Discussions

Just wondering everyones thoughts on these? Before I had children I didn't like the idea and never thought I'd use one. Now that I have a crazy toddler that likes to run away, as well as an infant I'm thinking I may need one. Also wondering where you can get one and the price? Or if anyone has a used one for cheap.

$10.00. In great condition.

I was not a fan before, or after having children. Children are not dogs, not necessary to have on a leash

When you have a toddler a leash may be the only way to keep them safe. I try to teach safety and explain why running ahead of me or away is dangerous, but sometimes kids don't listen. And with three under 4 it's hard to keep them all in one place. I'd rather look dumb with my child on a leash and know they're safe than have them run into traffic.. Only reason I'm debating it.

I have never been a fan. I think that a child needs to learn boundaries and its not ok to go running away from mom. I know people who use them though and its each to their own.

Parenting is just something that will always be judged....no matter what you do!! Do what YOU feel is best for YOUR family and you can't go wrong  
 
Personally, I see no harm in them and think they can be a valuable tool in assisting you when needed. You can still teach your child boundaries, rules and how to listen when using one.  
 
I use them for daycare sometimes and yes, I do sometimes wonder if people are judging me BUT I'd rather the kids be safe and in the end, that's all that matters!!  
 
They can be bought at Walmart for around $12  
 
Story time....last summer I took 4 kids to the playground. Two 2 year olds in the wagon and two 4 year olds. The 4 year olds are GREAT walkers and listeners but something told me I should use the harnesses (I only use it for the littles usually). On our way home we were crossing at a lighted crosswalk and were 3/4 of the way across the whole street when a car blew passed us. How he didn't notice us is still a mystery to me. I was pulling the wagon and the 4 year olds were walking in front of me. I yanked them back and they stumbled/fell BUT I have no doubt in my mind that it wouldn't have ended well had they not been wearing the harnesses!! Safety is my main concern and I think in some situations, the harnesses are just the best option! We are going to the fair next week and I will likely bring them as well. It gives them freedom to explore but also decreases the chance of a kid getting seperated  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Edited by sammy, 2016-03-21 20:34:19

it is easier to explain safety (or anything) to a child when they aren't splattered across the roadway. If you need to use a harness, use one. And don't for a second feel bad about it. It's also easier to hug a child that's in one piece.

I am not a fan of them either, but I have used them in conjunction with, not in lieu of, hand-holding. As in, they are still required to hold my hand, stroller, etc even if they are wearing a leash.  
 
Like lovemygirl says, they need to learn boundaries and kids can learn them at a fairly young age. BUT if you're dealing with that many littles (or in my case, with a child on the spectrum that was prone to bolting) all at once it may not be possible to hold a child as securely as necessary. It becomes a form of back-up protection.  
 
I teach them to always hold my hand or the stroller/cart/whatever it is we have, put hand on the car, etc. It helps ground them and gives them a clear boundary how far they are allowed to go. In fact, I'm working on having my seven-year-old NOT hold the cart anymore while we grocery shop, LOL.  
 
Edited by Abbysmum, 2016-03-21 20:26:14

I would never use one, and have never allow one to be used on my child. I personally find them degrading, and that is not how I choose to parent my child.  
 
That however is my parenting choice, for my child, you must choose what's right for you.  
 

You can add me to the category of "I would have never used one" before I had kids to "Yep, some kids need them!" after kids. I also thought they were degrading. I haven't used one before, but I've certainly stopped questioning why a parent would ever opt to!!!  
 
But like so VERY many things everyone thinks they know about, you can't judge until you've walked in someone else's shoes or been in the same situation. And even then - every parent has different children. I know of children who listen very well, aren't prone to running off, and are content to stick close by, or sit quietly and play. I also know children who are wild for adventure, and very hard to keep track of, especially when you're looking after more than one child.  
 
Yes, it's important to teach them boundaries, but the fact is simple it is just plain easier with some than others. And until you feel comfortable, and until they know the rules, you use a harness if you have to. People will judge and stare - but they do anyhow, with every aspect of life it seems. Shake that off. There's no feeling more sick than a kid who runs around the side of the car thinking they're playing a game with you in a busy parking lot.  
 
Young children aren't always easy to teach and guide, and sometimes you need some tools to help you do it. Soldier on Do what you need to do to keep your kiddos safe.

Was a "no way, I'd never use a leash on a kid" person until I had a very impulsive, active girl...her + a baby + an older one leaves me minus one hand. She needed 2 to keep her safe! "I'd teach my kid boundaries"...yeah, I can talk until I'm blue in the face about safety, the fact is that until the age of 2 1/2 she was unable to think before acting. Do what works for you, and you'll find as many supporters as people that turn their noses up at you. A bitchy look is better than a kid squished on the road, anyway.

What is degrading about them?  
 
Is the child being degraded or do you just think they feel degraded?  
 
Is a child who is old enough to walk, degraded when put in a wagon, shopping cart or stroller?  
 
Are the walking ropes that larger daycare centres use degrading as well?  
 
Just asking

Are you serious? Kid's don't care and if it keeps them safe then go for it. A child doesn't even understand the word degrading yet.

I have seen tots in colourful wrist leads, attached to an older kid, or mom's, wrist. The leads have a slight stretch and are not painful. In a big crowd like the fair, or a busy airport, I think it could be a lifesaver.

We bought our daughter a little backpack from Stokes awhile ago and it had a little lead included in it that you can clip the backpack. WE are going to Disney World in a month and I plan to utilize it whenever I can! I would rather use a lead with our very busy and independent two year old then have her scream bloody murder because she does not want to sit in a stroller or be held. Rather than have my child get lost because she runs away from me without thinking (something most toddlers do from time to time) I am going to put her on a lead so we are both happy. If anyone thinks that it is degrading then to hell with them, do whatever keeps your child safe!

We used the harness as well. A wise mom gave me some tips that really made it a valuable tool. My daughter was about 18 months when we got it and we put it on at home so she could see how it worked. We explained the purpose and that we would have it with us when we were out of the house and it was her choice if we used it. She could hold one of our hands or use the harness. We reminded her of this choice every time we were walking and she wanted to walk and not be in her stroller. We used it a couple times for her darting away. But then one day we went to Ikea in Edmonton. Once in the store she looked around at all the people and asked for her harness - she wanted the security. In total we probably only had it on about 5 times, but it was a valuable tool in teaching her boundaries.

A few years ago I would have said no way, absolutely not! But in the summer of 2012 my 2 year old nephew got away from my sister and was killed, despite knowing about road safety, cross walks and holding hands. About 4 months after having my little girl I went to Walmart and purchased a cute little monkey backpack harness for her and we've had it on her, with or without the leash part, since she started walking. We still talk to her about road safety and holding hands but at least I have that little extra piece of mind that she's safe. Plus she thinks of the monkey as her pal.

Rider84 said "A few years ago I would have said no way, absolutely not! But in the summer of 2012 my 2 year old nephew got away from my sister and was killed, despite knowing about road safety, cross walks and holding hands. About 4 months after having my little girl I went to Walmart and purchased a cute little monkey backpack harness for her and we've had it on her, with or without the leash part, since she started walking. We still talk to her about road safety and holding hands but at least I have that little extra piece of mind that she's safe. Plus she thinks of the monkey as her pal. "

I am terribly sorry for your family's loss! If it is the same accident I'm thinking of, I think of your nephew often!

sammy said "What is degrading about them?     Is the child being degraded or do you just think they feel degraded?     Is a child who is old enough to walk, degraded when put in a wagon, shopping cart or stroller?     Are the walking ropes that larger daycare centres use degrading as well?     Just asking "

I just am curious as to how those who are against them would answer these questions....  
 
I don't really see the difference between the harnesses and things like a shopping cart or stroller so would be interested in hearing what you think the difference is?

I have a three year old and even when I try teach him his boundaries, he is a runner. I do have a harness but do not use it, some outings I think I may need it for and others I know I don't. As long as my child is safe that is all that matters to me, so if I do end up using it and I get snarly looks, just be glad my child isn't running past you, bumming into you, your child or an elderly person. Sometimes kids just do not listen when they should. Yes I try to make sure he is safe and I keep my eyes on him but he is super busy. If you want to use a harness that is up to you....who cares what judgmental people think, the safely of your child has to come before ignorance of people who do not approve.

Have never used one either. I personally would choose the wrist style over the harness if I did. I don't like the looks of the harness on kids.