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

[BevS97]

We have reins, we will take them to WDW and we will probably use it. I live in the UK and reins/harnesses are part of normal everyday life - such a discussion as this would just not take place. If you need the reins then you use them. I consider them as normal a piece of safety equipment as a seatbelt in the car.

For my 2 year old, we will use a full harness, although the UK ones are smaller and less obvious the the large velcro style ones I've seen in the states. In fact, my dd's is pink and has Princess on the front - seems ideal for disney to me!
When my older daughter was 4 we used a wrist strap on her belt, I prefer that to attaching it to her wrist as that interfere's with the use of the arms and is not very comfortable.

 

[Kahana-ri]

We just came back from WDW and saw many people using leashes with their children. I originally thought I was going to buy one and use it with our son. For whatever reason I just never followed though.
I did find however, it was much easier to keep track of our son than expected. Sure there were a few times he bolted off on his own exploration, but we caught up with him. It seemed easier to get through the crowds of people with a stroller. I did see really cute harnesses though. Teddy Bears, Puppies, and other animals that looked like they were hugging the child and you could barely tell they were leashed on. IMO, what ever makes you feel most conformable for your family and for your child's safety is always the best choice.

 

[wrldpossibility]

Well, I'd never use a harness, but if you're using it because it's the only thing that works to keep your child safe, I respect that, and would never give you a dirty look. However, I have to say that 90% of 4-year-olds should be able to stay near an adult if they know it's expected of them. Sometimes I think some kids are never told how to behave, and instead, the parent just does preventative measures, so to speak. When I see a child that age or older with a harness system, I think it shows poor parenting. I'm sure I'll be flamed, but that's what I think. That said, I'd NEVER give that parent my opinon. I'd mind my own business: the child may have a hidden disability, or just be at a really trying phase (we've all been there), and I truly understand that, which is why I'd never make a comment or give a dirty look. You never know what the situation is.

But as for my kids, I brief them before we go somewhere like Disney (we're going to Legoland in a few days, so that's a good example) about what's expected of them (they are 4 and 6) and how close they need to be to me. The first time one of them wanders a little, they have to hold my hand or off they go to the stroller with their baby brother. They hate that, so it's a good punishment.

 

[bubbasmom99]

I used to think leashes were horrible... BEFORE I became a parent and realized that I will do whatever it takes to keep my children safe. Luckily, my two are happy as can be with being chauffeured all over the parks in a stroller, lol. They rarely get out to explore unless they've been given a thumbs up to roam around. If I felt my kids needed to wander freely on leash, then I'd get one. I've had a couple of heart-stopping moments at the parks over the last couple of years, mainly when traveling with relatives and I let my guard down, thinking the kids were with someone else. When it's just DH and I, we are pretty much in sync when it comes to keeping an eye on the kids -- we either split up one-on-one or always give a shout "you've got the kids?" before wandering off (such as while browsing in a store).

Last week, I was waiting outside the bathrooms by Ariel's Grotto when there is a commotion and a mom starts yelling for her little boy. I guess they were in a large group of extended family and someone lost track of the boy. There was another young boy, maybe 6 or 7, who was in tears. I hope that HE wasn't given the responsibility of keeping track of the younger one! I thought about that panicked look on the mom's face all day and I hope they were able to reunite quickly.

Do WHATEVER IT TAKES to keep your children safe!

 

[PatricenPete]

We just spent a week in Disney this past October. I had purchased a "leash" for DS prior to our trip, as he doesn't like to be confined to his stroller and likes to run, run, run. I had it on him for about 5 minutes before I felt bad and took it off of him.

Instead, we taught him that if he wanted to be out of the stroller he had to hold hands. When we took him out of the stroller, DH or I would say, "hold hands" and if he refused to hold hands, then he went back in the stroller. It took a few days before he really "got it", but by the end of the trip, he was walking the whole park holding hands with mommy or daddy and he was only 1, so it CAN be done with any child regardless of age.

I don't support nor do I criticize the use of a "leash" - I think it is ultimately up to a parent, but there ARE other options, like teaching your child to hold hands, that DO work if you just have a little patience.

We have been home for 2 months and we still do "hold hands" when we are in the mall or another crowded environment. DS actually LOVES holding hands now and will actually reach for my hand when walking from the living room to the kitchen......

 

[Dale-n-Chip]

Some kids are great "stroller kids" and others are simply not. My son falls into category #2! He did NOT like to be in a stroller once he learned walking could get him wherever he wanted to go. For us, the harness gave him the freedom to walk (and believe he was in charge of his direction and destiny ). It gave us peace of mind that he couldn't get too far away (short folks can move through a crowd much faster than their parents and have slippery little hands!) and also prevented a couple of nasty spills down staircases and such. And I, personally, was VERY glad to get rid of the stroller--I'm probably in the minority there.

At 2, DS knew how to operate velcro and could get out of the wrist ones faster than you could say Mickey Mouse. The harness didn't control his hands and was behind him, adding to the illusion he was in control. He was much happier thinking he was unrestrained than he would have been in a stroller or having to hold my hand for hours on end. It isn't all about making the kid happy, but if you can keep them safe, and make them happy while keeping the people around you in peace, what's the issue?

Adding my two cents. . .

 

[CleveRocks]

Go ahead then, share your secret.

No secret. I just do calisthenics before I go out with them. I watch like a hawk, NEVER (EVER!) take my eyes off them, and if both bolt in opposite directions at the same time I first quickly grab whichever one is less combative that day and then tail after the other. It's not easy. I get tired a lot. But FOR ME, it's better than using a leash. I'm not judging others for using leashes, but I couldn't allow myself to do it. I also couldn't imprison them in a stroller, either. If I do have a stroller with me (rare these days), it's for their convenience if they feel like being prince or princess. The only times I INSIST they use the stroller, if I have it with me, is in immediately physically dangerous places like a crowded mall parking lot, or while crossing a busy urban street (not simply a crowded environment, but rather an environment with moving vehicles whizzing by, where if one of the kids bolted even one foot away in the wrong direction it could mean instant death). At WDW for a week in May, we rented a double stroller, but we NEVER told the kids they had to get into it. Their chariot awaited if they wanted it, but we NEVER used it as a form of restraint.

FOR ME, IN MY SITUATION WITH MY KIDS, I'd feel like using a leash was a shortcut for me, that it would be for my convenience, and that I am capable of keeping them equally as safe without using a tool I don't like.

But like I said, to each's own.

-- Eric

 

[tracilicious]

No secret. I just do calisthenics before I go out with them. I watch like a hawk, NEVER (EVER!) take my eyes off them, and if both bolt in opposite directions at the same time I first quickly grab whichever one is less combative that day and then tail after the other. It's not easy. I get tired a lot. But FOR ME, it's better than using a leash. I'm not judging others for using leashes, but I couldn't allow myself to do it. I also couldn't imprison them in a stroller, either. If I do have a stroller with me (rare these days), it's for their convenience if they feel like being prince or princess. The only times I INSIST they use the stroller, if I have it with me, is in immediately physically dangerous places like a crowded mall parking lot, or while crossing a busy urban street (not simply a crowded environment, but rather an environment with moving vehicles whizzing by, where if one of the kids bolted even one foot away in the wrong direction it could mean instant death). At WDW for a week in May, we rented a double stroller, but we NEVER told the kids they had to get into it. Their chariot awaited if they wanted it, but we NEVER used it as a form of restraint.

FOR ME, IN MY SITUATION WITH MY KIDS, I'd feel like using a leash was a shortcut for me, that it would be for my convenience, and that I am capable of keeping them equally as safe without using a tool I don't like.

But like I said, to each's own.

-- Eric

Well, that's actually a million times better than the response I was expecting. You are right, it is a shortcut. We used one at DL because it allowed us to keep ds with us and enjoy ourselves without worrying that he was going to bolt in front of someone's stroller or something. We still watched him very closely, but he just didn't try to run when he was wearing his harness.

I totally hear you about the strollers. Ds hated a stroller from the time he was about 6 months until he was about 2. We took one with us on big trips and he liked to sit in there at snack time or for naps, but otherwise I had to carry him. He didn't even want to walk. He just wanted to explore from the comfort zone of Mommy.

I HATE seeing screaming kids in strollers begging to get out. Is is so much more important to get where you are going in a hurry than it is to take care of your child's needs? Even worse is seeing a stroller used as punishment. Ugh, don't even get me started.

 

[tracilicious]

Instead, we taught him that if he wanted to be out of the stroller he had to hold hands. When we took him out of the stroller, DH or I would say, "hold hands" and if he refused to hold hands, then he went back in the stroller. It took a few days before he really "got it", but by the end of the trip, he was walking the whole park holding hands with mommy or daddy and he was only 1, so it CAN be done with any child regardless of age.

The only problem I have with this is that a little arm will get tired after just a few minutes of holding hands. You hold your arm above your head for five minutes and tell me it's comfortable. I have no doubt that a child that young can be taught to hold hands, we've done the "hold hands or be carried" thing in parking lots and such for ages. I don't think it's fair to expect a toddler to do that around WDW or DL though.

 

[PatricenPete]

I don't think it's fair to expect a toddler to do that around WDW or DL though.

My son is not a quiet kid, TRUST ME. If he was unhappy with a situation you would know about it. HE is the one that wants to hold hands now. No matter where we are, he is the one that grabs my hand. Personally, I don't think that it is fair to put a leash on my kid like I do my dog, but to each his own and I didn't sit here and criticize anyone else's actions like you criticized mine.

 

[SammieG]

Reins are a fantastic way of helping your child keep balance too when they are not very stable on their feet. We always used to use them on airplanes when DS wanted a walk. The unstable nature of an aircraft and the inablity to hold his hand meant that I could hold on to something with one hand and the reins in the other hand, and if he fell, I could CATCH him with the reins.

We used them many many times in WDW to great success. Lots of people stopped us and said what a fantastic idea.

I just dont understand the problem that people have with them. Is it unfair to restrain your child in a car? or a stroller? What about a highchair?

I dont see any difference.

 

[Gymbomom]

I appreciate all the feedback. I don't mind the negative opinions as I asked to see both sides. Although it is nicer to hear the people who say do what you think is best.

I also feel very comfortable in my parenting and know I am not doing it out of convience. And, yes I do have patience...
I don't picture me using it all the time, which is what I said. I just think there are some situations I would be more comfortable knowing my child is "safely" with me.

I think about all the sitautions that could happen, which doesn't mean I live in fear, but frankly I think it is my job to think about the worst case scenario.
Also, I watch Lifetime movies I KNOW what can happen.

Also, I have an 8 year old who needs attention as well. It isn't all about catering to my 4 year old.
And, I will be there a week without my hubby to help.

The point about just telling my child what is expected of him and he should obey.....I agree somewhat with that. And he usually behaves better than I think he will in most situations. But, I also don't want to constantly get onto him and be reminding him every 2 feet stay with mommy, stay with mommy. I am really big on picking and choosing battles with my children. I don't want ot use it as punishment, but just saying "DS it is really crowded right now and I don't want you to get lost, so this will help you to stay with me."

DIS is awesome, so nice to hear all different sides, but know we all have the common goal of loving and taking care of our children!!

 

[pedro2112]

I also feel very comfortable in my parenting and know I am not doing it out of convience. And, yes I do have patience...
I don't picture me using it all the time, which is what I said. I just think there are some situations I would be more comfortable knowing my child is "safely" with me.

I think about all the sitautions that could happen, which doesn't mean I live in fear, but frankly I think it is my job to think about the worst case scenario.
Also, I watch Lifetime movies I KNOW what can happen.......

The point about just telling my child what is expected of him and he should obey.....I agree somewhat with that. And he usually behaves better than I think he will in most situations. But, I also don't want to constantly get onto him and be reminding him every 2 feet stay with mommy, stay with mommy. I am really big on picking and choosing battles with my children. I don't want ot use it as punishment, but just saying "DS it is really crowded right now and I don't want you to get lost, so this will help you to stay with me."

Gymbo,

We had the same concerns a few years ago when we took our then DD3 and DD4 to the Magic Kingdom for a day trip. We did end up buying the wrist leashes. As it turned out, we never did need them, and we didn't even bother bringing them on our trip last March. However, if it will give you peace of mind knowing you have it, then go ahead and bring them. Who knows, perhaps it will be unecessary, but if you do need them at least you'll have them available.

 

[SqueakyMouse]

I only saw one "leash" in use during our visit this past week. Personally, I never had a good experience with one. We tried one once with our older son when he was around 3. He could un-velcro that thing in a heartbeat. It became a big game with him.

During this past week, my 5 yo rode in the stroller the entire time. Smart boy. He'd rather ride than walk when at WDW. At home, we haven't had him in a stroller since he was 2 1/2 yo.

 

[all4fun]

Reins are a fantastic way of helping your child keep balance too when they are not very stable on their feet. We always used to use them on airplanes when DS wanted a walk. The unstable nature of an aircraft and the inablity to hold his hand meant that I could hold on to something with one hand and the reins in the other hand, and if he fell, I could CATCH him with the reins.

We used them many many times in WDW to great success. Lots of people stopped us and said what a fantastic idea.

I just dont understand the problem that people have with them. Is it unfair to restrain your child in a car? or a stroller? What about a highchair?

I dont see any difference.

That is so true --- Also at WDW and Disneyland (where we were most recently) there are places like the Tarzan Treehouse or Swiss Family Treehouse where the harness was truely a lifesaver.

DS has motor skill delays and we need to allow him to climb stairs and do things on his own without supporting him and the harness allows him to do this while we can still use it to prevent him from falling down. I appreciate parents who don't want to confine their kids - I get it - but sometimes you just don't know exactly why someone might find something like that useful. It's not always about confinement.

 

[PaulaSue]

Stupid question but where do you get the wrist/belt loop one? Anyplace in stores?

Maybe I will just use the sling or their ponytails They do good at Hersheypark (we have seasono passes) but with a bigger park unknown to them and GPs coming along. Makes me rethink/question my game plan.

 

[tracilicious]

My son is not a quiet kid, TRUST ME. If he was unhappy with a situation you would know about it. HE is the one that wants to hold hands now. No matter where we are, he is the one that grabs my hand. Personally, I don't think that it is fair to put a leash on my kid like I do my dog, but to each his own and I didn't sit here and criticize anyone else's actions like you criticized mine.

Judging by this post, you do. Actually I wasn't criticizing you (I'm sorry it sounded that way), I was referring to the argument that many have that a child shouldn't be harnessed, he should just learn to hold hands. My son enjoyed holding hands quite a bit at that age too. But what do I know, I treat my son like a dog, right?

 

[SA53]

In my case it was my 9 year old who wandered off at 6 Flags because he thought he had heard us talking about going to a certain ride and off he went. It was the most terrifying 5 minutes of my life (I even stormed into the nearby men's room with crazy scenarios running through my head ). We are off to DL in a couple of months and I am trying to figure out a cool way to keep him close without him having to hold hands all the time. I am approaching it as an astronauts tether, but if it is crazy with crowds he will be tethered to his mom!!!!

K

 

[Desnik]

When DD was almost 3 I tried to use one for her at WDW. She didn't like being in the stroller for too long but once she was out she was on the run! I bought a harness that was a kiddie fannie pack and the end that I held had a velcro loop I was able to put on my belt loop. You would think it would've worked great. Well DD was too fast and we kept getting tangled with other people, the stroller, and other obstructions. It was actually a very funny site. I gave up and told her it was my hand or the stroller. She held my hand then got tired and stayed in her stroller. Now DD is almost 8, I also have an almost 3 year old DS, and we have been to WDW every year since DD was born. I have learned that when they are young you just go with the flow and at their pace. Yes I may be missing a few sights but we will see them eventually, they are only kids once!
DS hates being in his stroller when I am at the mall so to get some shopping done I am prepared with a few things to keep him busy in his stroller. Toys, but I always have his favorite, M&M's!!!LOL I know it would be harder to do at WDW, but it works with DS no matter where we are.

To the OP, you do what you feel is right for you and your children. Do not worry about what other people say or the looks you may get. You are trying to protect your child, there is nothing wrong about that!

 

[DawnaJean]

I used the harness a few times while at MK for my DS 2. I called it is "power belt" and when he wore it he could walk around with the rest of us and not have to hold hands. Sure, it is a shortcut and it is definitely more for Mom's sanity and baby's safety than anything else.

Who gives a ham sandwich what other people think? Do what feels right for you and your family!!!

Dawna