What do people really think about using a kid leash?

Question

just wondering........

Answer 1

I didn't think I would ever use one...and then I had an energetic child who kept me running. Now, I feel like it is a great idea. I bought the cutest "leash" at Walmart. It is a monkey backpack (although they have other animals). My daughter can put a few things in the backpack and carry them on her back. The "tail" of the monkey is the leash that I can hold on to. It gives her a few feet of space to wander in and yet I have control of her.

I would like to say that always keeping her in a stroller is practical. I do keep her in a cart or stroller when shopping, etc. However, at the zoo and Disney World, she wanted to be a part of the action. We used the monkey backpack and it was perfect for us. She could run and get her energy out and yet I could hold on to her. There are too many weird people out there to just let her run free and take the chance that she could be away from me for even one second.

One note...before we used the backpack in public the first time, I let her play with it around the house. She put stuff in it and wore it around for a few weeks until she got used to it. By the time we used it, it was her friend and she didn't mind. I cannot tell you the number of times I have been stopped by other parents when I am using it so people can ask where I got it. I am sure I have probably gotten some weird looks and comments but no one has said anything to me and many people have told me what a great idea it is.

Better safe than sorry!

Answer 2

I agree with the mom who said "Who cares what other people think." Your childs safety is the very most important thing. Using a leash, as opposed to a stroller, I would go with the leash whenever practical. Kids need to be more active anyway!

Answer 3

Having a harness on a toddler is better than having them run off and be abducted or being hit by a car. No matter how careful people are, some times things happen beyond our control. Before I had my son I thought these things were horrible, but now I see that there is a need for it. I am even considering getting one for when we are waiting for the bus and he can't sit in his stroller because I have had to fold it up. As hard as it is, people shouldn't care what other people think. They aren't hurting their children, the children don't really know to feel embarrassed or humiliated by it. But to each their own, if you don't like them that is fine, but if some one chooses to use one, that is their own business.

Just my humble opinion.

Answer 4

I used to think they were bad until I had a child. When we go shopping (like a mall) my daughter gets very restless in her stroller. But, if I let her out, she runs like crazy. And, she's only 17 months old, so I can't very well explain to her the consequences for doing that. So, yes, a leash can come in handy when I do let her out - although I haven't used hers yet. And, for big outings, like a park, zoo, Disney World - they can save your kids life. Even the best behaved kids can take off - or even get snatched. Sometimes, just having them attached to you keeps them from getting kidnapped or lost. It's not because they are bad kids or because you can't control them - it's for safety. And, now that I have a young child, I see nothing wrong with keeping her happy AND safe.

And, for the people who say "when they are old enough, they can hold your hand" obviously have never experienced the "I don't want you to hold my hand temper tantrum" that my daughter has just learned.

Answer 5

I think they are terrible. If a parent can't control their children in public settings then they shouldn't take their children to those places. My daughter acted up ONCE at the mall. I didn't take her back for six months. Since my now ex husband wasn't a "hands on" father I made friends with neighbors who had kids and we began a sort of "mommie co op" we alternated days where one or two of us would get together to watch the kids of the other moms who had errands to run and we would trade of "baby sitting" duties. Finally one day I relented and took my 2 1/2 year old daughter with me and she behaved the entire time. She even got out of her stroller and walked along side me didn't run off once. No need for leash, no need to hit, no need to strap her into her stroller.

Answer 6

Personally, I don't belive in the leash.
My Mom tried it on my sister once, and told me how ashamed she felt, for treating her daughter like a dog.
So, that was my turn off from those!

But, I see where some parents get that idea. Independant 3 year olds want to "lead the way" meaning really run to the other side of the parking lot!

Believe me, as a Mom of 6, we've gone to the mall, and that can be quite the experience just getting us all to walk toghether.
When my two littlest were just infants, they'd be in the double stoller, and my three [the biggest problem was getting her to stay by my side, but with some time they she learned the routine], six, and two nine year olds would all be walking by my side. We were quite the sight!

Answer 7

I have 3 children including a set of 19mos old twins. I have not had to purchase one yet,but I am thinking about it. My oldest is 4 and between her and the twins, I could see myself easily getting distracted by one of them while the other runs off. The stroller is great for now, but I would definately consider one in a crowded place. Good luck!

Answer 8

Before I had kids, I thought they were cruel - they're children, not dogs! But, now that I have kids, I know how quickly a child can become lost, and more importantly, I know how absolutely terrifying it is in those seconds/minutes that you are looking for your kid. Now I understand why they're used, and I think better safe than sorry. I don't judge at all now when I see them used.

Answer 9

I honestly dont get what the problem is anyone with kids understands that some kids dont listen and they run away and i would much rather have a little harness coming of my kid and save them running in front of a car or something and if you have more than one child to watch it is hard and that sort of thing is fine, its not parents treating there kids like they are animals or something its parents doing what parents do looking out for there kids safety the best way they see fit.

Answer 10

I used to think they were horrible--until my own child would play the game of running away from me in crowded places.

The thing that cracks me up about people making the "children vs animals" comments is something someone once pointed out to me: Why is it we care enough about our dogs by putting a leash on them to prevent them from running out in the street (or until they learned to stay with us) but not our children! Sure made me look at it differently...

We bought one and only used it when he (my son) decided to play a game by keeping the strap on our wrist and he held the loop. Same result--only more fun. (I was too afraid that if he wore it around his waist he'd fall flat on his face if I pulled).