Why i LOVE reins

[NannyL]

Tbis isnt supposed to be controversial.... im just saying how much i LOVE reins.
I use them on ALL my charges, always have and always will.
Currently have an 18 month old charge who has been walking since 15 months and has NEVER (with me) walked in a public place without them on so doesnt know any different.
Last week we were going into music. Parked in the car park on the other side to where we normally park.
in the moment i looked away to look at putting key in car door to lock door, he just started walking (rather than waiting like he normally does) and if he hadnt been on his reins would have actually walked out straight in front of the car of another mum and im sure he would have been runover.
(i was like OMG thats WHY i use reins EVERY time)
the yesturday we were all at park, he was on a piece of equipment with 2 'drops' off. One to firemans pole and one to a ladder made of chain. For no reason at all he just jumped off .... did NOT fall (actually jumped as if he were jumping into swimming pool) and i caught him on his reins. had he not been wearing he would have really hurt himself 'falling' at least 4 feet and landing in a metal chain ladder thing!

i never use them, have taught DS to hold my hand or the buggy. Also i think sometimes they have to learn that it hurts when they just jump off things and thats why they shouldnt do it again (iykwim) but always with MN each to their own. Good job he was wearing them though with the car situation

I agree, like most things on MN some things will work for some people that other people wouldn't even consider - each to their own I reckon!

I haven't felt the need to use reins with my DS as he walks quite nicely either holding my hand or the buggy and is very conscious of traffic - but I certainly wouldn't rule them out as an option (even if it does seem a bit like walking a dog on a lead )

I'm with you NannyL - haven't had any incidents as yet (DS only 16 months), but I think they're fab

i didn't need them for my ds(13) but did for my ds(5)! he was a loon and would rush off all over the place. we only really used them for a few months though.

I'm with you NannyL. I don't ALWAYS use them (they're a bit cumbersome over the coat), but I certainly do a fair bit. And I really don't see anything wrong with them, either.

I find my kids prefer reins as they can forget they're being restrained, they feel more grown up. If you're tiny and holding hands with a grownup you've got your arm in the air and your finger nerve endings all reminding you you're not in charge.

I used them and was very grateful for them when DTs were abour 18 months-2yrs, esp the twin ones that join together and clip on to your belt now (3) they just hold my hands