To think there’s nothing wrong with toddlers on leads?

[shhquietplease]

I’m not a parent so maybe I just don’t get it’s

But isn’t it the best of both worlds? Your child gets freedom walk and you can make sure they are safe.

Maybe not needed if you only have one child and they can have your full attention.

I don’t get the “I’m not treating my child like an animal” comments either.

I had a huge argument with DH once about this when the kids were little. We actually never needed to use them but DH was really vehement that it was treating your kids like a dog and only shit parents used reins. I reminded him we were lucky neither of our kids liked to run away and that many kids are good at wriggling out of a handhold, so we can't judge. Also people might need them because they have back issues, for example, and leaning down slightly to hold a small child's hand is difficult - for example it might be useful for grandparents. He absolutely would not back down. I'm never bringing that one up again!

Hand holding is actually really uncomfortable for small toddlers too for any length of time. Imagine having to keep your arm outstretched upwards for a period of time to hold a giant's hand whilst having to walk along the street too, bearing in Ind your balance and walking muscles etc aren't super developed yet. Really uncomfortable for them.

You don’t know whether your DC’s will run away until they do it. Not a risk I was prepared to take. Thankfully DH agree on key issues like that.

I agree @WeightoftheWorld .My experience is that use of reins depends on your lifestyle and the personality of your DC.I used them to keep my DC safe when we lived in a busy town and went everywhere on foot. I had 2 DC close in age and yes, I used a sling and a double buggy but if we were out and about, near water or on busy roads with narrow pavements they were a safety measure. I interchanged who wore the reins. They didn't appear to object. When DC3 was little our lifestyle was very car based and eg I would drive to the shops or school pick up or to the park. DC3 could then be released safely.

We didn't use them but understand they are useful for some parents and children and I don't judge other parents using them to keep their children safe, but I do when I see them being used in big safe spaces or using them to stop new walkers falling (part of learning to walk!).

I’m not a parent so maybe I just don’t get it’s

you are only missing that, when you are a parent, EVERYTHING you do is apparently an open forum for others to discuss and everything you do will be judged and criticised 😂.

Just read the threads about the school gates, it's amazing.

But of course, nothing wrong with reins.

My DS would literally not move if he knew I was holding the strap on his backpack! That was interesting! 😂

My DS would never hold my hand as a toddler either - he was a nightmare!

I did not use reins for ds, and I must admit I judged parents who did because I felt it was the easy and lazy (and demeaning to the child) option.

I have evolved since then and realise not everyone has the same parenting experience or needs as I did, so if parents decide it is the best choice for them: fine.

😂😂😂 Oh, bless your little heart.

reins have never been for me personally because I only (so far 🤞🏻 ) have one child who is pretty good for walking well and keeping hold of my hand BUT I swear the backpack reins must be just about the best idea going. It just makes sense from a safety perspective imo if, for whatever reason, there’s any doubt towards your child’s safety when walking.

Reins are essential for some children.

It's very strange that some people have an issue with them. Very strange.

What’s the difference between leads and reins (other than one is for dogs)?

We never used them and I’m sure they’re great if you’ve got a bolter but too often I see them being used to drag kids along, pull toddlers at an uncomfortable walking pace, stopping them from looking at anything of interest etc and tbh I think that’s a shame. Also parents using them when they’re in the park with one child - just run after them if they want to run about. Charging around in an open space is good for them.

Mine would not tolerate any type of rein - but he also hated his cot, and a playpen, and basically anything that kept him contained.

He's really, really good when we're out walking though. He's 2.5 and happily walks 1.5 miles to the park and back, he listens well and will hold my hand or be picked up for roads. So it's worked out for us, really.

I've got no opinions on other parents using them, I'm a big believer in doing what works for your children (as long as it's not doing them any harm).

Didn’t need one with DD but some kids are bolters and they’re brilliant then.

@YouJustDoYou thanks mate

I rarely used reins with DD1. When she was a toddler we lived in the East End of Glasgow and the pavements were covered in dog sh1t so I couldn't let her walk outside (one of my tyres was slashed one Saturday night and someone in a flat across the street came out to help me change it; we were surrounded by sh1t and I was about to apologise for putting him in that environment until I remembered that he lived in a 2 bedroom flat with his OH and 4 DC plus 2 large dogs and the extent of the dogs' exercise was to go to the kerb and sh1te on the pavement).
By the time DD2 was walking we had moved to a suburban location but on an A class road with a narrow pavement. She has always been tiny (at 20 she is still wearing 11-12 clothes) so reins were essential to keep her safe and to protect my back.

I don't like them. Not very child focused at all. I

My grandson (22m) loves going for walks on his reins. It means he can stop and look at things that are of interest to him and we know he is safe.

This is such a weird debate. Kids always wore reins. Some weird comments on here!

My MIL refused to use reins when she took our DS1 out.Makes him look like a dog etc.
One day he wandered off in a shop while she was looking at something.She stared to frantically search for him and saw a couple of people running towards an escalator going downwards.There was my precious first born standing at the top about to try getting onto it. He was snatched from the top by a complete stranger as MIL ran towards him. What could have happened is too terrible to think about.
After that reins were put on him before he left the house and kept on until safely home.

My ds wasn’t a runner, but if he was I would have used them!

My children weren’t runners as toddlers so I didn’t need them but my sisters little girl used to run off out of no where so I can completely see the necessity before they are old enough to have some safety awareness. However (I’ll get roasted for this I’m sure) I think they look awful. Like an animal on a lead.

We never needed them with ours, but I think they’re a great idea.