The Great “Leash” Debate!

A couple of nights ago I went out with a few of the multiple moms in the area. While we were talking, the backpack baby leashes came up. Now Michael and I have been talking about this a little bit already. I also wanted to get each child a backpack to carry some of their stuff in when we were out. To me this sounded like a great combo. 

Not only would it give me what I wanted but also to keep the kids close when we were out (and they were walking well enough). So this morning I started looking around to see what kind of styles were out there. What I mainly found were a lot of people bashing them. I never imagined that these simple things would end up in such a controversy.  I saw so many moms bashing other moms over “leashing” their children. First of all I have grown tired of listening to self righteous moms bashing other moms because they do things differently. Not everyone parents the same. Not every child is the same. Multiples are not the same. These conversations happen all the time on the forums I visit from time to time. Michael calls it “trolling”. I call it sickening. As long as the parent is not doing anything to harm or endanger the child and the child is well cared for…. trolls back off! Anyway, back to my point… What is the difference between restraining a child in a stroller, where they can’t even get out to walk or explore, and a harness that allows them to walk, explore a little bit, but not to where they can run off or get snatched quickly? Things are not like when we were younger. People have gotten crazier and bolder. So parents have to be more watchful and protective. I would rather the triplets be on a “leash” then to just run around and get hurt or worse. Now some will say that is where discipline comes in… yes children need to learn boundaries, but an 18month old does not understand that. The comprehension just isn’t there.  A 2-3 year old may start having those comprehensions but they are easily distracted and have one track minds when something catches their eye. I am completely for the harnesses. It is about safety for them and peace of mind for me. It’s not like because they are tied close to me that I don’t have to watch or pay attention to them (one person commented that parents who use these are lazy). Kids, in general, require constant attention, interaction, and a watchful eye.  Just because they are in a stroller doesn’t mean I don’t have to constantly be watching them and seeing what they are up to. The same applies to this, but at least I know they just can’t bolt off and leave me scrambling to chase after them while scooping up the other two. For those who just love to judge and act like they are superior parents…. Think before you speak. I am sure if everyone knew everything you do all the time, there are things they wouldn’t agree with and could bash you too. No one is perfect or parents the exact same way. As long as the kids are well taken care of and safe… please back off. Words can really hurt deeply, especially if someone is just looking for advice and help and instead end up getting ganged up on by those who are supposed to be there for her.