CP: Child leashes, yea or nay

[greencrayon]

I haven't used one yet, but I'm not against it. Especially now that I'm solo.

[nomad]

I own a pair for my twins but have never taken them out in public. My girls always ask to put them on when they spot them in the house. Weirdos. Far safer than having kids run away from you.

[Deleted]

Luckily DS is not a runner. But I would not hesitate to use one in a crowded place if I thought I needed it. Like the airport or Disney.

[motzie]

Yes. The only time I've used one is when flying. The first time I ended up being solo with DD1 and the baby. DD1 is not a runner but she was so wound up from waking up early, not napping, all the stimulation, she was nuts. If anyone was judging me for using it I'm sure they had second thoughts when they saw her spinning around like a demon and trying to run away every 5 seconds.

[dcn]

I think people who think they are awful probably never had a kid who ran away.

We have used one on a few occasions.

[kategm]

Yay. I had one as a child. I was a silent wanderer.

[huskymom]

I don't get being judgey about something that keeps kids safer.

[thejen626]

Should I zip up my flame suit? Lol

I think they are only acceptable if the child to adult ratio is off, and/or your kid is a runner, and/or they could get hit by a car or in immediate danger if the kid bolted off.

Two parents, with one kid on leash, on a quiet day at the empty zoo? I do think that's a little ridiculous.

One adult with a bunch of kids, in a crowded, dangerous place, and one of the kids is a runner? I don't judge that.

I hang out with a bunch of kids every day and out of the 15-20 kids that I hang out with regularly, I could see myself using a leash possibly with two of them. They are both crazy boys that are full of energy and I don't think I'd be able to handle them by myself with other kids.

[jln]

DS1 was a runner. I used the leash with him once. I would have used it more but people have such a negative view of thrm and get so judgey about it I preferred to keep him in a stroller than deal with sanctimommies judging me.

[katie]

Aug 12, 2015 22:36:12 GMT -5 dcn said:

I think people who think they are awful probably never had a kid who ran away.

We have used one on a few occasions.

I agree. We would get comments and looks from people and I hated it. Lillian did not care, running away was a fun game. Even if it was H and I together we would use it regardless of where we were. Chasing after your kid in public all the time is not fun. We haven't used it in a while because she's gotten better or we just leave if she won't listen. She gets it a bit more now. 

[heygrey]

we have one, though we haven't used it yet. i bought it for the airport because i often travel with R alone and i don't take a stroller. he is either in the tula or he's walking. i'm the only adult and i'm also wrangling our carry-ons, i'm not risking him running off on me.

[Deleted]

Aug 12, 2015 22:36:12 GMT -5 dcn said:

I think people who think they are awful probably never had a kid who ran away.

Yep

[kangaroo11]

DD has been testing how far she can go before I'll chase her. It's a fun game to her and scary to me. We have been working on the leash to prepare for our Europe trip.

[minzy]

Well, I prefer to call it a harness, TYVM. My husband went out and bought one for DD2 the day after taking both kids to the library by himself. She's a runner who basically hates to be held and she doesn't usually like to hold hands. The harness gives her more freedom to roam than she'd otherwise get, and us more control, so I am a fan. I have used it a bit since then (mostly when I've been alone with both of them outdoors). The feedback to my face, anyway, has only been positive (one set of parents said I was a genius). I really don't care what anyone else thinks.

[lilac05]

Aug 12, 2015 22:36:12 GMT -5 dcn said:

I think people who think they are awful probably never had a kid who ran away.

We have used one on a few occasions.

This, exactly.  

In my pre-kid days, I didn't judge people who used them when necessary, but I didn't think I'd ever have one.  I figured I'd just keep a close eye on my kids and know it would be some chasing for a bit.  Then I had a runner who started walking before 10 months (so before really following many commands).  I joked that he could have made it to Africa before ever turning around to see where I was & he was FAST.  We used it in airports and for parades.  It was that or strapping him into a stroller all the time.  The leash actually gave him more freedom in those situations.  We never even thought about using it for DS2.  He's a typical toddler wanderer/runner, but it's not the same.

[pooh8402]

DH and I are in favor of them. Especially after an incident a few years ago when a toddler was hit by a car in the grocery store parking lot because she let go of her grandmother's hand and darted into traffic. She was okay, but in critical condition for a while.

[kdubs923]

I haven't had to use one yet, but it may be in our future. DS is a runner. But it's only me against him right now, so I'm able to always have a hand on him while out.

When the baby gets here, it just won't be that simple. If it keeps him, me and the baby safer then I'll do it.

[teatimefor2]

I have one. DS1 went through a running phase from about 14-18 months. I fly solo with him a lot with a stroller plus a carry on. It was necessary, just to be able to check in!

[lauren170]

My little runner won't get in her stroller without screaming so loud it makes a scene. So we let her walk and if it's in Boston or somewhere with any danger she gets the leash.

[ECB]

Never needed one myself but I absolutely don't judge them.

I have a friend that had 2 kids and she judged leashes. Her girls weren't runners. THEN she had her son. She finally understood.

[cricketwife]

I dont really love the idea of them. I'm hoping that we can avoid using one, but if others use them, I don't judge it. I do prefer the one that someone linked once that has a coil. It seems safer and more comfortable than a leash with no give.

[vmars]

I tried to use one on DS and he would grab the handle from me and lead himself around. #leashfail he's definitely a runner but I am not solo very often with him in a busy place.

[spk926]

Yep, they're great. They are a tool you can use to keep your child safe. Anyone who judges them can step off their high horse.

We have one that looks like a puppy. DD loves it. Our downtown farmer's market is very busy, crowded, and next to a road. I've used it there and it's been great.

[Velar Fricative]

I would not hesitate to use one if/when DD needs it. So far, she's not a runner at all but as with most things, that could change overnight. I don't care about judging, nor is this something I judge.

[spk926]

Aug 12, 2015 22:53:39 GMT -5 thejen626 said:

Should I zip up my flame suit? Lol

I think they are only acceptable if the child to adult ratio is off, and/or your kid is a runner, and/or they could get hit by a car or in immediate danger if the kid bolted off.

Two parents, with one kid on leash, on a quiet day at the empty zoo? I do think that's a little ridiculous.

One adult with a bunch of kids, in a crowded, dangerous place, and one of the kids is a runner? I don't judge that.

I hang out with a bunch of kids every day and out of the 15-20 kids that I hang out with regularly, I could see myself using a leash possibly with two of them. They are both crazy boys that are full of energy and I don't think I'd be able to handle them by myself with other kids.

Do you also judge when parents put their child in a stroller if the ratio of adults to children isn't off??? Both are tools to contain a child, keep them safe and close to the parent.

[laurenh]

If it'll help ensure I can keep my kid safe, I'm all for it. DD1 isn't really a runner so I'm not sure we'd need one for her, but I wouldn't judge someone else using one.

[timorousbeastie]

I genuinely have no idea why leashes are something anyone would judge. I mean, I realize there are people out there who will judge anything, so it shouldn't surprise me. But me having a leash on my kid has absolutely no effect on you (general you), so why would you care?

I've never actually used one on DD, but I definitely wouldn't have a problem using one of the circumstances necessitated it.

[origami]

I tried to use them but they just resulted in my kids running, falling, then crying. So I'm a "no" but only because they didn't work for me. Not because I think they're bad or something.

[shelbyann]

We don't have one but I might get one when #2 is here if DD hasn't improved in her ability to hold my hand and listen in places like parking lots.

[minzy]

Aug 13, 2015 6:48:49 GMT -5 timorousbeastie said:

I genuinely have no idea why leashes are something anyone would judge.

I think it's the idea that it's dehumanizing to put a person on a leash, like a dog is. I'd argue that it gives my kid more freedom and autonomy than me holding her flailing in my arms.