The leash talk

[alyssa810]

I just listened to the part of the podcast where they talked about kids and leashes, and I felt like the words were right from my mouth!! We never wanted to be "those" parents, but after our last WDW trip, we're really considering it because DS too, is a runner-awayer, and we're headed to DLP in June.
I've also learned -since becoming a parent- to not criticize others' (except for my SIL who is an idiot and not on the boards LOL) parenting techniques.

 

[PEANUT1]

so true!! we used one on our 2 year old. It was cute and pink and looked like a little shoulder purse. It unclipped very easily and she liked keeping toys in the bag. To each his own.

 

[dpuck1998]

I use one of those on the ski slopes But other than that my kids can hold my hand. I understand that some people need them, but like anything else we can talk about, they are abused by a few parents that don't need them. However, like is often discussed, the same is true for wheelchairs, scooters, etc. We can't tell by looking if a certain kid needs one for a reason (autism, etc) so I assume each parent has a valid reason. Do I need one, no, but if you do need one, go for it.

 

[Matt@WDWR]

I don't really believe in leashes. However, our almost 2 year old needs to be put in a kennel when in public. hahaha She is the only one of our 3 who have ever been holy terrors. haha

 

[Becx N Gav]

If my parents had not had one of these for my younger brother I don't think he would have made it to school age Anywhere he could go he would go, infact even past 3-4 he was a nightmare.
At least you know where your child is, if/when we have a little one I wouldn't hesitate to use a leash if it was needed

 

[SaraMc]

I have to say that I totally agree with the podcast crew. Each parent is going to do it diffrent because each child is diffrent. DS wasnt a runner, but more a easily distracted wanderer. We got the monkey for him and he wore it. Holding on to our hand and the loop of the tail on one of our hands. He's much older now and doesnt need the monkey. But still has it and plays with it like its one of his stuffed friends.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Hey, as long as the leash isn't attached to a choke chain....no harm, no foul.

 

[dpuck1998]

Hey, as long as the leash isn't attached to a choke chain....no harm, no foul.

Ohhh.....now you tell me....I was using a pinch collar....is that ok?

 

[wishspirit]

As most of you know, I work with children with special needs, so these are quite common with the kids I work with.

A lot of them are runners, and you never know when a main road may attract them! Plus many of them look like 'normal' children, but they do have special needs which need extra help and support with/

To those who are 'against' leashes (although I don't think that's the right word), then just thank your lucky stars that your child doesn't need one.

Don't judge!

 

[PEANUT1]

I don't really believe in leashes. However, our almost 2 year old needs to be put in a kennel when in public. hahaha She is the only one of our 3 who have ever been holy terrors. haha

you don't believe in them...like they don't exist??

 

[Matt@WDWR]

you don't believe in them...like they don't exist??

LOL maybe I meant to say I don't believe in using them.haha oops. Although if others do, I don't care. I don't have time to worry about how others parent. I'm just saying it isn't for me. Now, if I have to lock em in a stroller until they are 20 then I'll do that. haha

 

[TeriofTerror]

Slightly OT -- I've gotten "that look" from other parents regarding scared kids on rides. When my daughter was younger, all she could talk about was riding ToT. Once we got there, she was scared and reluctant to ride. I knew she'd be really disappointed if she didn't do it, however, so I, er, convinced (translation: bribed) her to ride. Of course, once it was over she declared it the best ride ever and immediately wanted to ride it again. I really wish I could have paraded her in front of all the people who thought I was evil for "forcing" her on the ride!

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I cannot even imagine a nightmare as bad as having a very young child lost in the crowds. When I see a kid on one of those "leashes" I know they won't get lost. If you know your little child runs out into the crowd, or the road, then I would hope you protect them as much as you can.

 

[gmouse1]

For me I'm a totally paranoid newly-single parent who is deathly afraid my son will get lost in the crowd at DisneyWorld. My son loves to "do his own thing" and I'm not taking any chances in a place that big with so many people. I'll take the risk of anyone looking down on me, I really don't care what anyone thinks when it comes to protecting my son.

As an example, we were sitting in my parents house just after shovelling out from a blizzard this winter and my son took off in the living room where the front door is. Without hesitation I ran after him and by the time I caught up he was out the door standing right next to a busy street beside a huge snow mound. If he would have taken one more step that would have been the end of him because the cars never would have seen him behind the snow mound. I had nightmares of what could have happend for days after that.

 

[Stinasmom]

My reason for using the "leash" when my kids were little has yet to be mentioned here or on the podcast...
I was scared to death of someone else swooping up and taking my child when I wasn't looking! Even if they are right next to you, you get distracted and they could be gone!

So, I totally recommend them!

 

[moepanz]

I used to think "what horrible parents" when I saw those things. Then I had twins. Being in WDW with a 4yr and 2 2yr olds would not have been possible without the twins on a leash. The twins are 4 now and I will still have them "leashed" for our Dec. trip.

 

[golden2323]

I'll post another view on it, that I have not seen brought up. I have two year old twins. They are well behaved and don't USUALLY give us any trouble about holding hands, either. However, my girls PREFER the tethers we used for them vs. holding hands in some cases. Florida in September is HOT, and they were more than happy to wear a tether so they didn't have to hold our hot hands, and had a little more freedom, while my husband and I still had the peace of mind of knowing that they couldn't stray too far.

To each his own - I've never understood looking down on others for their parenting choices.

Now, the parents letting their kids wear those "heelies" and racing through Wal-mart, those I judge.

 

[2Tiggies]

You don't need a "runner" to get separated from your child at Disney. Anyone ever exited the MK at park closing on Easter ..... I had the wrist to wrist strap attached to my belt loops and to DDs. She was 7 last trip. I didn't need any such thing when she was a toddler. We do what we have to do and what is comfortable to us. I think a lot of criticism is perceived, rather than actual. I know there are those who are against leashes on kids for various reasons. I am probably not keen on some of the things that they do, but it wouldn't stop me from having a coffee and a chat with them. Even the best of friends don't agree on everything.

 

[Dismom+two]

Ok...so I am in my early 40's and when I was young my mother used a leash with me. Back then they didn't have "child leashes" so she actually used a dog leash. If only she patented it...we could have been rich now!! haha

 

[hookedonears]

A leash is no big deal. I don't people need them, but to each his own. We have a friend whose baby was crawling out of his baby bed at night so the mom put one of those zip on nets across the top. Many people thought that was absurd. Though like I said, to each his own.