When my son was very little, I used a leash to keep him close to me. He didn't want his hand held all the time because he wanted to be free to explore. However, if something intrigued him, he could dart out without warning to investigate. Hmmmm... he hasn't changed much in 29 years.
Our solution to this was to put a leash on him. The leash was comfortable and kept him safe. When I was out gardening I'd leash him to the tree while I worked. I know. I know. The neighbors used to kid me about it. However, we lost him twice and that terror lives with me still. Both times... once in the care of a friend and once when he was out shopping with us, I died a thousand deaths.
I see here that Tif has KC in a much cuter leash. The monkey backpack actually masks the fact that when Tif is outside she can reattach the leash to it. I'm still a firm believer in the child leashes and wouldn't hesitate to use it. I don't think we needed it much on Tif but Jon... oh yes... definitely. I wouldn't mind using one on him now if it would keep him safe.
Yes, yes, I'm just kidding.
I feel the same way. I came back alone with our 3 sons ages 2, 3, and 5 while my husband stayed to work in Brazil when we arrived at the LA airport the two younger kids took off in opposite directions. I went after one then someone found the other one walking up the steps of a different airplane. I could have used two leashes at least. I agree with you too about the grown ones too but...
ReplyDeleteMy niece has the same monkey for her daughter! It *is* much nicer than the leash I had for mine.
ReplyDeleteAnd YES I had a leash too, for the same reason--my eldest daughter ran away from me at 2 years old, and I felt the same, I just died; I'll never forget those terrible few minutes I thought she was really gone. After that, leash! and anytime someone complained to me, I told them that I'd lost her once and couldn't survive that again, so shut up. LOL
But why do other people complain about parents who choose to use one? It's safer for everyone. I wouldn't want to lose a grip on my child's hand for her to run in front of a car---I also wouldn't want to be the driver of the car (or even a bicycle) that hit a darting child.
So is the monkey coming to visit in July too?
;-)
Forgot to say, Jon would be adorable running into burning buildings with his monkey backpack! LOL But my oldest is about to go out on her own and I'm beginning to understand that too---
ReplyDeleteKay;
ReplyDeleteI know that I need a leash for both Bob and Kevin....Julie not , really!
I lost Bobby when he climbed the fence and went to the grade school behind Ann's house...
BTW I wasn't the friend that lost Jon ,was I?
My mother sewed a long strap made of soft fabric. I tied it to Maria when she turned 2 years old, because she was always darting ahead of me at street corners. I also had to strap her to her bed, because she would wander around at night.
ReplyDeleteI had a strap made for a little boy I babysat. Unfortunately, when both he and Maria were leashed on the way home from the market, Matthew tripped and fell, and Maria fell on top of him. Result: a bruised face. Had a hard time explaining that one to his parents!
It definitely depends on the child. I used one for my son. Occasionally for one of my daughters. Didn't need it for the other two. I would see some people frown - but they didn't have to care for the more adventurous one, and keep an eye on the others at the same time.
ReplyDeleteDid I mention that I had 3 in 3 years?
ReplyDeleteI agree with the leash theory. I had one for my oldest child and it was comfy and he could walk a few steps ahead of me and I always knew where he was in crowds. I love the monkey backpack idea. And what a cute photo!
ReplyDeleteMonkeys!!
ReplyDeleteAloha
I could have used a couple of leashes on two of my kids, the other two weren't a problem, but boy do I relate to your post today!! Thanks for the cute pics! Enjoy the rest of your week!
ReplyDeleteEric was the busy one but I never used a leash. Kate believed in staying close to mommy.
ReplyDeleteI used a leash on Jill after I lost her in the clothes racks at the JC Penny store. She loved playing horsey in her leash.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what it is about children and their delight in running away? All five of ours did that and at the advanced ages of 53, 52, 51, 47 and 35, they still like to dart away.
ReplyDeleteIf I had to do it all over again I would have bought a leash for my son. He was a very active little boy and gave me fits trying to keep up with him. It certainly would take the stress out of it. I'll never forget driving back through our neighborhood a couple of years ago when a toddler ran out into the street in front of me. His parents were working in the garden. Fortunately we have a 25 mph limit and when I see any small children I slow down even more. Wouldn't you know it his ball rolled into the street and he went chasing after it. When his frightened mother caught up with him - both standing in front of my car by this time - she smacked that poor little guy's bottom and he really was too young to understand why she was so mad at him. I was shaking at the thought of hitting this little child and I was glad to get home. Now if she had a leash!
ReplyDeleteWhen we were in DisneyWorld in October of 2007 with our kids and six grandchildren, we had a leash on the littlest girl. Her parents had nicknamed her their "tornado," and she drug grandpa all over the park. She adores monkeys and got the same cute monkey pack w/leash a bit later.
ReplyDeleteI am always astonished by parents who walk in front of their small children, just assuming they are trailing behind.
Adorable picture of KC and friend.
First of all - your new header photo of your granddaughter is precious!!!
ReplyDeleteI used to keep my son on a leash too. I never lost him, and I remember getting maybe a couple of negative comments from people, but I didn't care - I was keeping my son safe. That monkey leash is very cute!!
every time I look at your little dumpling on the header, the words just plop out of my mouth, unbidden: WHAT A CUTIE
ReplyDeletelove your blog. adorable grandchild...
ReplyDeleteThat is a funny story about you leashing John and tying him to the tree while you worked in the garden! I remember my Mom putting my younger sister on a lease when we went to stores. She used to run wild through stores and hide in clothes racks and she would give my Mom a heart attack!
ReplyDeleteI'm all for the kiddie leash. I think it's better to be safe than sorry. Kids are so quick they can get away from you in a split second. Howwwwever, that is hilarious about leashing Jon to the tree while you work the garden. Actually sounds like something I would have done (if they had leashes when mine were little. That Jordyn was always lightning fast, a leash would have been perfect for her.
ReplyDeleteMy saving grace was the removable strap from my handbag, stearn looks, and a promise to take them out to the car and "wear-their-little-behinds-out" if they ventured from my line-of-sight.
I think they are a good idea for children who are natural adventurers. Love how you say you wouldnt mind keeping one on John now, he he!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful to find your blog off another Garden blog I enjoy to follow. My baby is 12 and we used the leash many times while traveling to larger cities or more conjested sights. You have a fabulous blog. I will for sure visit your blog often to get a taste of Hawaii.... the island I hope to visit someday.
ReplyDeleteGreat to meet you - I hope you stop by my Midwest Garden sometime! Happy Spring!