me more than the actual leash or device.

So I apologize and initially I grouped people who use these leashes with the bad parents that are not considerate and or kind or lazy or whatever you want to use. I apologize for this and I am starting to realize that I was wrong.

Most of the people who use these devices are just parents much like Scornelius who are very safety orientated and ALSO thoughtful of other people and the surroundings. AND, after reading Scorns post I actually caught myself (saying to myself) "good for you" and it dawned on me that these leashes ARE a good idea.

As long as the parent does not abuse the freedom it gives THEM and are considerate of other people, I think that (and I always said this) these leashes are the best way to keep your kid safe. I have always agreed with that, but now I realize that the problem I had was with the small percentage of parents who DO abuse their freedom and who DO belittle their child.


I am sorry I did not leave this thread... (PLEASE WALK AWAY)... as ALOT of posters suggested that I do, But on the other hand, sticking with this thread has given me time to ponder and see my own flaws and inadequacy's. I am not a bad guy, I am certainly not a troll. Also I am not your average Dis subscriber either. I would think that a high percentage of Dis subscribers are women and mothers and or college students or even retired people. There is probably not alot of mid 40yr old men who work in a factory and are the occasional beer drinker. In fact we have our own category "Dis for Dads"

So having said that, it may explain why, at first, my posts were so (Un-Clean) and hard to follow. They probably still are. I still run on with the points I am trying to get across. But I am learning, I can admit when I am wrong, and I really do ENJOY participating with the forum.

So please everybody, accept my apologies and try to see things from my point of view. Not the leash thing, but the Bad Posting, Stubbornness, inability to give up and quit,....etc... As I said I am not your average subscriber. But I also said that I think it helps to see things from OP's point of view and their arguments and such...

I hope this thread goes on for 7 more pages, and I hope that it has been good reading and interesting or even exciting. I hope we hear more new stories and other points of view from NEW posters.

To ANY new reader, please submit an experience or your true opinion on the Subject at hand. That subject was "Kid Leashes" and explained that the Parent had a runner and wanted to know if anybody else uses a leash or backpack, etc....

There are still alot of people who use the leash, and if you have read this far into this thread, then YOU MUST have an opinion or experience with the leash situation. So please submit a relevant post on the subject and ALL points of view are welcomed.

 

[rachael95]

Good for you. I am starting to change my thinking on this entire matter. You sound like a very responsible parent. After reading and thinking, the problems I have with these leashes may not even be with the devise itself.

Jeff, I've appreciated your posts (especially after you made the paragraphs - I have some visual problems and that made it MUCH easier to read!)

I think you and I are actually in a similar boat. Before I had my DS, I thought the idea of using a leash on a kid was terrible - but that was mainly because I'd only seen people using them to treat their kids badly or to ignore their kids.

Now, I have my DS and he loves trying to run away and not hold Mama's hand while we're in busy places. I don't want to take that risk when we're at WDW. So I am totally understanding wanting some way to tie him to me. If he were older, I think I'd go with just the handle that so many parents love since that is better to my own sensibilities. But being so young, he's not able to really understand WHY I want to hang on to him. So I think I might get a leash but use it more like the handle. Maybe encourage my DS to hold the leash if he doesn't want to hold my hand. That would let him also not have to strain his arm up all day.

He and I went to the zoo as a test run for Disney the other day to see how his stamina was and if it was possible for him to get a good nap in his stroller (it was!). The one thing that I wished I'd had at that time was a leash because he really did not want to have to hold my hand all the time.

 

[kellyjeanie]

This has been the most civil discussion I've ever seen on kid leashes.

Good for you. I am starting to change my thinking on this entire matter.

Wow, I love this. I've been on message boards for a long time and I rarely see someone who gives an opinion, actually reads the posts from the opposing view point, and then admits they've changed their mind. Very big!!

I couldn't get upset at your posts, Jeff - you remind me too much of my uncle, who I love dearly. He often has strong opinions that he likes to give but is always up for a good debate, and respectfully listens to the opposite side. He feels things strongly but means no offense. Not sure if I've got your intention down but that's the impression I got from your posts.

 

[PrincessPiperMommy]

I got a runner on my hands. We are doing disney for the first time in September. Would I be looked down upon if I strapped one of those backpack leashes on my 3 year old? I also have a 5 year old but he's not a runner. My DS won't even let us hold his hand! He's on this independent phase which is great but when we are in a packed place I totally have trouble having him hold our hands or stay in the carriage. Does anyone else backpack their kids?

I have not read all the comments, but I wanted to say I'm in the same boat. I have an almost 3 year old who when you say hold my hand she says no i hold my hand and will clasp her own hands together lol. She is also a runner and not one to stay in the stroller so I will def be using one of the monkey things. However, I would also suggest those bracelets that you can put your number on and put it on her ankle (I do that for both kids). Have a great trip!!!

 

[bella2117]

I have not read all the comments, but I wanted to say I'm in the same boat. I have an almost 3 year old who when you say hold my hand she says no i hold my hand and will clasp her own hands together lol. She is also a runner and not one to stay in the stroller so I will def be using one of the monkey things. However, I would also suggest those bracelets that you can put your number on and put it on her ankle (I do that for both kids). Have a great trip!!!

That's where I am with my 3 year old. EVERYTHING is by himself. I'll say hold my hand and he says okay then I go to get his hand and he's like no mommy I walk by myself and then he darts. My 5 year old stays by us no questions asked. I'm going to bring the backpack and be grateful my son is always next to me even tho I'm not death gripping his hand.

 

[jbuey22]

That's where I am with my 3 year old. EVERYTHING is by himself. I'll say hold my hand and he says okay then I go to get his hand and he's like no mommy I walk by myself and then he darts. My 5 year old stays by us no questions asked. I'm going to bring the backpack and be grateful my son is always next to me even tho I'm not death gripping his hand.

Good Luck Bella

Fortunately Crowds in September are a little better than the peak summer months. I am sure you will do everything that is necessary to keep your child safe without disrupting any other patrons convenience.

Please let us all know how things go... hopefully you will not get any rude people because no matter how I feel about them I would never look down upon, belittle, or make any comments as I know the importance of child safety.

 

[RVinMomma]

I am all for leashes. In fact I will probably use ours on our next trip. We usually do Disney in Feb when it isn't crowded but this year it will be at Thanksgiving. My kids aren't runners but I worry we will be separated or worse they will get snatched. So for peace of mind I think it's a good idea!

 

[bella2117]

Good Luck Bella

Fortunately Crowds in September are a little better than the peak summer months. I am sure you will do everything that is necessary to keep your child safe without disrupting any other patrons convenience.

Please let us all know how things go... hopefully you will not get any rude people because no matter how I feel about them I would never look down upon, belittle, or make any comments as I know the importance of child safety.

thanks so much

 

[mousefan73]

Loved the post from Jeff! Wish more people were sane, opened-minded like him instead of stubborn minded

 

[Schmeck]

OP, does your child attend preschool? There would be certain rules they would have to follow there that you could use with your child at WDW if you wanted to try to go without the leash.

If you do decide to use a leash, just make sure it is a very short one. The long ones are very, very dangerous.

 

[mjkacmom]

OP, does your child attend preschool? There would be certain rules they would have to follow there that you could use with your child at WDW if you wanted to try to go without the leash.

If you do decide to use a leash, just make sure it is a very short one. The long ones are very, very dangerous.

When my kids were in preschool they were led around the block on a rope! Lots of the preschools here do this.

 

[bella2117]

OP, does your child attend preschool? There would be certain rules they would have to follow there that you could use with your child at WDW if you wanted to try to go without the leash.

If you do decide to use a leash, just make sure it is a very short one. The long ones are very, very dangerous.

Yeah he's in preschool. I won't do any long kind for fear of tripping other people. I would feel terrible if that happened. DS is pretty good when we give a stern talking to before we go anywhere but I feel like with Disney it's like everywhere this kid looks will warrant a dart from him lol. I'm going to bring it with me and if I don't need it then I won't use it but if I can't get him to hold my hand or stay in his stroller than I'll use it.

 

[bella2117]

I forgot to add that I started this with my 5 year old when he was little and when my hands were full I would make him hold on to my back pocket and he would and it helped me a lot because I knew he was on me the whole time. He still does it to this day when I need him near me. But my young one..no way lol never wants anyone holding his hand or his even his shirt and it's so funny because when we let go sometimes he does this funny "I'm such a big boy walk" he has us laughing inside. Two different personalities I tell ya.

 

[rachael95]

But my young one..no way lol never wants anyone holding his hand or his even his shirt and it's so funny because when we let go sometimes he does this funny "I'm such a big boy walk" he has us laughing inside. Two different personalities I tell ya.

My DS does that same walk! So proud to be independent! I've tried the hanging onto his shirt thing too and it just doesn't work. He'd rather collapse on the ground and let his shirt ride up over his head. What's really weird though is, he's such a good-natured boy. He really doesn't throw many fits but he really makes me think of one of those peaceful protesters going limp with passive resistance as the police try to move him.

 

[tarak]

When my mom was a child, her family was stationed in Germany. The child of a family friend darted off a sidewalk into traffic and was killed. After that, my grandmother used something leash/harness-like on her kids. My mom bought one when I had my oldest, who is now 10. Honestly, it was like taking a cat for a walk. My daughter had no interest in going where we wanted to go, and would just sit down. I might have tried using the harness once or twice before I gave up. She was fine riding in the stroller, so we didn't really worry about her running off.

My other two kids never really gave me any problems about wandering. But they were also stroller kids. My youngest hates the stroller. From the first time she rode in one. Just hated it. The stroller carried our bags while we carried her. She's now 15 months and doesn't want to be carried anywhere. She wants to walk. I don't know where she'll be at by the time we go to Disney next. If she's a runner, we'll try one of the backpack-type harnesses. And we'll bring a stroller, too. Because if she does want to be carried at some point, it will be nice to have a seat for the diaper bag.

 

[OnlyDisney]

We used a leash with our son who was a runner. In the two years I used it, I only had to deal with one negative comment. We had a Mickey leash and a Pooh Bear one. I don't think I could have done Disney if we didn't take his leash. He loved them by the way. We'd wrap the leash around Mickey's head when our son was allowed some leeway.

Goofy had a great time with out son in his leash, even taking hold of it and walking off together. (Of course this was the time I didn't have our camera with me!)