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AIBU?

Using reins on my twins

94 replies

JoeParks · 30/12/2012 20:46

My twins have just started to run off when out shopping in the city centre yesterday they thought it was funny to run off in different directions. I tried holding hands but they kept pulling away. So I went into boots and purchased 2 sets of reins. For the first hour they kept swinging and trying to sit down but when they relised that I wasn't moving until they walked and that I wasn't taking them of they decided to give in and walk around the shops. Am I being unreasonable using reins as I hadn't used reins on them before?

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MrsPresley · 30/12/2012 22:04

Cross posted with MrsTerry, that was me and I'm so glad I have made a difference to at least 1 person.

jellybeans · 30/12/2012 22:06

I am so very sorry for the loss of your son, MrsPresley :(

That always scares me as DH once let DS3 run into a busy carpark. Luckily there was nothing coming. DS3 also walked out into a quiet road when I let him walk in front (just a bit) with his friend. He is 4 and even now I make sure we hold hands everywhere as he has no road sense whatsoever. DH is more laid back though and often has to be reminded to hold DS's hand..

PrincessMononoke · 30/12/2012 22:06

We have got the little life backpacks for dt's, backpacks hold a nappy, small pack of wipes and a tommee yippee cup.
It's safer and makes it easier to carry shopping.

PrincessMononoke · 30/12/2012 22:07

I am so sorry Mrs Presley.

HappyNewBleurgh · 30/12/2012 22:09

Yanbu I think reins or similar are ok. My dt's kept tying up my legs with them though.

Actually I seem to have spent the last 11 years tripping over my dc.

JoeParks · 30/12/2012 22:10

After all I regret not buying them earlier, going out tomorrow night with friends who have children of similar ages to a fireworks display and fair so will defiantly be using them whether they like it or not they have got to understand that both of them need to stay close. I will be using them until they understand this even if one of them dose before the other.

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MrsTerrysChocolateOrange · 30/12/2012 22:10

MrsPresley I think of you anytime I have that thought, 'it's only a short trip' or 'she'll be OK'. DD is a terrible bolter and because of you I now have no guilt at all making her wear the reins. Thank you and I'm so sorry for your loss.

MrsPresley · 30/12/2012 22:16

MrsTerry

You dont know how happy it makes me to hear someone has listened

Although I do think that maybe your DD will be ready to stop using reins by the time she's 44 surely?

Seriously though, I'm really glad to have a small difference and hopefully like me you will keep telling people to use reins.

JoeParks · 30/12/2012 22:17

So sorry to hear of your loss mrs presley makes me realise that I should use them every time I go out with the twins, you never know when it might happen.

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foslady · 30/12/2012 22:18

I used reins, but held dd's hand with the reins wrapped around my wrist so she still knew to hold my hand but if bolted was still connected. When she objected she was told 'Mums knows where you are and you know where mum is.....!!!'

MrsTerrysChocolateOrange · 30/12/2012 22:20

MrsPresley maybe 44 then . Don't worry, I tell everyone.

jellybeans · 30/12/2012 22:26

MrsPresley I also thought of your terrible loss and simelar other cases when out with DS3 (bolter). Even though I got funny looks and sometimes felt I was way OTT when my friends let their DC run in front. It could have saved DS3 many times over as he really (and still in a way doesn't) have a sense of danger at all and would run into the main road without a moments thought. Thank you for speaking out and helping save others. Again so sorry for your loss.

foslady · 30/12/2012 22:28

Just seen your post MrsPresley, thank you for telling us about your son. I was made sometimes as if I was being OTT, you have justified every time I put them on

MammaTJ · 30/12/2012 22:28

My teo youngest are 54 weeks apart in age. My DD is a bolter and DS was a lovely little hand holder. Still they same at 7 and 6. I am seriously considering putting my DD back in reins.

EuroShagmore · 30/12/2012 22:29

I'm not sure why reins have fallen out of fashion. They are a great idea but you rarely see them these days.

ariane5 · 30/12/2012 22:31

I have always used reins with my dcs up untill they were old enough to understand not to wander off. Still use them for dd2 and will use them for ds2 when he is walking.

I also find them brilliant as dcs have a joint problem and dislocate easily so if they trip they can be 'saved' by the reins whereas if I was holding their hands and they fell it dislocates elbow/shoulder.

I have had quite a few comments from people about how I shouldn't restrain my dcs-once in a shop the woman working there knelt down and said to dd1 (who was 2.5 at the time)"you just want to run around don't you-what are these (and pulled at the reins),shall I tell your mummy to take them off" I was livid.

Mrspresley-I just read the thread you linked to and it made me cry my eyes out iam so sorry for your loss.

TraineeBabyCatcher · 30/12/2012 22:32

I always think reins look horrible, but I would take horrible and safe over the risk of anything ever happening.

minibmw2010 · 30/12/2012 22:35

So sorry Mrs Presley

I use them for DS who is 19 mths. He only started walking 2 months ago and is still way too impatient to be willing to hold hands. Sod anyone who looks weirdly at me.

Startail · 30/12/2012 22:49

DD2 went everywhere on reins as she wasn't in the least worried about losing Mummy.

She happily vanished at every opportunity.

DD2 liked to keep Mummy or at least big sister in sight. She'd even sometimes hold hands.

ChippingInLovesChristmasLights · 30/12/2012 22:52

I wish my friend would use them, she has an adorable DS (25 months) who has been brought up so far never hearing the word 'no' - he has no boundaries at all so does not understand to stay with you, will not hold hands and just runs off. They spend a lot of time in the town centre and I fear for his safety :( (especially as she now has a 2 month old DS as well so DS1 is no longer her sole focus when out & about).

MrsPresley - I am so very sorry for your loss. I lost my Grandad 28 years ago tomorrow, in some ways it feels like only a short time ago and in other ways a very very long time ago. I still miss him so very much, so can only imagine how much you must miss your DS :(

thebody · 30/12/2012 23:02

Mrs Presley, just thoughts,prayers and hugs.

I used reigns after Jamie bugler was taken and killed. My boys were the same age range, 2 and 3 at the time and typical wanderers.

Just keep them safe.

goldenlula · 30/12/2012 23:03

I have used them on both ds' and now use them on dd, although she is great at hand holding I feel happier with that added security.

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PeppermintCreams · 30/12/2012 23:08

I used the Little Life backpack reins with DS. Only stopped using them with him when he started the nursery class at school so around 3.5 years? Fantastic bit of kit.

minesapintofwine · 30/12/2012 23:08

My twins are 11 months one is only just walking and I have been pricing up those backpack reins for ages. I also have a playpen glorified toy box. I have done ff and cc. They both nap on me when I can't be arsed to walk up the stairs. I regularly lie on the sofa after tea whilst dh slave brings me cups of tea and dts play bang the letterbox and scare passersby.Shoot me I'm a bad mum!

Op-reins reign imo. (plus the little backpacks with animals are sooo cute)

minesapintofwine · 30/12/2012 23:09

Sorry mrs presley posted under the first page. Am so sorry for your loss

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