Child leashes have been a topic hot on Mum-Shamers’ mouths since their creation, but are they really as cruel as they are made out to be?
Some (myself included) would argue that child leashes are a toddler-mum’s dream come true.
Toddlers like to run. They like to explore. And despite how well you teach your toddler to hold your hand and stay close, when they are in a shopping center or at a carnival, they want to adventure!
I was recently shamed in a Facebook Mum Group because I put backpack safety leashes on my two year old. I was told that I treat my children as dogs, and that if I was a “good parent”, my children would know to stay by my side and do as they are told.
Now, bear in mind, the mother who said this has a child who isn’t even crawling yet. Let’s all take a moment of silence for the rude awakening she is in for once her baby takes flight!
I don’t think you can appreciate just how quick and sneaky toddlers are, until you have them!
Not enough hands
I have a 1.5 and a 2.5 year old, and while my youngest still tolerates the stroller, my daughter does not. She’s got legs and she knows how to use them!
Most of the time, she is well behaved. She will hold onto the stroller and walk nicely. But if she see’s something pink and shiny, you can bet your bottom dollar she’s going to bolt.
Image Source: Big W
If I’m pushing a stroller, or a trolley full of shopping, I can’t just drop everything and chase her through the aisles. I need to know that I can keep her close to me, so the Harness Buddies from Big W are a life saver. Trusty Kmart also has one available for just $10.
These backpacks are great, because they are fun for the kids and secure around their torso. I’ve also used the wrist straps that you can find for under $10 on Ebay, which give your child a little more freedom.
Image Source: Ebay
It’s not just for “runners”.
As parents, we don’t ever want to imagine something sinister happening to our children. However, as parents, it’s our job to do whatever we can to protect our babies. If that means using a child leash, then so be it.
In the US alone, one child is goes missing every 40 seconds. As jarring as these stats are, it’s something we need to consider when we take our children out.
Harness clips and Velcro straps add that extra protection from the threat of having your child snatched. A child leash is definitely an option worth considering.
My daughter, happily strapped with her Daddy
You’ve gotta be cruel to be kind
Now admittedly, your child probably isn’t going to love being strapped when they want to roam free and explore. But sometimes we have to go against our child’s wants in order to protect them, and keep their best interests at heart.
Honestly, they get used to it, too. My daughter is more than happy to strap on her backpack and go for a walk now! As you can tell in this super cute photo of her and her Daddy heading into the local carnival.
We do what we do, because we love our children. And if that means the occasional Negative Nancy has something to say about your parenting choices, then so be it.
Just like with everything else you do as a mother, there is always going to be someone who disagrees with your choices. The fact is, it’s not up to them to make the best call for your family.
After all, I’ve never had someone whose frowned upon my “leashed” child offer to chase them around Coles for me while I get the groceries! So, you do you Mama, and let the haters do them.
