Toddler Leashes: Yes or No?
Stares and dirty looks are given to me every time I walk into a place with my toddler on a leash. People judge me without trying to understand my situation. My toddler loves her toddler leash. It is not like a typical dog leash, I do not put a collar on my child! In fact, it is a horse backpack with a leash attached to the back. It has made my life so much simpler. When we go places I do not have to worry about her running off, I can take care of both my children and not worry about what decision I would make if I was in the previous situation. If my daughter doesn't wear her toddler leash, she is forced to stay right by my side in arms reach, she cannot hop, skip or jump, nor can she let go of the stroller. It makes for very long walks, as we must stop to go over the rules many times. As many times as I go over the rules with her, she still does not understand why she cannot run into the street or why she must stay by my side when we are surrounded by strangers The leash gives her the freedom she loves and the piece of mind that I require to make it an enjoyable walk for both.
I would recommend a toddler leash to anyone who has a toddler who loves to run away at any chance they get. They are not a cruel and unusual punishment but they are safety devices for parents who cannot always chase after a child. For a mother, a child's safety and welfare is what is most important to her. If a mother buckles her child in car seat should she be criticized for restraining her child? The public should reserve their dirty looks for parents who let their children run wild or for parents who hit their children. Not for parents who are trying to keep their children safe. Now answer these questions if you dare. Is a child on leash better then a child being kidnapped by a pedophile? Is a child on leash better then a child lying dead in the middle of the street after being hit by a car? The next time you see a toddler on a leash think about why this child's mother is doing this. Furthermore, do not stare or judge but instead empathize, understand and support her decision to keep her child safe.
Published by Miz Chassa
I am a stay at home mom who has 2 kids. I have a loving husband and lots of fish. I love baking, painting, and doing anything that takes creativity. View profile
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9 Comments
Post a Commenti adore my two year old son an everything he does....except he his a repeat offender for running off away from me near busy roads and in the mall. an not for a better lack of trying to grip his little hand without squeashing it. i want to try the backpack leash for a trip coming up to lego land but afraid of sadly the looks ive heard people give. i want all of us to enjoy this trip and think he would like the freedom.... what to do.....:(
i use a harness with my 18 month old and i appreciate this article. it is definitely more of a safety issue. i use it mostly to help break his falls - he doesn't fall much anymore but when he does, he tends to fall forward, and fast. the harness has prevented numerous injuries while allowing him his freedom.
it is better to be safe, than sorry.
I prefer to call it a tether, but use one for my 22 month old who is loathe to hold my hand, or quick to pull it away at the most inopportune time (when I'm trying to put my 7 month old in the carseat). People who condemn users of this tool have clearly never walked in my shoes. Great article!
i'll strap a leash around a kid before you can blink.
Nice work! I have to say "no" on the lease though. I don't even like my furry baby on one unless I have to.
I am right there with you. I am very much an attachment parenting parent. I use a sling, breastfeed my babies well past a year, advocate gentle discipline, and am a nut about nutrition. That being said, any "natural" way I have tried to keep my daughter safe has not worked. She is very much a free-spirit, well behaved too, but will NOT hold a hand. She does walk beside me, but I don't feel safe not having the ability to reign her in the event of emergency. Cars go by quickly, children can become distracted and run in another direction. We also have a backpack harness with tail for our toddler. She loves the independence, and I love the safety. It's the perfect solution for a well-behaved toddler with a free spirit, especially for moms with two young toddlers.
Miz, I agree with you, and feel compelled to ask lily if she's ever been through the grocery store holding a tot's hand. before it is suggested, mine won't ride in the cart...and often she thinks it's fun to run off and hide from me (hide and seek) but then, i have to scare her by telling her why she cannot run away from me. i've considered the leash.
I still have to say "no" but if it works for you, good.