This is it. This is my secret weapon. This is how I manage to get out of the house with two kids.
Lucy does not like strollers or shopping carts-- she'll tolerate either for 5 minutes tops. And it's that very reason that we have yet to buy a double stroller. I refuse to make that kind of investment knowing she'll only sit in it for 5 minutes before she opts for her froggy back pack. The girl likes to move. And the leash lets her do just that. She has her independence, and I have my peace of mind. I always offer her my hand, but, sometimes, she just isn't in the mood for hand-holding.
Casey spotted the leash on the clearance rack at Target right after Park was born. At first we laughed, "Haha, those are so stupid." But then we put it on Lucy...and it was crazy cute. So we bought it. Turns out, it was the best $4 we ever spent... Lucy tears through the diaper bag until she finds Froggy, and drags it everywhere with her; she hides her gummy snacks and sun hat in it. And I find myself using it for most outings.
Anyone that dismisses a child leash as "bad" or "lazy" parenting clearly has not had to cross a parking lot with a rowdy toddler and a newborn. And anyone that deems a stroller as a "more humane child restraint" is just silly-- strollers and leashes serve the same purpose. A child leash (or safety harness, for the politically correct) is essential for parents of 2U2.
They were quite normal when I had my son, 30 years ago in England. It was a brilliant tool. He walked and held my hand, or not. I knew where he was at all times. And he learned, with a safety net, to watch me, stay with me. Christmas shopping in busy stores, it was a blessing. Strollers and leads serve a similar purpose but also not. Strollers restrain and control. A safety lead helps a child develop independence. Room for both. As for inhumane, lazy, bad... I use those labels to describe the judgement someone heaps on another just for the hell of it.
ReplyDeleteAgree 100 percent. We have one, and although we've never actually used it (mostly because I always forget to take it with us), there have been many times when I wish I had it with me. I'll be taking it to the fair next weekend. I don't care if people think it makes me a lazy parent... it will prevent him from being seriously hurt when he tries to run behind the food vendor booths or be lost when he unexpectedly darts out into a large crowd. He will be much happier with the leash on than being restrained against his will in a stroller for hours.
ReplyDeleteIf it works there is nothing wrong with that. You can't lock yourself in the house and never take them out.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is the same way (not sitting in the stroller). My husband hates the thought of a leash so he gets to chase her.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't gotten to the point where we have had to use one of these yet but I would be open to it if need be. Check out my bog hun I nominated you for an award! =)
ReplyDeleteGotta say I haven't actually used one, but anything that helps with that dreaded task of getting kids out the door is a win-win in my book!
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