Okay...Who has used a leash on their child at the Parks??

[tjmouse]

I saw a child who had to be at least 7 with a harness when we were at WDW. I kind of thought "wow, that is kind of unecessary" when I first saw it, but when I saw the way he behaved, I changed my mind. He needed it, not only to protect himself, but to protect others. Some kids just go on overload with all that stimulation and don't think at all about their surroundings. All kids are different and you need to do what's best for you and your child. If anyone looks at you funny, you'll never see them again anyway. And if anyone dare say anything, I'd just completely ignore them and go on your way.

I also saw a woman who didn't speak much English lose her 2 yo dd before the parade on Main Street. I never, ever want to feel like I thought that woman felt. Even though I couldn't understand a word she was saying, I knew exactly how she must have felt by the look on her face and that scared the daylights out of me. They found her, thank goodness, but it was about 10 minutes and that must have seemed like a lifetime to her.

So, anyway, I say go with whatever makes you feel comfortable and don't worry about what others say.

 

[Whosemom]

We used the harness, and maybe I am incredibly thick skinned, but I never noticed so much as a raised eyebrow. But as others have said, lots of "Oh, where'd you get that". We bought it for #1, but soon realized she had her own "psychic leash" of about 6 feet, and put it away. Then I will never forget on a very slow day at MGM, letting #2 go to see how far she went before checking back, and she was GONE CITY. No thought of ever looking back. You-betcha she wore that leash until she out grew it (about 2 yrs old). #3 was then like the middle child. I never did the wrist thing, because I felt like it was a bit of a safety issue. Not just the arm-out-of-the-socket, but also not necesarily having two hands to catch them selves when falling.

That 1st kid, though, she might ask for one for me next time. We were at the Henry Ford Museum, and turned a corner while she was still reading something (not 5 feet away, and the display was a 20 ft square) she looked up and panicked, so that 6ft "leash" is even shorter now. Its hard to believe she was raised by the same parents as the other two. Nature vs nurture, I guess, and all the more reason to not worry about other folks comments about what you feel your child needs.

 

[disneychrista]

I think there comes a time were you have to say either my child will listen, stay with me etc or we don't go the activity. Of course, only you can decide when that is.

Why don't you try it without the leash and if you're too stressed, make a Wal*Wart run?

This is a good idea, except I would have the leash ready as a reminder for my child. Something along the lines of - "if you can hold mommy's hand/stay with mommy we won't have to use the "leash" but if you start to wonder off just once, then mommy will have to use it for your own safety".

 

[zauseltochter]

Why not...

You know you child better than anyone else. Safety first for kids. My Daughter wasn't on leashes. My son was the hole time. He was very active, doens't understand english at this time. Some people have taken a look to us. But the other people understand why we do that.

At the parks are so much people. I dont want to lost my kids in the crowd.

Know she was 11 and he was 8. 2 happy and friendly kids.

Elisabeth from Germany

 

[In a hurry]

I think there comes a time were you have to say either my child will listen, stay with me etc or we don't go the activity. Of course, only you can decide when that is.


This is a good idea, except I would have the leash ready as a reminder for my child. Something along the lines of - "if you can hold mommy's hand/stay with mommy we won't have to use the "leash" but if you start to wonder off just once, then mommy will have to use it for your own safety".

You know, you might not want to use it as a "semi-threat". If you hit a really crazy crowd (after fireworks kind of crowd) and you wanted to use it, it would seem like a punishment if the child was behaving and staying as close as possible. It is a semantics issue, mostly, but you don't want him to feel punished with it.

God luck with your trip!

 

[Nancyg56]

Do what makes you comfortable. My DD used a harness when her little one was about 2 or 3, and considered it for out upcoming trip. She decided that she won't need it, as my DH is along, so the Princess will never need to have her little feet touch the ground unless she so decrees.

I will tell you that last week I saw a little boy about 3 or 4 lost in Costco, and it took two of us to keep him in one place, he was that distraught. The food lady took him to the service center where he was reunited with his Mom, but my heart broke for this terrified little boy.

 

[Gymbomom]

Thanks for all the thoughts!!! I think I will go and buy one. I plan on using it during the shops, Fantasyland, and any other moment it gets a little crazy with the crowds.

My hubby is not joining us till a week later, so I really will want it when he isn't there.

I think if I present it to my son in a good way from the start as in "this helps you stay with mommy so we can find the rides together..." I think he will be fine with it.

My dd (8), is an angel, always has been....I never would have dreamed about using a leash on her. She is like the PP who said her dd had a invisible leash.
But, for my son, #1- I just don't want to worry...#2 if he did happen to become headstrong...I am not going to be telling him constantly to stay with me. I hate parenting like that, where I feel like I am irritable and constantly getting on to my kids. Uggghh.....

Anyways, thanks so much for the advice!!!!!

 

[Gymbomom]

LOL...you guys are cracking me up!!!

I've never used a leash on one of my kids, however I was considering placing one on my husband while we were visiting Ariel in her grotto. I explained to him gently but firmly that he was not allowed under ANY circumstances to try to listen to the sound of the ocean by placing his ear near her seashells.

You mean you actually LET your hubby go to Ariel's Grotto??
My hubby is unaware what that place actually is.....

 

[Diz-Mommy]

I'm not a huge fan of leashes, and will not use one on my children. BUT if you feel its going to keep your child safe, than I think its a must.

I don't like the idea of the back pack buddie. The first thing I think of is back pain... When going to WDW as a teen I wore a cute Pooh bear back pack and after only a 1/2 day of walking around with it, my back felt as if I had been walking around with 50lb weights. I didn't have much in it either...probably just a little lip gloss and a little spening money. I just think even though it looks cute and cuddly; it would be too much for a toddler to tote around on the fragile little back.

I think my favorite option is the wrist to wrist bands. Those seem to have a shorter teether and are as close to hand holding as possible. I just don't like the image of a toddler on a harness being jerked around, tripped over or pulling his/her parents behind him/her. I saw all of the following just a few weeks ago and was thinking to myself "is that what a fun vacation is?"

Good luck and have a great time on your trip!

 

[Sandi]

We used the harness and leash on our DD when she was little. I was more comfortable knowing I had a handle on her. DH also was more comfortable when he had the leash and wasn't straining his back to hold onto a child's hand. Since then, our DD has always stayed close by. She is a self controlled child -- we didn't know that so much when she was 3 or 4 in a big, interesting place like WDW.

When I was a kid, our family of 6 took summer trips to Cedar Point. One year, when my brother was about 5, we were all at a candle making demonstration. When a group of people near us got up to leave, my brother left, too. He thought that was our group. It was 45 minutes of hell for my parents while security found my brother -- who had made it back to our car in the parking lot. Fortunately, the car was locked so he had to stand outside of it to wait. He said his favorite ride on that trip was the ride in the police car. I'm sure my parents would have preferred to have him on a leash -- but 30 years ago that wasn't really an option.

 

[Lulu's Mom]

We went this past October with our 15 month DD and we did not use a leash. We both, my DH and I, just took turns watching and running around with her. By the ned of the day we were more tires than she was

We both personally do not like the idea of a leash, but we would never frown on anyone who chooses to use one for their own child. Everyone parents differently and as long as you are not beating, neglecting, druging or hurting your child then people should just mind their own... just MHO. You know what is best for your child and do what suits you best.

Have a great trip

 

[loveswdw]

We used the back pack buddy that looks like a puppy. Our DS2 LOVES it! He even likes to wear it at home. He'll just bring it over and give it to you to put on him.

For us it was a lifesaver. Our DS doesn't want to stay cooped up in his stroller all the time. He likes to RUN and it was a lot easier knowing we had control. We will continue to use it however long we think we need. The only responses we got were people asking where we had gotten the backpack.

Have a great trip!

 

[NotUrsula]

I'm sure my parents would have preferred to have him on a leash -- but 30 years ago that wasn't really an option.

Sure it was; safety reins have been in use for toddlers for hundreds of years, as they were especially important when every home had open fires for cooking. My parents always used them. Up until the 1920's, most toddler clothes actually had them built in -- there were long ribbons sewn into the side seams, and you could either use them as reins or tie them in a bow in the back when you didn't need them for safety. Little girls' dresses still almost always have a tie in the back; it's a holdover from that era.

BTW, I really *hate* it when people call safety reins and/or safety harnesses "leashes." It puts an unnecessary negative connotation on a safety device.

 

[HappyLawyer]

I did when my dtr was 5, it just gave me a sense of security, she is nine now and i would still use one but she would have a fit, there is so much going on in the world right now, people taking children, you can never be too careful or cautious.

 

[CleveRocks]

Is it wrong to use a "leash" on him.

I would do it out of LOVE for my child and his safety, NOT out of convience because I don't want to watch him.

UNPOPULAR OPINION ALERT!!! ​

ONLY BECAUSE YOU ACTUALLY ASKED, I'll share my opinion. Yes, I think it's wrong to use a leash on children. Would I ever give you a disapproving look for doing it? No! Would I ever make a negative comment to you? HEAVENS NO!

That being said, I don't think you should give a hoot about what I think. If you feel it's best for you and your family, that's your private choice. You're the parent, you decide what's best, and to Sea World with whatever anyone else thinks!

My wife and I brought our curious, energetic, impulsive, non-stroller-bound, "I'm not going to listen to Mommy and Daddy" 2 year old and 5.5 year old to WDW in May, and I've taken them lots of crowded places by myself (Atlantic City boardwalk, Ocean City NJ boardwalk, Philadelphia, Manhattan, etc.), so it's not like I have no experience handling uncontrolable little ones in crowded places without using a leash.

And to anyone who wants to flame me: The OP actually asked for opinions -- I didn't stick my nose in where it didn't belong!

Merry Christmas and/or Happy (celebration of choice)!

-- Eric

 

[OceanAnnie]

If I felt like one of my children needed one I'd do it in a heartbeat.

People are going to think whatever they want, on everything! Heck, they might not like the shoes I'm wearing or the way I wear my hair but it's not for them to decide. LOL. And Lord help them if they want to give me their .02 (in disagreement) when I'm walking around enjoying my day.

 

[Stacerita]

If you feel you need to then I wouldn't hesitate to use one. Everyone parents different and raises their children how they think they should be raised. I used a leash one time on the sweetpea when the sweetpea was about 2 at DL. It didn't work out for us. I didnt like the idea of it at first because it was called a leash and I didnt like it being called that. And I was worried about what others would think if I used it. I decided to use it though since it was my first time in the park solo just us. Like I said though, it didn't work out for us. The sweetpea was (and is) a very inquisitive child and quickly figured out how to un strap it to free her arm. I saw it wouldn't work, so we chucked it and she was more than happy to hold on to my hand so I wouldn't get lost. Use it if it makes you feel better.

 

[Fannie_Marie]

When I was working as a nanny I used the "leashes" on all the children in my care -I had 3 ages 2, 3, & 3. Their mom insisted that I use them when I began taking them on outings. I went everywhere with those 3 attached to me. No big deal at all. It was great letting them explore life at their own pace instead of racing through in the stroller. Also, I've always hated holding todler's hands for too long because their little arm is being held straight up.

 

[nicolem]

Like some of the other posters, we used the backpack buddy on our trip two weeks ago with our DS 17mo. We had only used it once before we got to WDW (we took it for a test run at the mall to make sure he wouldn't mind it), and we probably had 6 or 8 people ask us where we got it. I didn't notice any nasty looks. I saw several people pointing and smiling, because DS's is a monkey and it really is cute! And a few times I heard people say to one another, "I wish they'd had those when our kids were little." DH and I even joked about buying a few extra and trying to sell them the next time we're at WDW.

We ended up only using it 2 or 3 times, just because it was kind of cumbersome to pull him out of the stroller, fish out the harness, and strap it on. Often it was easier to just have one of us walk ahead (or behind, if he was moving slowly) while the other pushed the stroller. That said, I'm glad we brought it, and we'll definitely be bringing it on our trip in June as well.

 

[tracilicious]

UNPOPULAR OPINION ALERT!!! ​

My wife and I brought our curious, energetic, impulsive, non-stroller-bound, "I'm not going to listen to Mommy and Daddy" 2 year old and 5.5 year old to WDW in May, and I've taken them lots of crowded places by myself (Atlantic City boardwalk, Ocean City NJ boardwalk, Philadelphia, Manhattan, etc.), so it's not like I have no experience handling uncontrolable little ones in crowded places without using a leash.

Go ahead then, share your secret.