To use a Leash or not use one?

[kohlby]

I agree that most 4 year olds won't need them - but I'd bring one along anyway. There are 3 year olds who do need them so I could understand a few 4 year olds needing them. My first child was a runner and barely 3 when we took him to Disney the first time. We made him wear it the first day since he was the type to sprint off with wild abandon at that age. He didn't want to wear it the second day, so we told him that if he stayed near us, that we wouldn't make him wear it. He knew that the second he wandered off, he was getting the harness on him. It was a great way to force him to stay near us and he actually surprised us and did quite well! So I'd take one and let the kids know you have it - and you're not afraid of using it! It's a nice natural consequence and may encourage them to not wander off.

My second child always stayed right by my side, so there was no need to take a harness at all with her. If there's any chance you may have a runner, bring one so you have a plan B.

 

[robinb]

I don't think the 4-year olds will really need a leash. The only time that I considered using one was when my DD just turned 3. By 4-years old kids are less likely to just bolt away from you.

 

[Bugsmom73]

I think it is up to the parents. I am planning on bring one for my 5 year old with Down syndrome and I am prepared to tell anyone making remark about it that I know he is safe and happ and that is all that matters!! I also plan to use a bracelett of somekind and have our cell numbers on it and maybe even a note in his shirt. His is nonverbal, uses signs and PECS. he can communicate and I know when he sees Mickey or Goofy he will go wild to get to them. They are favorites. So Yes use a leash or tether for your own piece of mind and for their safety. there are many types of tags for shoes too so that you can have them marked.

Hope it helps. we go in July

Have fun. I grew up in Central IL. Do you have Disney Pecs?

 

[DOPEYLUVER]

I bet I was 20 years old when I read an article a woman wrote about her and her mother in law having a disagreement about keeping a child on a leash. The mother thought they were terrible. The mother in law was all for them. One day the mother was standing waiting to cross the street holding the child's hand. In a second (and those of you who are parents know how quick it can happen) the child wiggled out of the hand, ran into the street and got hit by a car. The child was not killed but was permanently brain damaged.

I am 50 years old and will never forget that article.

 

[DAPford]

I have used one once for my DD who is now 14 in fact the only time was for the airport when we went to Disney in 2001 right after 9/11. We attatched it to the back loop of her jeans as a precaution due to all the heighten security at that time and I am glad I did between searches and documents and all the nervousness of the time it eased my mind that i knew she could not have something catch her little ADHD eye and wander off while myself or her dad were distracted . At the end of the day you have to be ok with whatever you choose. As long as you are ok with it your child will be too.

 

[Jaylin]

I personally don't like them and wouldn't use them. A 4 y/o should be able to behave and not "run away" I am curious too, how many adults are there? They should be holding someone's hand 99% of the time or even if the 2 y/o old each other's hand. I have 4 kids myself and all under the age of 7, they know there would be serious consequences if they ever did something like that.

Which is why I just cannot let this crazy post go without some comment, sorry!

I understand how it could be seen as harsh, and that was not my intent.

I am envisioning what I see all the time - parents berating their children for not paying attention. Kids are easily distracted, and that's a normal part of development. Kids whose parents expect them to act like adults, or parents who are constantly trying to keep their kids in line, or parents who constantly make their kids feel like they're not doing well enough - that is what I see a lot of. It's good to parent your child where they're at - and all kids are at different stages of development. There is no such thing as "should or shouldn't be able to" at a certain age. Some parents expect things from their children that are not developmentally appropriate for that child. This I know from experience. This, I know, results in frustrated kids with low self esteem.

I would love to know what your background is that you have all this amazing insight. I agree with a PP, your comments are just pure baloney! At 4yo my children know what is expected of them in certain situations. That is because I "kept them in line" it's called parenting! I can't tell you how many times we have be told by strangers how well behaved my children are. The kids love to hear that. We can go to restaurants,the mall, the movies. They don't run around like little lunatics screaming and yelling. And the absolutely do NOT have self esteem problems!!! They just know there is a time and place for certain behaviors!

So where is all this "experience" from?

 

[livsmom04]

I have one that I am planning on using when we go to Disney World in May. It's mainly going to be used in the airport while I'm getting our things checked in and while waiting to board our plane. I have used these in the past but feel with my child who is almost 6 would be best. She has a habit of wondering off and sometimes when she's super excited this has happened several times in big malls too. I'm not ashamed to use it either, it's for the safety of my daughter and puts my mind to ease.

 

[lathamary]

So where is all this "experience" from?

I have a bachelor's degree in Social Studies Education, with an emphasis in Psychology, and I am a trained and licensed foster parent.

 

[JUJU814]

I think it's no one elses business what you do and you shouldn't worry what anyone thinks. Do what you feel is best for your family and the heck with what anyone else thinks .

 

[robinb]

I have one that I am planning on using when we go to Disney World in May. It's mainly going to be used in the airport while I'm getting our things checked in and while waiting to board our plane. I have used these in the past but feel with my child who is almost 6 would be best. She has a habit of wondering off and sometimes when she's super excited this has happened several times in big malls too. I'm not ashamed to use it either, it's for the safety of my daughter and puts my mind to ease.

I'm trying to say this gently ... you may not be embarrassed, but I am certain that you will receive some stares. Most people don't look twice at a cute toddler on a leash. A kindergartner or first grader is a completely different matter. Of course you should do what you think is best for your child, just be prepared for onlookers to be less accepting of your choice.

 

[LoveToT]

All this bickering is amazing! People are so uptight.
Anyway - I know that I can get distracted every now and again, and I am an ADULT and I'm not "special needs".
Now, imagine a 4 yr old at Disney World. So many exciting things to see, surprises around the corners, curiosity, and character showing up.
The KinderKord worked well for us last year. Its a a wrist to wrist connection.
Do you know how sweating hand holding can get in June? *gross* This worked great for us, and our DS4 loved it because it looked like a Ben10 watch

You have to do what is right for you and your child.

Have a great trip!!

 

[AJsMomma]

Just bought one today for DD (age 2 yrs 4 months). I figure it's better than having her forced to sit in the stroller all day or walking with her hand above her head the whole time. If it works, it works. If not, oh well. I have a kiddo who does not like to sit still (what 2 year old does?) and I think the harness will make things a bit easier than me sounding like a broken record for a week "stay close...hold my hand...in the stroller...stay with Daddy...hold my hand...yadda yadda".

 

[TheRatPack]

We used one for our 6 year old....he was 4 when we used it last. He has RAD, an attachment disorder and he'd walk away with anyone and never look back. While I'd like to think that I could keep my eyes on him 24/7, I do blink sometimes LOL I'm not sure if we'll use it this year or not...he'll be 7 when we go and seriously, I may just make him ride in our stroller or put one of those wrist things on him with our phone number and make him hold on to the stroller handle. We got stares when he was 4 and wearing one...but you know what, who cares!!!??? They don't know our situation and they can judge all they want but I was doing what was right for my son and our family.

 

[Tiana]

.

 

[emmababy]

Prior to having children, I swore I would never use one. We bought one for my dd, but never used it. My son was 19 months on our trip in February and I soooo wish we would have had one for him. He was sooo heavy to carry around (32 pounds) and he wouldn't hold hands at all.

It would have been nice to be able to let him walk more than we did.....To each their own- do what you believe is right. You could always bring them and decide once you are there if you want to use it or not.

I will tell you that the one thing you can't find on Disney property is a harness. If I would have found one, I would have bought it!!

 

[PrincessPiperMommy]

It's all in what you are confortable with... We used a leash on our first trip with DS at age 3. At age 4, we brought it along, but didn't need to use it. He preferred to ride in the stroller or hold one of our hands. But there were 2 of us to 1 of him... When there are a lot of people around, plus you have infants, there will definitely be times when your attention may not be on the 4 year olds 100%, so if it is piece of mind to have them on a leash, then go ahead. It is about keeping your kids are safe... and you are the one who knows your kids the best.

Ditto!!! We did a monkey backpack thing with our DD (just 2 at the time) last year. She rarely used it but I felt better when we needed it. I plan to bring it with me next month (still 2), but with how she has been at the stores I may not need it, but I'll have it if I do.

 

[tinkerbell198530]

I have to say I did not read all of the posts. However I have to say go for the stroller vrs the leash, and I am only saying this becuse of all the walking you have to do at Disney world

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

I love my KinderKord! I don't feel awkward at all using this with my DD and when she is 4 and refusing her stroller in WDW, she will be wearing the wristband! I would rather get gawked at all day, than risk losing my child because for that split second something caught my eye and something caught hers!

Here is the link thru Amazon, but you can find it at your local Toys/BabiesRUs Amazon KinderKord

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Do things not catch kid's eyes when they have the leash on? I am being serious. When the leash is on and the kid wants to run what happens? Do they strain and pull against the leash? Throw themselves on the ground? I am truly not being snarky about it but no matter how many times I ask this on any thread about this nobody really answers.

As for holding hands over their heads etc. We always taught the kids to hold onto the stroller so it was at their height. Just thought I'd throw that out there in case someone was looking for an alternative.

 

[hsmamato2]

probably not needed for ordinary walking with 4 year olds......BUT......I've been in MK once when the after-fireworks crowds got BAD. I actually got scared,we had an infant in the stroller and a 6 year child. I actually stopped,put the infant in a sling,and made my 6 year old ride the stroller,I was that afraid to lose them in the chaos.
SO if Disney will be crowded,I could see having a 'leash; for the kids just in case things get crazy,and you have a lot of kids to watch for....and that's just real life!
BTW,I still don't get the "looks" thing about using a child leash.....it isn't harmful or hurtful,it protects kids who are 'runners'! (and until and unless you have a 'runner'you will never know what it's like to parent one)