To leash or not to leash…
Posted on 25. Feb, 2010 by Andy Ptacek in The balancing act
Pre-motherhood, I would see poor, innocent children who’s lazy parents would put a frickin leach on them. Now, I have a whole new perspective. My son is 16 months and quite independent at times… especially when we’re out in public. He fits his way out the the stroller/shopping cart and then the chasing ensues. Then, I saw one of those leashes again and I secretly longed for one. But, what would people think? Is putting a leash on your kid cruel and unusual? My husband’s rebuttal was that loosing your kid is worse. But, does succumbing to a leash say to the world that I’m a lazy mom who can’t control my kid? Or, will my son never learn how to behave because he started out in life on a leash? I’m so conflicted. Is there anyone out there with opinions one way or the other?
To leash or not to leash…Share
Deb
25. Feb, 2010
I’ve totally been toying with the same thought lately! I see some parents out in the store with their little toddlers wandering free and just sticking by them, and minding when they’re told to come back. Mine? Oh, she has a mind of her own, for sure. If I try to hold her hand she’ll yank it away and scream like I’m a horrible stranger until I let go. She doesn’t come when I call for her – just completely ignores me. Right now, we’re still able to contain her in the stroller or cart in relative peace but there are days more recently when she’d rather walk. She minds perfectly at home – just not when we’re out in public, it seems.
I’m torn, too. I agree with your hubby that losing your kid is way worse than any psychological torment a leash would inflict on you or him… so maybe if you go with one of the cute “I’m just wearing a fun little backpack that has a super long monkey tail” ones, it won’t be sooooo bad?
Pre-motherhood, I always scoffed at those, too, but now, I’m willing to reconsider. It’s a scary world out there and it only takes a second of inattention.
I’ll try if you try it. Maybe if we leash them side-by-side they’ll think it’s cool because their friend is doing it?
Jackie Wolfe
25. Feb, 2010
Well sorry girls, I’m an old school Mom as my babies are 27 and 15. We didn’t have leashes back then. My kids had to hold my hand. Sure they would fight it at times but they had the choice of holding hands or being back in the stroller. I do however agree a leash is better than losing your baby especially now days with all the crazies out there. Being totally honest I did lose Andy in a store and had to have them block all the exits. She was hiding in a cloths rack. Gosh I guess I don’t know what to tell you after all.
Allie
25. Feb, 2010
I hated leashes but definitely will reconsider when Macie is Tavin’s age! check this out:
I agree this is the way to go if I were to get one. 
http://www.kustommemories.com/category/4.html
You too can have a leash friend for only $12
Lynda
26. Feb, 2010
I have to say…NO on the leashes…but Carlyn is NOT Tavin’s age yet! Jackie…you make me laugh! Let us know what you figure out Andy!
Monica
09. Mar, 2010
If you remember Lola at 16 months then you can recall that she was, and still is a willful and spirited child. I toyed with the leash idea but somewhere during all of my mental anguish we figured it out. Sure there are days even now when I think it would be nice to have a rope attached to her but it gets easier I promise. You have to be ready for some battles and either way people will stare. Whether it’s because your kid is on a leash or because he’s screaming bloody murder while he’s strapped in the cart after failed attempt to stay close is entirely up to you. You are a great mom Andy and only you know what is best for you your child. Good luck.
Andy
09. Mar, 2010
Thanks everyone! I’m still on the fence about crowded situations… like our annual pilgrimage to the Huntington Beach street fair. Overall though, I’m just going to keep trying to work on holding hands when he’s out of the stroller. I really appreciate everyone’s advice!
Ashley
29. Mar, 2010
I think leashes are great! (My son will NOT stay in his stroller unless he is SCREAMING at the top of his lungs, which I think is bad parenting when there is a happy alternative.) Why do we leash our dogs? 1) We don’t want to lose them. 2) We don’t want them running in to the road or some other dangerous situation. 3) We don’t want them destroying other peoples property. 4) We don’t want them going some place where we can’t reach them.
Don’t we want all these things for our children too? And even more so??
My son (18 months old) doesn’t know what a “leash” is. Any mental block we, as adults, have against leashes is all ours. My son doesn’t think, “She’s treating me like the dog. What are people going to think of me if I’m on a leash?” Yeah right! I couldn’t care less about what people think of me putting my kid on a leash. I am a great, attentive parent and this is just one more layer of protection as far as I’m concerned, just like doing up ALL the buckles on his car seat or applying diaper rash ointment to a sore bum.
The other day I was shopping in a mall with my family and a very odd character happened to be hanging around the same store as us. I couldn’t have kept a better eye on my son, I guarantee it… but I made sure he had his leash on also. I didn’t want to give that creapy guy any chance to take my son.
Really, have you ever heard a mom say, “One second he was on the leash, and without me noticing, he was just missing and I was just dragging a rope on the ground!”