I had to break down and buy these things for the girls. I just couldn’t take them out anymore without the fear of them running off. I’ve tried holding their hands, and I always have a hoodie or something on them that’s quick and easy to grab, just in case they try to take off. But these two have been BAD lately! They’ve ran from me at the gym.. Luckily the first time they did it, they were stopped before they made it to the parking lot by Mike Bibby, and a couple of his friends. They were out front talking to his brother, and the girls ran right for them.. Smart girls 
… oh, and Yes… we do have famous people use this gym quite frequently… it’s really pretty cool…
Anyway.. they did that one other time too.. only this time, no one was waiting outside the door for them. I caught them just before they ran off the curb. My heart was pounding. I was so angry, and yet, I couldn’t do any more than scold them and take them to the van. It even happened at the mall! I and my parents went to the mall with the girls and while I was getting my hair cut, they took the girls out for a pretzel. Monkey See decided she was going to run into the store right next to where they were sitting. Grandpa ran after her and all she was doing was laughing it up.
That was it for me… I broke down and finally talked Daddy into letting me buy the child harnesses that I’ve seen some parents use with their kids. I’ve seen such huge arguments for and against them. I’ve heard things like “They’re the best thing ever invented”, or “Why would you put your kid on a leash and treat them like a dog?”… But when it really came down to it, I couldn’t see any other way. I had to do something to save my sanity. The girls refuse to stay in a stroller any more. They want to walk everywhere, yet they don’t want to hold my hand. I can NOT take a chance on them running off on me. Not with two of them. I think that if I only had one of them at a time, it wouldn’t be so bad. I think at this point, they’re old enough to not be stuck to a stroller, but they’re still too young to truly “get” the whole idea of not running off.
Well, since Daddy let me buy the back pack harnesses, I asked the girls which ones they wanted, and showed them all of the pictures in the online store. They chose the Unicorn, and I ordered two! When they get here, I’m going to use them!
What do you think about them? Do you think they’re horrible things and using them with kids is basically treating them like dogs? Do you think they’re awesome, and are more than glad you have them? Are you on the fence and considering getting them, but scared to use them because of the way people might look at you?
Found you through your comment at Rocks in My Dryer. I would MUCH rather see a child on a leash than running around getting into trouble or danger. Good for you.
Tara’s last blog post..Put down the coffee and go potty. Trust me.
@Tara…
Thank you! I really appreciate that comment… I hear so much negativity about these things.. it’s nice to hear kudos every now and again… :hug
I just wanted to let you know that I too bought a harness. My son is almost 3 1/2 and loves to go exploring on his own. This is too risky when in a highly crowded place. Now that I have the harness, my husband and I are at peace knowing that he’s just at the other end within site and reach. Best of all he’s experiencing independence, but controlled. He actually likes wearing it. As for what people think, there will always be people not in agreement with the idea, but that’s okay. We as parents know what’s good for the safety and security of our child and we should never let anyone intimidate us or taunt us for this. Afterall know one will ever watch or take care of our child the way we do. Be encouraged.
It’s a tough decision to make but as with pets it is most important to consider the safety of the child. The world can be a scarry place and if you feel you needed this to keep your child safe than you are doing the right thing.
I had a dog that would run anytime you opened the door… i had a similar situation deciding to buy a shock collar because it was the only way I could get him to stop and not get hurt.
If my child had a tendency to wander and didn’t respond to any verbal method than I would do what you did for certain. It’s all about keeping your loved ones safe… whatever it takes.
You sound like a good mom.
I had my 2 girls in harnesses when they were 5 and 7 yrs old. We traveled a lot and having them wear their harnesses was a godsend. It was not that they would run off, but in crowded places,strange cities,etc,it made for a much easier and less stressfull time. We could tour museums, look at sites and the girls had their freedom within limits. At the theme parks, they did sometimes get excited but were always kept near and safe. No need to remind them to slow down or stay close. You did the right thing and the harness will be very helpful for you for a long time.