I did it.
Yup, it’s true.
I have seen other parents do it before and to be honest though it a bit strange, perhaps even a little ridiculous.
(Yes, I’ve learnt my lesson= never judge, you just might find yourself in the same place…. in which case a whole new understanding takes place!)
I have finally been brought to the point where it was either do it, or stay home for the next 2 years….
And so friends, today we took a little trip to our favorite store Walmart and bought it.
A leash.
Umm hmm. That’s right. I bought my daughter a leash.
Well, technically it is called a “two-in-one harness buddy”, but let’s just call it what it is. A leash. I am now a mama who “walks” her daughter.
Please try to understand. I am not trying to be cruel. I just want my curious daughter to have the opportunity, that she so desires, to be able to get out of the stroller and discover the world around her without the danger of getting hurt or losing her somewhere.
You see, my little one is busy. and when I say busy I mean B.U.S.Y
This is the child who will go up to complete strangers and casually proceed to go through their bags. She just doesn’t get the concept yet that everything does not belong to her….
Just the other week we were out at a children’s play-place (you know the kind that have the kids climbing structures), well they also serve food. I was distracted with our baby girl for a moment and when I turned around to find her, she was happily helping herself to a strangers chips and juice.
She is so busy, and not the least bit shy. A dangerous combination. Up until now my fireball has been strapped to a stroller. Poor thing. This purchase has given her the freedom she needs, and given me the peace that I need, knowing she is always just a “leash length” away! (heehee)
Here’s my little model showing it off for you.
I must admit, it was a little hard today to get past the concept of “walking” my child…it does feel a little strange. But, truth be told she absolutely LOVES it. She picked it out herself, and wanted to wear it the entire night.
I think because it is so soft, she just uses it like it’s her blanket. In fact on the way home from our walk today I had to “strongly encourage” (ahem) her to pick up the pace, because she was just walking so slowly, holding a part of it close to her face and sucking her thumb.
🙂
So precious.
So, what do you think?
Cruel or crafty?
🙂
I love Jesus, my guy Chris + our four. We seek joy. Homeschool. Adventure together. Mess up and start again.
So you're one of those moms now?
KIDDING!
I think that walking -even if it's on a "leash"- is better than sitting in a stroller all the time.
That being said, did you ever see the Simpson's episode where Homer's brother invents that machine that can translate baby babble? A passing babies who is also wearing a "two-in-one harness buddy" coos into the machine and it spits out, "This leash demeans us both."
So funny.
If your daughter likes it, it gives her more freedom and it works for her, use it. If the novelty wears off, show her some pictures of babywearing mamas with their babes on their backs!
I personally am in favor of "leashes." My son has the monkey one. I think it's important that he has some freedom to explore when we're out and about, as long as the freedom is close by! 🙂
I think A. looks very cute! Nothing wrong with keeping her safe :-).
people use to give me angry looks when i had my children on the leash, and i'd just look back at them, smile and say, "it keeps them with me."
it erks me when i am in a public place and see a toddler walking miles behind their parent. do these parents not know the reality of the world we live in?
the leash does give the child freedom with safety.
way to go mom!
Nah, it's not cruel! My mom had one for my brother who was apparently just as busy as you describe your daughter to be! It kept him safe, and it gave her piece of mind. And he doesn't seem to need counseling for it now at the age of 34, so I think all is well. 🙂
I say, if it works for you and she's happy, then go for it!!
I've never really thought much about them, but after reading your post, I'm kind of tempted to get one myself! 🙂
I used to think cruel…then I had kids! LOL! Definitely crafty!!
Definitely crafty! I have a 9-month-old and foresee a "leash" in our future, too:-)!
Oh too funny! We felt that way, but decided to buy one anyways – it does give more freedom to those curious ones & peace of mind to the parents!
I personally am in favor of "leashes." My son has the monkey one. I think it's important that he has some freedom to explore when we're out and about, as long as the freedom is close by! 🙂
people use to give me angry looks when i had my children on the leash, and i'd just look back at them, smile and say, "it keeps them with me."
it erks me when i am in a public place and see a toddler walking miles behind their parent. do these parents not know the reality of the world we live in?
the leash does give the child freedom with safety.
way to go mom!
So you're one of those moms now?
KIDDING!
I think that walking -even if it's on a "leash"- is better than sitting in a stroller all the time.
That being said, did you ever see the Simpson's episode where Homer's brother invents that machine that can translate baby babble? A passing babies who is also wearing a "two-in-one harness buddy" coos into the machine and it spits out, "This leash demeans us both."
So funny.
If your daughter likes it, it gives her more freedom and it works for her, use it. If the novelty wears off, show her some pictures of babywearing mamas with their babes on their backs!