What do you think of this????

kptoys Posted: Dec 20, 2003 04:35 PM

What do you think of this????

My mom and I are going to Disney in a few weeks. She suggested I get a safety tether for Emma. Now as I think its good to have your kid close when you are in an environment where there are millions of people Im not too sure I can leash her like a dog. Opinions!!

Laura Posted: Dec 20, 2003 04:54 PM

Re: What do you think of this????

Im not too sure I can leash her like a dog.

I think you already said it perfectly

sophie78 Posted: Dec 20, 2003 04:54 PM

Re: What do you think of this????

I am not a mother. But I can't help but respond. I think harnesses are TERRIBLE. It is so humiliating to keep a child on a leash, nevertheless a harness. Keeping a close eye on her, will be better than any leash in terms of making sure she is safe.

jannshari Posted: Dec 20, 2003 04:56 PM

Re: What do you think of this????

There are also ones that attach to your wrist and your child's wrist. A little more like handcuffs than a leash, but I guess it depends on whether you would rather take the risk of losing Emma, or making her look like a criminal or a dog. I vote for criminal.

The last thing I would consider is just having a stroller for her and letting her ride in the stroller. Disney is a whole hell of a lot of walking for those with teeny tiny little legs!

ETA: wrist strap

Janice Posted: Dec 20, 2003 05:16 PM

Re: What do you think of this????

From what I have seen, when I go to the mall with my one cousin who does not believe in the strap, her 2 yr old is constantly whining to get out of the stroller, and when she is out, she is either held or held by the hand. My other cousin does believe in the wrist strap, and her 2yr old has the 3ft of freedom to roam and feel independent. I would definately have this on my child in disney world. Even if you are just sitting there eating lunch, or taking a break, why have to constantly tell your child to come over here, or come back here.

Stacey1403 Posted: Dec 20, 2003 05:33 PM

Re: What do you think of this????

Is Emma a wanderer? You have to think about things like that. Disney is a really big and busy place. I would rather be safe than sorry. I always thought those looked horrible, but now that I am a mother, I would rather have a guarantee that my child will be safe than worry what other people may think of me. Because I'm sure you will get some dirty looks.

Stacey1403 Posted: Dec 20, 2003 05:35 PM

Re: What do you think of this????

Posted by am470

I am not a mother. But I can't help but respond. I think harnesses are TERRIBLE. It is so humiliating to keep a child on a leash, nevertheless a harness. Keeping a close eye on her, will be better than any leash in terms of making sure she is safe.

You have obviously never had a toddler They are quick and easily distracted

stacedz Posted: Dec 20, 2003 05:43 PM

Re: What do you think of this????

I don't have kids but I always thought that when I saw parents that had that on their kids (like in the mall), it really meant that they weren't well behaved kids and didn't listen. In Disney, that is a whole other story with SO many people....

Samanthas Mom Posted: Dec 20, 2003 05:48 PM

Re: What do you think of this????

does she still fit in a stroller? cant you put her in a stroller?

kptoys Posted: Dec 20, 2003 05:55 PM

Re: What do you think of this????

To answer some questions. The one I am looking at has a harness but also can be used as a wrist strap.

Emma is not necessarily a wanderer but she doesnt like to be in the stroller. Yes, I am going to have the big stroller with us, with sippys, snacks and toys but I know she is going to get antsy (we are driving down there!!) and want to get out. I dont think I can carry 22lb Emma around Disney. I know she is going to want to get down and explore.

I feel the same way as other people. Seeing some children straped to their parents seems creul... but then I think about having to chase her around trying to hold her hand as she is running away from me. I dont know...

jannshari Posted: Dec 20, 2003 06:13 PM

Re: What do you think of this????

I think that, as her mother, you have to do what you think i s best and screw what everyone else thinks about how it looks. I always hated the way those harnesses looked and it made me think the same thing about keeping the kid on a leash, but really, you need to do what's best for you. I'm not a mother yet, but do know that when it comes to your child, what other people think about how something looks is absolutely meaningless and how you feel about your child's safety is paramount.

Elizabeth Posted: Dec 20, 2003 06:48 PM

Re: What do you think of this????

I have found from being on another Mommies board (people from all over) that these are far more popular than you might think. Maybe not in NY as much as other areas. I dont think anyone will blink twice if you use it.

How much do they cost? It may be worth having with you and if you use it, great if not, then you're no worse off. I know my kid is 14 months and is pretty fast, my mother totally lost control of him in an empty restaurant the other day so I can only imagine how Disneyworld will be with Emma being a few months older and even faster Im sure.

I know it gives you the impression you are leashing your child like a dog and I have no experience with them but I have a feeling it's different feeling if you are using it.

With all that said, I havent had the chance to explore whether I would use one on Lukie if the time came. Let us know what you decide.

jannshari said it well.

JennRenee Posted: Dec 20, 2003 06:52 PM

Re: What do you think of this????

I'm not a big fan of them, BUT I don't have a toddler yet. My opinion may change when I'm faced with a wiggly, curious child.

yabbobay Posted: Dec 20, 2003 07:03 PM

Re: What do you think of this????

I might point and laugh (to myself) if I saw a kid on the leash...but I would also totally understand why...peace of mind is worth a lot more than some (if any) stares

most people at disney have the same anxiety - I'm sure

kptoys Posted: Dec 20, 2003 09:46 PM

Re: What do you think of this????

Thanks... I ORDERED IT!!!

It was $8!

I decided that putting a 'leash' on Emma will help keep her safe and her safety is what matters.

antoinette Posted: Dec 20, 2003 11:03 PM

Re: What do you think of this????

When my brother was small- my mom had one around his wrist- Yes it was a little weird but at lease her child wasnt lost

Fran M Posted: Dec 21, 2003 09:06 AM

Re: What do you think of this????

I hate those things. I have seen people using them while skiing with thier little ones. The paretn falls and drags the kid down the mtn. with them. Different from Disney I know. They have strolers available and what ever happend to hold my hand when we are in a crowd.

Stacey1403 Posted: Dec 21, 2003 09:22 AM

Re: What do you think of this????

Once again, dealing with a toddler is a whole different ballgame. They DO NOT want to sit in a stroller or hold your hand especially in a place as exciting as Disney!!!!

Mary Posted: Dec 21, 2003 10:36 AM

Re: What do you think of this????

When my siblings and I were smaller, my mother used the harness with us. She said on several occasions, she was able to save us from cut-up knees by using it.

kptoys Posted: Dec 21, 2003 10:43 AM

Re: What do you think of this????

Thanks Stacey... yes having a toddler is a WHOLE different world from having a 5 year old. Emma sits for a while but when she wants out there is only so much whining and crying I can take. Having a toddler is like being on an adventure... you never know what is going to happen and you only have so much control over the situation.