Do you think it's unfair to use reins on a 5 year old with ADHD?

[Bigdaddys]

Our son Jack slips our grip when holding hands at every opportunity possible. We are going on holiday in 3 weeks and are concerned that he will get lost. We have got a set of reins that I am considering using to keep him close by. His grandparents say that he is to old for reins but he needs to be kept safe. Can anyone advise us what they would do in this situation.

[lougle]

Nope. Not in the slightest. I'd rather have an alive 6 year old than a dead 5 year old and it really is as simple as that.

If you feel uncomfortable with reins, a crelling harness is an alternative, or a wrist strap.

[EssexMummy123]

what is the problem with reins? i have no hesitation where it comes to keeping little ones safe.

[cece]

Have you tried him with the reins yet? My 5 year old also has ADHD and if I use them he just lies on the floor and I can't get him to budge. I just hold on to mine a lot.

[cece]

but I would like to use them if I could.

[MeganAndMo]

Would they work though? I would have thought a child of that age would have a huge tantrum and then fight to wrestle them off or simply undo the clasps

If the child is compliant enough to wear them at that age, do they actually need to wear them?

[CaptainTrollolololol]

What happened to the backpack idea?

[YouAreMyRain]

What about a backpack with a strap? Some people on here think that reins are degrading for children (!?) but I have a runner and without reins she would've gone under many a lorry.

[ICanSeeTheSun]

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B007TW3QG2?pc_redir=1405215170&robot_redir=1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

You will know if he has disappeared, my son aged 5 the reins would have been to small and with his weigh would have easily snapped the clasp.

[GodDamnBatman]

I have ADHD and I had a leash and harness at that age because I kept running off and touching everything. I also thought it was a fun game to run and hide from my mom in stores while she looked around frantically for me. I wouldn't give a 5 year old too much freedom.

People that look down on leashes are lucky enough to have kids that have never needed them.

There are some cute ones that look like little animal back packs that are stylish for the kid and useful for you. If they're behaving you just tuck the leash inside and hold their hand. :)

[StrawberryGashes]

My sons OT recommended we use reigns for him, he is 7.

[hotdrinkandaliedown]

People can be so weird about reins. I was talking about them with a friend and she said she wouldn't use them 'because I don't like the way they look', as if they're a fun accessory rather than a safety feature.

I don't think age really matters, if you think he's going to bolt and you will be worried about him then just use them.

[Bigdaddys]

I'm taking him shopping today I will put them on and see how I get on. If I persevere over the next few days, hopefully he will give in and understand that they keep him safe. My mom has been doing my head in over using them I'm glad that others agree that they are useful.

How much do the creeling harnesses cost and how long do they take to arrive? just looking at them now!

[Bigdaddys]

Do you think it would make him feel better if we used some on his 4 year old sister although she may not approve as she is a good listener and sensible walker it may encourage him to accept them for a while for the holiday just dredging the airport mainly. Thanks for all your comments.

[mommy2ash]

safety is the most important thing whether he was 1 5 or 10 wouldn't matter to me. I would use the reins

[HairOnMyChinnyChinChin]

Get a wrist strap and thread it through the loop on his shorts or whatever - much less intrusive.

[Ericaequites]

Use the reins, especially in the airport. Airports are easy to get lost in. Also, there's more danger in new places that are fun to explore.

[Trollsworth]

Nope, as long as they fit ok it's fine. I did it.

[Trollsworth]

Megan, compliance is nothing to do with impulsivity. My eldest child was compliant to a fault if he COULD do what was asked, such as "keep these reins on" but asking him to stay with me at a train station was unfair because he just couldn't.

[NeedsAsockamnesty]

I have 3 children who require reins when out and about near roads. They are all over 14yo and the reins are specially made for them by a company that manufactures them for children with disabilities.(they can even include weight therapy in them)

And I don't give a flying fuck or a rats arse what anybody else thinks about that

[Mrsjayy]

I saw a boy about 7 on holiday last year with a wrist strap attached to his belt loop and his dad had the other end attached to him im assuming the lad was a bolter too the dad was able to walk with the boy beside him, you do what you need to do to keep him safe and if thats rein then bugger what granny thinks

[lougle]

My only concern with the strap on the shorts us that you've only got one Anchor point and if he was having a tantrum he could be knocked off his feet and have no way of you righting him.

With the crelling harness, there is a pad in the chat and the straps are behind. You can't unbalance those -DD1 tried many a time!

[stillenacht1]

I use reins on my nearly 11 year old with asd. All the time. Safety is paramount. Other people and their staring and tutting (yes I've had that), can fuck off.