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The toddler leash revisited
Filed under: Just For Moms, Toddlers Preschoolers
Nolan and I had the most harrowing mall adventure ever this afternoon. I thought I'd make a quick dash to the bank and conduct an uber-fast mail run on the way home, Nolan in my arms because, god knows if I let him go he'd be under mannequin skirts and putting brand new shoes "away". And he refuses to even look at anything resembling a stroller.I thought he'd be intrigued by the buttons on the bank machine, enough to let me hold him. But no. He squirmed out of my arms, noodled on the floor, and dashed, and I was forced to sprint after him, leaving my bank card jutting out of the bank machine. I hastily retrieved it, and we went to mail a parcel off to my brother. Nolan, watching me with a shopping basket, gathered one of his own and selected his own choices: a Glade plug in, a series of infant bottles, and a hideous pig-dog toy thing. I paid for all of them rather than risk a tantrum at the till.
I was describing the scenario to my Mom tonight, and she suggested a "harness" to keep my wanderer in check.
"Like, a leash?" I repeated.
"A harness, you know, so he can wander but not that far."
I thought it might make for lively discussion on Blogging Baby, and when I searched the site, I found I was right. Stefania Butler wrote about Toddler leashes a year and a half ago, and the ensuing debate was interesting.
When she wrote the post in 2005, the thought of leashing a toddler was horrific. Now I am not as firm in that belief. But yet...a leash is a leash and there is something a little disquieting about it.
I wanted to revisit the topic to see if things had changed: are leashes a necessary evil, or an awful invention?
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ReaderComments (Page 4 of 4)
2-27-2007 @ 5:51PM
susandklein said...We just went to the stock show and rodeo.My girls wore their harnesses the entire day(age 6 and 8). We strolled the crowded exhibit areas,the carnival, and the barn areas with much ease and no stress. They don't wear them very often,but at an event like this with 80,000 people,they are wonderful. They had the freedom to walk and look and still keep within safe limits. We don't care to hold hands for 6 hours,so the harnesses made for it easy for all of us.The girls love wearing them. We will be going to Sea World on spring break,they will wear them all day ! I can't understand why anyone would not use them on outings like this. They are a godsend.
Susan
Reply
2-26-2007 @ 9:03AM
Bill said...WOW! Susan, I think that's fine. Do you get a lot of the looks and some of the rotten comments? I know some people give them even with the younger ones wearing a harness. And having a child wear one over the age of four really sets some folks off. All kinds of opinions fly on that subject. I myself, think they are a great tool. When you think about using them, they are no more or less different a safety item to use than any other, highchair, crib, playpen, carseat, etc. Even for some of the older kids, as you have been using them. I would not have a problem doing it myself, if I thought it was needed and the kids welcomed their use. I would and have used them for the really young ones, they don't get a chose at that young stage, I'm the care giver and make the safety decisions for them. I do have to say, I am somewhat self-conscious using them when out. No matter how strongly I feel about, that they will be used. I wish this was not so, but that's how it is. I'm curious to know, how long you have been using them on your children? And, can you tell me what type, and or what brand you use for them. In the end you have to do what you think is right and safe, and if you do, whatever it is. You must be taking care of you kids and thinking of them. There's no way that could be bad or wrong!
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3-25-2007 @ 9:19PM
susandklein said...Hi Bill
Thank you for your kind words and support. Actually we did not get any real bad comments. A few "funny looks"but also some good comments. "What a great idea!" was the best one. I now how you feel about being conscious about having your kids on leashes,but I feel really strong about using them in very crowded places. My girls wore them as toddlers,then I stopped using them. A few years ago we made a trip to Washinton DC. Being in a strange city while my hubby was working(TDY military) I decided to bring out the harnesses and use them while we toured. It was wonderful. We enjoyed our time and had very little worries or stress. I have continued to the harnesses on special outings. I have two nylon web "Dandee Harnesses". They fit very nicley and are secure. I agree with you that we need to do what we think is right. The leashes have made for many wonderful and stress fee trips and outings. Thanks again for your kind words of support.
Susan
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