To have DD on reins rather than in a car or pram?

[MrsTerrysChocolateOrange]

I have had two 'dog' comments recently from people seeing DD using reins. One was very good-natured. The other, not so much. So, I've been looking around. I think the reason that no one needs reins is not that their DCs are well behaved, listen to them and are all round angelic. I think it's because you rarely if ever see toddlers walking anywhere. They always seem to be in prams or in cars.

DD loves to run around but is a bolter. She doesn't listen about roads and was an early walker so didn't really understand about cars when she started. She is getting better but is still prone to bolting if she sees a dog/squirrel/shiny thing. She also hates to have her hand held all the time, which is one of the other suggestions. I want to know, are all the DCs amazing, well-behaved, road avoiding wonders or are they just all strapped into prams all day?

Thank you everyone.

MrsTerrysChocolateOrange, if my post has helped you or 1 other person make up your mind about why reins should be used then I consider it a job well done.

I've posted a few times and no doubt I will post again in the future, it's one of the thigs that I will keep talking about.

Obviously, some people have taken it in, I think it was Tidygolddancer who mentioned near the beginning of the thread that she knew of this story, I hope it was me she was remembering because I would hate to think there is another poster with the same story

It will be 28 years next month since my son died and although it gets easier, it's still hard. I've had 3 other children since then and his twin sister cant remember him, my marriage broke up and my ex H, still lives with the guilt and always will.

I hope people will take notice, use reins and dont live the life I have for the past 28 years, for the sake of a few pounds and a minute or 2 to put them on.

Sorry for the rambling!

MrsPresley you have my word that DD won't be without her reins near cars again until she is old enough to understand. I will hear the 'dog' comments in future and remember your DS and remember why I use reins. Thank you so much.

Never used them with mine but would have done without hesitation had they been super fast bolters. Would never make disparaging comments to people who do use them, how bloody rude.

I didn't see your post MrsPresley, I'm so sorry for your loss.

Both mine had reins then progressed to the backpack & rein. Brilliant things, and much preferable to pushing youngsters around in a pushchair when they're quite able to walk.

Mrs Presley - it really hits home, reading about losing your precious son. I'm so sorry that such a momentary lapse, which I'm certain we've all made at one time or another, ended so tragically for your family. Much love to you.

I wish I could force exp to take note of mrsp's post . He is overtly negligent about safety. Dm and I taught dd to put her hands on the side of the car to keep her still whilst we opened the door or whatever - exp refused to do it (even though dd learned to do it and was totally compliant) claiming she would get dirty. I tried to tell him to always gd her hand when they walk in the pavement. - his reply? 'I don't need to its not a busy road!' (because 2 year olds know the difference?) . I always always no matter what, put dd in her car seat and strap her in before I unload the trolley after shopping. I am scared a car will hit the trolley I want her safe in the car seat - I have actually seen exp take her out and out her in the ground (before she could sit up even I think) so he could fiddle with shopping. He would routinely do this in the car park of our flat. I had to coax him (because I can't demand ea - another thread) to strap her in the pushchair and plead every day for him to strap her into the high hair - every bloody day!!!!!
I will send the reins to contact but I don't have high hopes. Last contact dd told me he took her to the shops with no shoes on but he did carry her so maybe she has half a chance.....

Yadnbu to use reins. Much safer that way. I tried to use them with dd but she hated them, refused to walk or stand with the on, would just drop to her knees as soon as they were on, so she was in buggy or holding hands until she learnt road sense.

I plan on getting some when ds starts walking. Or maybe one of the backpacks, and I hope he takes to them more than dd did, I plan on being a lot more persistent about it.

mrs presley sorry for your loss and thank you so much for sharing,i have copied your post and emailed it to my ex who has issues with reins(harnesses of any description).

op yanbu if it would make my kids safer i would do nude headstands in tescos just because it would be the right thing to do

Sarahplane, dd absolutely hated normal reins but loves the backpack.

I am so sorry for your terrible loss of your little one. MrsPresley :( Thankyou for sharing your story. I don't care what ignorant people say as long as DC are safer and stories like yours reinforce that view. Some people are so laid back it unnerves me when they let their DC toddle ahead on the road or ride trikes down a main road ahead of parent.

I do find though that DH is less strict with holding Dc hands etc. He let go of DS hand a few months ago in a car park and DS bolted. Luckily DH caught up with him and there was no car reversing or driving through at that moment. Will have an extra word with him!

So sorry for your loss mrs Presley. My ds when he learns to walk will be wearing the back pack every time. Thanks everyone for recommending it.