How do you feel about child harnesses?
The child harness... (or "leash" as some call it,) is a hotly debated topic among moms. As parents of multiples, our safety concerns just might make them a little more acceptable. What do you think?
This week's Question of the Week is:
How do you feel about child harnesses?
- Do you use them? Why or why not?
- How do your kids react to them?
- Do you think they are an example of laziness, or simply concern over your child's safety?
- If you are against them, do you think it's more acceptable for a parent of multiples to use them?
- Do you think negatively of other parents that use them?
This is a touchy subject I've found personally {I'll tell more in a bit}. Once I was in the place of being a Mom of a 20 month old and twin baby boys....well, I began to think of the things that could make my life and my children's lives better.
I started to realize as my children made it from crawling to walking (@ 10 & 11 months) and I had their older brother who was 30 months (whatever that is in years, I'm not good at math). I began to see I still had a lot of teaching, guiding and training to do. I wasn't able to go on walks alone, unless I had a stroller and/or back back for my little ones. I began to think of the future, what it would hold for me. I am an active, social person, though having 3 kids has changed that a lot. So, I began to look online and found a double harness/leash that would work for my 2 boys (it does have the option to buy more, but I was hoping my oldest son would listen to me). The first time we tried it out (all camo....to hide dirt, but you can get them in different colors and patterns) we made it from our front door to the lawn. Yes, I know....not very far, but I quickly realized this tool I had would need to be partnered w/training. It was not as easy as a stroller where they are safely contained (and enjoying the ride). I realized that this tool would help me be more independent and mobile with my boys, but first I would have to make sure they were a bit more sure on their feet and teach them how we go for a walk. {By the way, even w/ a leash, if we are in the street I make them hold my hands, and yes, I have figured out how to walk w/ 3 toddlers holding my hands, the leash is just a back up for one who forgets to hold on, or lets go = SAFETY}. So with all the different opinions, I found once a Mom of 3 boys all mobile, that I wanted them all to live!
To answer the questions of this wonderful site..... above,
I may have thought they were lazy or the parent didn't have the proper control over their child (I have learned a lot having 3 boys...and my views have changed). Yes, I may have even viewed them as cruel, even the ones that have the cute back pack stuffed animal w/a leash on it.
My kids did well w/them, they never fought them, and now are use to them. I've used them to walk to our mail box, go to the library and hopefully more places in the future. I would suggest practicing w/them in the house or in a fenced yard first to get the child used to them and obeying your voice, so that your outings are more enjoyable and your child knows what the harness is there for.
I think they are a great tool, and am thankful for them. When I see multiples wearing them, I just smile to myself, knowing. Yes, what a great tool!
Side note.....I do have family memebers that think they are cruel, that I'm hurting my child, and they don't 'believe' in them. But I think that once you've had either a very active child and/or multiples, your concern for their saftey is at the top of your list....and so we use the doube harness. {Our 3 year old listens well, and mostly holds our hands....of course, there are those times, I think I should have one more harness = SAFETY}. I don't have any pictures since I usually use it when my husband is at work. But I'll try to get one to show later.....
6 comments:
I think I mentioned to you before that I also have used the "leash" for my 2 year old. It looks like a backpack, and he doesn't mind it at all. I used to think the same thing that only moms who couldn't control their kids would use that, but walk a mile in my shoes :)
I agree, living our lives, makes us grow and adapt in good ways. I'm with you I've learned so much by just being a Mom of three boys.
What a cute blog...Love the green color...and I love little boys....have 4 little grandsons...
I have not had enough blog time lately...So glad that I stopped by..Be sure and stop by main blog and read about a miracle.
http://teresa-grammygirlfriend.blogspot.com/2010/04/i-think-god-smiled.html
Teresa,
I enjoyed your blog and getting to know you in the bit of time I stopped in. Boys are such a joy, I agree.
I enjoyed your miracle story today, and it brought back memories and thoughts on the healing God has done in my life (my biological Dad left us when I was 15, but I now have a Step-Dad, who is my Dad - miracles are so special). Got me thinking of the many testimonies I have to share. Thanks for stopping by and glad you enjoyed the green, thought it was nice for Spring!
Honestly, I used to think harnesses were awful, but now that I'm a parent, I realize that there are all kinds of kids and all kinds of situations! :)
stopping over from blogfrog. Looking forward to browsing around a bit!
This is a little late, but I know waht you mean about active boys close in age. Even without twins, outings need a lot more planning and control features than back when we only had one or two. Haven't used the leash yet, but my double stroller and the Ergo are my best buddies. Seems that till they hit three there's not much logic on board. For safety's sake, little guys ride till they are big enough to not shoot off in all directions.
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