Posted on 10/10/2010 2:14:38 PM PDT by Immerito
Using a leash with a toddler is a controversial issue about which many parents have strong opinions. We asked two moms and an expert to share their thoughts on this topic.
Yes!
"I think leashes are excellent for the safety they provide those toddlers who have the tendency to run," says Karen Black, a mom from Rochester, N.Y.
For Black, the impetus to purchase a leash occurred after two incidents. The first one occurred in a mall; she lost her son four times because he pulled his hand from hers and ran full force. The second time he managed to get past a play area attendant, and her 71-year-old mother couldn't catch him until 75 yards past the play area.
"When I got the leash, he loved wearing it, and still does," Black says. "Sometimes he asks to wear it around the house. He's happy he's out of the stroller, and I'm stress-free. It was the best $4 I ever spent."
Black acknowledges that every child is different, but somewhere between age 2 and 3, they don't listen well, she says. Until they mature and begin to process and reason better, "it's important to do whatever it takes to keep one's child safe in today's crazy society," Black says.
The only reactions Black has received have been questions from people asking where she got it, and questions asking if she gets dirty looks from people, which she hasn't. She thinks it's ridiculous that some critics call a leash demeaning to the child. "He's safer because of it, and at the same time, it allows him some freedom, which he enjoys," Black says.
(Excerpt) Read more at twinstoday.com ...
What are your thoughts when you see them being used in public?
Mother Slim found a dog training collar worked better.
ever lost you kid in a crowded place? Put me down as a “for it” vote.
We got one for our two year old granddaughter....seldom use it, but in some places, like a crowded aquarium or the boardwalk full of people, they are invaluable! Our little darling would have been lost for sure at the beach! Several parents asked us where we got that cute monkey! They wanted them too, because they were chasing their children through crowds. We don’t usually go out in crowds, so we don’t usually use the monkey. She likes it.
I prefer the ability to obey simple voice commands like “STOP, COME HERE” at a very early age. The sooner they learn that, the better. It’s much better for their own safety and you don’t have to chase them.
A two year old bolted from his mom’s grip two years ago at Chimney Rock’s upper trail . It was a tragic accident. So yes, at times they may be a good idea.
No, I have never used a toddler-leash. I keep them in a stroller if nobody’s free to play Chase.
No, it doesn’t bother me if other people use a leash or harness. We all face the same issues, and there are different ways of coping.
My daughter wandered away from me in about 2 seconds when she was little. Her brothers found her playing in a mud puddle just a few yards away. I was so frightened that I went to the store and bought a pink harness made to use in a carriage and attached a leash to it. It was great. She could move around but not run away which is what she wanted to do. After using it for a few months, she never wandered again. I believe it gave her an understanding of where she could go and not go, safely. I recommend their use for children who tend to wander away.
I agree. Not only are the little nippers fast, their low center of gravity lets them turn on a dime and give you 11 cents change.
Ha! :-)
It makes NO sense if the toddler is the only kiddo...mom and/or dad can watch the child. If mom, say, has 2 other kids aged 4 and 7, a leash of sorts attached to the toddler’s torso when at the mall or other public place could make sense.
“parents asked us where we got that cute monkey!”
What is a “monkey”? A harness?
Second child comes along. YIKES! She was a motion machine. I was once out shopping with my Mom and asked her to keep on eye on Kerry. I'm paying for my purchases and behind me I hear "Kerry, Kerry, geez she's fast".
We purchased a harness; but, then we came across what was called a "hand-holder". It was a wrist band (one adult, one child size) with velcro and a coiled piece of soft elastic type plastic between the two. The child roamed, but was still attached to us. I got fewer "looks" with this one, and, in fact, a lot of people came up to me to ask where I had gotten it (mostly older people looking for something for the grandkids).
I have a long time friend when she was a toddler her mother tied her to a tree with a lead...she didn’t suffer much and her mother ALWAYS knew where she was. LOL
I used to think there was something just not right about treating a kid like a dog, but all it takes is one scare (never mind a real tragedy) to make it look like a rather good idea. Teach them to walk around like humans well before they go to school; that’s all I ask.
Agree....Shock collar’s work greeeeeeat !
Wait an minute.....We talking linoleum lizards or lot lizards ..... ?!?!?
“I prefer the ability to obey simple voice commands like “STOP, COME HERE” “
That worked for my sons, but not for my daughter. I had to spank her twice for disobeying me in public. However, I used a baby harness and a leash when she was about 2 to keep her safely near me. She was too adorable to risk getting lost :)
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