How do you feel about leashes?

BoogieMonster629 · February 2011

Leashes/harnesses whatever they are called, for children, how do you feel about them?

KtGirl88 · February 2011

I think its so funny when people try to make it look like a "back pack" like its a monkey and the parent holds the long leash tail. haha.

Kristen61607 · February 2011

My mom had a leash for me when I was a child and i LOVED it. I totally remember loving it and my mom said I wouldn't go anywhere without it. Maybe I was just a neurotic child but I was terrified of getting lost and strangers and it just felt like extra security.

With twins, I have little doubt in my mind that I'll be getting them! I don't care what people think - if they help protect my child from a potentially dangerous situation then I'm all for them.

Mrs.Florea-2-B · February 2011

Uhm to each its own ofcourse, I really dont like...looks like your walking your dog or something... I can understand the safety of it I guess but I personally dont like it...

PirateGirl04 · February 2011

I personally wouldn't use them but I do understand in some circumstances where they could be useful.

LnR70707 · February 2011

I have no issue with them. I'd rather see a happy kid walkng along with a "leash", than a screaming one strapped into a stroller.

CCC A · February 2011

HATE them..leashes are for dogs.

Not too long ago I was in PetSmart and this lady had her kid on a leash and her dog in her hands. I was thinking that is a bit @ss backwards.... just saying

Britt & Scott · February 2011

I personally am not a fan and say that I'll never resort to using one. When I was little, I held onto my dad's finger. There was never an option to walk without it. So far, DS is the same way with us when he walks around places. I remember having my hand smacked twice in my life, once for touching and breaking something in a store (because I let go of my dad's hand) and the other because I pulled the dog's tail. I never did either of those things again. The plan is to be the same way with our children.

Temp856430000003146 · February 2011

I used to say I would never use one. I still have never used one with DS because he doesn't need it. He holds our hand (whether he wants to or not). I've learned not to judge parents who do use a leash because I can see how they could be useful with certain children in certain situations.

lolliM · February 2011

I put a harness and leash on my pug. That said, I will not be putting either on my child. The child will either hold my hand, be in a stroller, or will not go with me if it's a problem-

txaggie2002 · February 2011

I rarely say never, but I will never use one of those on my child. To sound like my mom...I think they're tacky.

fromthismoment08 · February 2011

To each his own and I won't judge. I have noticed though that the kids on the leashes in the store look pretty darn happy running around!

maiken1027 · February 2011

I think it really depends on the kid. My Mom used one with my oldest brother because he was super curious and always wandering off. She didn't use one on me or my other brother. I'll wait to see how my LO behaves and decide when they are a toddler.

Kristin131 · February 2011

DS so far is a wild child. While I would never use one under normal circumstances (mall, walks, grocery store, etc) I would consider having one if we went to Disney World or something. Maybe he will calm down but as he is now, I wouldn't be opposed to it. But only for instances like that. For everyday errands I think it's lazy on the parent's end.

damabo80 · February 2011

I see that they can have value in certain situations for certain kids.

I probably won't put one on my registry, but I'm not so against them that I would have an issue buying one in the future if the situation warranted it.

ali&jonbaby · February 2011

I had a leash as a child after I continuously ran away from my parents while on outings and at stores. That being said, I will not use one... unless of course, my child turns out to be a runner too.

MrsI · February 2011

I'm not a fan I also believe it looks like you are walking a dog. BUT I do understand that some parents feel the need for them. My parents had one for me for Disney but it velcroed to their wrist and then to my wrist with a cord in between (kind of like a phone cord but not actually a phone cord). If they still made these I would feel more comfortable with them. I know a child could take it off easier but you would obviously feel the slack in it and should be able to teach your child to leave it on.

BethD76 · February 2011

I don't like them. It looks like the child is a pet. Right now i am thinking about one because DS will run away and not look back. It's pretty scary.

ali&jonbaby · February 2011

This is the cord I had as a child (3, 4-years-old).

duhdaisy86 · February 2011

L&R70707:
I have no issue with them. I'd rather see a happy kid walkng along with a "leash", than a screaming one strapped into a stroller.

this is us...DS loves to walk but doesn't listen all the time. But he loves his monkey and is happy with it.

COMomma81 · February 2011

My response on the 2nd Tri thread:

Harness is a better term IMO, but whatevs. I used to side-eye them...until I had a toddler. Some people get really judgy about them, but I have used one a handful of times and it was great. My son was (and still is to an extent) a dasher. I'd be holding his hand and he'd yank free and take off. He's a well-behaved child, but for a time at around 18 months, did this a lot and it was scary. Discipline you say? Absolutely, but getting this to sink in to an 18 mo child is a lot easier said than done.

And while at the airport, traveling by myself...it was a god-send. He didn't want to be strapped to his stroller the whole 3 hour lay-over...can't say I blame him. Using the harness was great because he was free to explore and while I had my hands full with our belongings, I didn't have to worry about chasing after him or worry about him taking off. FWIW...it's a backpack that looks like a monkey and he LOVES it. Wears it all the time at home even.

Personally, I am amazed at how many people find them "degrading". I don't understand how strapping your kid to a stroller is any better. IMO, using a harness is pretty cool because they're free to roam and not be restricted. Some kids flat-out hate strollers. As far as hand-holding goes...you try standing for a long period of time with your arm straight in the air. Not so fun. I simply don't understand why so many people get so judgy when it comes to this. SO long as it's not being abused (i.e. dragging your kid, by it), it can be a really helpful and useful tool.

fromthismoment08 · February 2011

COMomma81:

My response on the 2nd Tri thread:
Harness is a better term IMO, but whatevs. I used to side-eye them...until I had a toddler. Some people get really judgy about them, but I have used one a handful of times and it was great. My son was (and still is to an extent) a dasher. I'd be holding his hand and he'd yank free and take off. He's a well-behaved child, but for a time at around 18 months, did this a lot and it was scary. Discipline you say? Absolutely, but getting this to sink in to an 18 mo child is a lot easier said than done.
And while at the airport, traveling by myself...it was a god-send. He didn't want to be strapped to his stroller the whole 3 hour lay-over...can't say I blame him. Using the harness was great because he was free to explore and while I had my hands full with our belongings, I didn't have to worry about chasing after him or worry about him taking off. FWIW...it's a backpack that looks like a monkey and he LOVES it. Wears it all the time at home even.

Personally, I am amazed at how many people find them "degrading". I don't understand how strapping your kid to a stroller is any better. IMO, using a harness is pretty cool because they're free to roam and not be restricted. Some kids flat-out hate strollers. As far as hand-holding goes...you try standing for a long period of time with your arm straight in the air. Not so fun. I simply don't understand why so many people get so judgy when it comes to this. SO long as it's not being abused (i.e. dragging your kid, by it), it can be a really helpful and useful tool.

This, good point! If you really think about it strapping your screaming kid in a stroller is the same thing. You are restricting them either way you look at it.

damabo80 · February 2011

COMomma81:

My response on the 2nd Tri thread:
Harness is a better term IMO, but whatevs. I used to side-eye them...until I had a toddler. Some people get really judgy about them, but I have used one a handful of times and it was great. My son was (and still is to an extent) a dasher. I'd be holding his hand and he'd yank free and take off. He's a well-behaved child, but for a time at around 18 months, did this a lot and it was scary. Discipline you say? Absolutely, but getting this to sink in to an 18 mo child is a lot easier said than done.
And while at the airport, traveling by myself...it was a god-send. He didn't want to be strapped to his stroller the whole 3 hour lay-over...can't say I blame him. Using the harness was great because he was free to explore and while I had my hands full with our belongings, I didn't have to worry about chasing after him or worry about him taking off. FWIW...it's a backpack that looks like a monkey and he LOVES it. Wears it all the time at home even.

Personally, I am amazed at how many people find them "degrading". I don't understand how strapping your kid to a stroller is any better. IMO, using a harness is pretty cool because they're free to roam and not be restricted. Some kids flat-out hate strollers. As far as hand-holding goes...you try standing for a long period of time with your arm straight in the air. Not so fun. I simply don't understand why so many people get so judgy when it comes to this. SO long as it's not being abused (i.e. dragging your kid, by it), it can be a really helpful and useful tool.

Great rationale. As long as the kid is happy, and the parents feel safer, who cares how it "looks".

hcdekarske · February 2011

I can firmly say, we will never use one, ever. To each his own, but I won't. I believe if you child runs off, they he/she hasn't been taught not too. My step daughter never ran off, because she knew better. If she didn't want to be in a stoller and wanted to walk around...then she knew she need to listen and stay with us and hold someone's hand. Obviously, this is my opinion and we each have one. I have two dogs...they rarely use a leashes because they know to stay with us...I sure as heck shouldn't need one for my child.

miller4285 · February 2011

Not trying to be rude to those who like them. But I kinda think they are for lazy parents.

I mean, I have had three toddlers. All active. one with ADHD. Another who walked before a year old. When I was in places that were crowded or busy.....they either were in their stroller or holding my hand. Period.

So what if they didn't like it. It's about being safe.The leash tends to give a false sense of security to parents, at times.

I always want to say "Take the lease off your kid and give it to your pet.....HOLD THEIR HAND!" How hard is it?

FordFalcor · February 2011

COMomma81:

My response on the 2nd Tri thread:

Personally, I am amazed at how many people find them "degrading". I don't understand how strapping your kid to a stroller is any better. IMO, using a harness is pretty cool because they're free to roam and not be restricted. Some kids flat-out hate strollers. As far as hand-holding goes...you try standing for a long period of time with your arm straight in the air. Not so fun. I simply don't understand why so many people get so judgy when it comes to this. SO long as it's not being abused (i.e. dragging your kid, by it), it can be a really helpful and useful tool.

Well said and ITA.

Our child's safety will always win against how something may look to others. And while I don't plan to ever use a leash, I'm a firm believer in never say never.

Such a good point about the stroller too. If they're old enough to walk and wish to, the stroller would be more frustrating than a simple leash that allows them the freedom to walk and be a bit independent.

fromthismoment08 · February 2011

miller4285:

Not trying to be rude to those who like them. But I kinda think they are for lazy parents.

I mean, I have had three toddlers. All active. one with ADHD. Another who walked before a year old. When I was in places that were crowded or busy.....they either were in their stroller or holding my hand. Period.

So what if they didn't like it. It's about being safe.The leash tends to give a false sense of security to parents, at times.

I always want to say "Take the lease off your kid and give it to your pet.....HOLD THEIR HAND!" How hard is it?

I don't think that lazy has anything to do with it. Do you put your kid in a stroller instead of holding their hand sometimes? I guess that would be considered lazy too.

miller4285 · February 2011

It depends on where we were. I usually took the stroller, but would let them walk and hold their hand. If it was a place with a lot of walking, they'd usually get tired of having to walk....so i'd put them in the stroller again until they wanted to walk again.

So really, the stroller was for when THEY got lazy.

Stacey1213 · February 2011

I think it's stupid, just watch your child. No need on treating them like a dog.

kell8807 · February 2011

I'd say right now, I wouldn't use one. But DD is always in the stroller or holding my hand. However, if she started wandering away alot or we were in a huge crowd where she couldn't be in a stroller, I wouldn't hesitate to use a backpack style leash. If it is going to give me some peace of mind & keep her safe, then so be it. All the people who think it's lazy parenting can just shut up & look away then.

Kristin131 · February 2011

chelseaalf20:
spoiledAsh:

HATE them..leashes are for dogs.

Not too long ago I was in PetSmart and this lady had her kid on a leash and her dog in her hands. I was thinking that is a bit @ss backwards.... just saying

Hahahaha ok this is too funny!! I think they are for dogs as well. If your kid is so crazy that they need a leash then maybe there is something else wrong with the situation. My friend has 2 kids and one goes in the cart the other loves to hold on and they listen to her. She lets them walk around when they want but because they are good kids they know never to run off. I feel like if a kid has to have a leash make it more vocal to them that there will be punishments if they run off. Or give them options, either sit in the cart or hold my hand. I know some people can't handle their kids and thats why they use the leashes but Idk it just kinda hurts my heart to see it.

Sorry I have to jump back in. One year olds don't understand "don't run off, it's dangerous". I can see an older kid, fine, they understand it's wrong (maybe they don't know why, but they know it is wrong). But really little kids don't get that concept yet and diciplining them doesn't really sink in at that age.

GeneGoddess · February 2011

COMomma81:
My response on the 2nd Tri thread:
Harness is a better term IMO, but whatevs. I used to side-eye them...until I had a toddler. Some people get really judgy about them, but I have used one a handful of times and it was great. My son was (and still is to an extent) a dasher. I'd be holding his hand and he'd yank free and take off. He's a well-behaved child, but for a time at around 18 months, did this a lot and it was scary. Discipline you say? Absolutely, but getting this to sink in to an 18 mo child is a lot easier said than done.

Exactly! This responses to this topic are hysterical in the "pregnant" boards because it is a theoretical use. Go to the "parenting" boards and most parents either like them or understand why others do. We bought one for DD (it's a koala with a tail) and haven't used it yet. And we might never (she's not much of a dasher). But when DS arrives, the dashing gene may exert itself (I was a dasher).

Could be worse, though. Apparently my GMIL used to put a leash on DH's dad and uncle and clip it to the clothesline so they could play outdoors (they didn't have a fence) while she did chores... She's a stitch!

rab41380 · February 2011

I am bias on this issue because I work in the dog industry, and one of our products is dog leashes! I cannot even imagine making my 2 year old wear a leash! She is either in the stroller if we plan to be somewhere long, like a day at the mall, or she holds my hand, and she loves to hold my hand! I think it is more of a convience for parents who do not want to teach their kids how to stay with their parents... I hate leashes for children, I think it is abusive!

txaggie2002 · February 2011

GeneGoddess:
COMomma81:

My response on the 2nd Tri thread:

Harness is a better term IMO, but whatevs. I used to side-eye them...until I had a toddler. Some people get really judgy about them, but I have used one a handful of times and it was great. My son was (and still is to an extent) a dasher. I'd be holding his hand and he'd yank free and take off. He's a well-behaved child, but for a time at around 18 months, did this a lot and it was scary. Discipline you say? Absolutely, but getting this to sink in to an 18 mo child is a lot easier said than done.

Exactly! This responses to this topic are hysterical in the "pregnant" boards because it is a theoretical use. Go to the "parenting" boards and most parents either like them or understand why others do. We bought one for DD (it's a koala with a tail) and haven't used it yet. And we might never (she's not much of a dasher). But when DS arrives, the dashing gene may exert itself (I was a dasher).

Could be worse, though. Apparently my GMIL used to put a leash on DH's dad and uncle and clip it to the clothesline so they could play outdoors (they didn't have a fence) while she did chores... She's a stitch!

While I may not have a kid and have experience "parenting", I can say that no one in my family used leashes on their kids or agrees with the use of them. This includes my mom, MIL, and both siblings who have kids. So I wouldn't say most parents like them or understand using them. I guess my family isn't most people.

BoogieMonster629 · February 2011

I'm trying to see everyone's point of view but abusive is really jumping off the deep end here.

Firefly9 · February 2011

I haven't gone through and read any comments yet, so if I'm repeating something, sorry!

I think they are fine in CERTAIN situations. They do not take the place of teaching your child to stay with you and not run off, just as they do not take the place of watching your kid. That said, children are fast. And some places are really crowded and busy, and it'd be really easy to lose track of a kid in just a couple seconds. There's always an argument about keeping children in strollers--that's fine, to a point. They like to be up and moving and not restrained sometimes, too, so strollers aren't always the solution--plus they can be big and bulky and may not be allowed places.

I don't think the animal ones are meant to "disguise" the fact that it's a leash. I think the kid will be more interested and willing to wear it if it's a cute animal.

DH and I will probably buy one eventually. Will we use it every time we go anywhere with our children? No. If we are sight seeing or on vacation or somewhere that's pretty stimulating to a child and they'd get distracted easily, sure--a busy zoo, a tourist-y museum, the airport, etc. Grocery shopping? No.

rab41380 · February 2011

Kerri816:
I'm trying to see everyone's point of view but abusive is really jumping off the deep end here.

There are many different forms of abuse, and IMO I believe this is a form of abuse when a parent is tied to their kid it looks a little much for me. Where is the bonding in that, holding your child's hand is an amazing form of bonding, and teaching your child how to behave in public is so important. My DD has her times where she does great, and other times when she wants to do her own thing when we are out, so we learn how to teach her..it is called PARENTING, not strap your kids onto a leash

DMBfan41 · February 2011

fogleer:
I really don't like them in general, but I can see the necessity if you have a child with ADHD or autism, where no matter how careful you are as a parent the child just can't be controlled.

This. I'm not a huge fan and could speculate that I probably won't use one...but never say never. Who knows what the needs and personality of my child will be. Every child is different.

I do know that if I use one I would know that many people would be judging the use of one...which is kind of annoying. It goes back to the "not your kid, not your problem" thing. Not your decision!

DMBfan41 · February 2011

Kerri816:
I'm trying to see everyone's point of view but abusive is really jumping off the deep end here.

I tried to read everyone's posts carefully but must have missed where the word "abusive" came in (not that you're wrong...just missed it) but ITA. Hardly abusive.

ETA: NM, I found it...

12bailey18 · February 2011

I fly across the country numerous time a year, often without DH. With 2 kids under 2, I will certainly have NO problem using a "leash" through busy airports!

COMomma81 · February 2011

miller4285:
Not trying to be rude to those who like them. But I kinda think they are for lazy parents.
I mean, I have had three toddlers. All active. one with ADHD. Another who walked before a year old. When I was in places that were crowded or busy.....they either were in their stroller or holding my hand. Period.
So what if they didn't like it. It's about being safe.The leash tends to give a false sense of security to parents, at times.
I always want to say "Take the lease off your kid and give it to your pet.....HOLD THEIR HAND!" How hard is it?

Give me a freakin' break. Lazy parents? How is pushing your kid in a stroller ANY different? It's about keeping them safe, and using a harness is a lot less restrictive. Hold their hand? Sure, that's fine in short time-periods, but I stand by my statement...how comfortable is it for you to have your arm straight up in the air for a long period of time.

The point is, it's a nice ALTERNATIVE to restricting and strapping your kid in a stroller...which some kids hate. Is it really that important for appearance-sake that you force your child to sit strapped to a stroller or with their hand in the air if they don't want to? Yeah, that's really "humane". But I suppose only "lazy parents" find another alternative to forcing their kid to sit strapped in a stroller. Major eye roll.

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