Post detail
64.9 #3494 (DL Qual #5273)
April 1, 2012 4:14 PM
Ok all, i have a question. We are goin to DL in one week (yay!), and taking my 2 yr old neice for the first time. The problem is, sheMs a runner. The minute u turn around shes gone. We are thinking about getting one of those kid "leashes" but i don't know. What do u think?
My two year has gotten a bit too comfortable at Disneyland and tends to run away. There was a group of about eight of us watching her and she still ran away. She sits in her stroller between rides and walks from stroller to the
queue and through the lines. I am highly
considering getting her a leash for
several reasons. One being her safety.
People are not looking for little people
when they are walking. Two she likes to run she is a ball of energy. Three sometimes no matter how well behaved your child is Disneyland us a very exciting place and they tend not to listen. I am not going to stop taking my child just because people think it is wrong to put her on a "leash". - Deltachiq
969.0 #90 7:08PM
High five sister! We used a leash on both the girls. :-). - PrincessDuckie 588.4 #188 7:11PM
I see no problem with it. Do it to keep my brooklynne safe! - ScarfGirl 551.6 #199 7:16PM
Agreed! I'm not going to not take my child there because he tends to run off at times. He gets punished for it but if I kept him away from places we would be locked in our house 24-7! I try and keep him in the stroller as much as I can but he has been running since he turned 1! Every child is different and I agree with you deltachiq. Kids tend to get restless if in the stroller too long or carried too long. Again, it's a personal choice with the leash but others that disagree would be very upset if/when my son runs by them and knocks them over with their food or drinks in their hands. That's when I'll say, oh my bad and walk away. Maybe they will understand then. - brodysmommy 243.7 #1066 7:39PM
The children's safety is the most important thing. And u are so right about people not looking out for knee high people when they walk. If u want to buy one of those backpack leashes for brook to let her have some measure of independence while keeping her safe then I say go for it! - Kimantha 188.4 #1770 8:40PM
Delta, you better hold on tight bc Brooklyn is going to take you for a ride!!! She is sooooo fast!!!! LOL!! - caramiapoohAKAface 1462.7 #54 9:04PM
Stop by the Baby Station for a lost child sticker. There's a space for your name and phone number. I suggest placing it on your little runners back! - LaPearleNoir
574.0 #192 4:26PM
Never knew that - gigibunny2 242.7 #1079 4:29PM
Never knew this! Thanks! - cynDOLEwhip 744.1 #137 5:41PM
You are welcome. My daughter just turned 3 and we found out about this in January. - LaPearleNoir 574.0 #192 7:09PM
Great tip, I've never heard of this! - bluefairy 627.3 #174 8:10PM
Just remember to not write the kiddo's name (nickname or otherwise), just in case. :) - flukefan 266.4 #862 9:04PM
This is a very big controversy here, as you can see. We took our daughter when she was not quite three. When walking hand in hand through a crowd she would spot something cool and run off out of sight! Very scary for parents! Mind you, Disneyland is very safe, and full of great CMs, but still scary! We got a leash and uses it when needed. Do not worry what others think, your family is what matters, and do what you feel is best for you! - Roto
244.2 #1062 5:19PM
I see parents all the time with them. They are great. To all others who judge - don't. To each their own ☺ - Elaine
404.5 #323 5:30PM
Those leashes are a Godsend!! Don't let it replace them having to hold your hand but it is a level of security if they break free or you need both hands for a minute. Of my 3 kids, 2 were runners. I don't know what I would have done without our harnesses for them! We didn't use them all the time but in big crowded places they are wonderful! People that "poopoo" th have never had runners and don't understand it has nothing to do with your parenting. I was so thankful my third wasn't a runner :) - Autoalice
135.7 #2512 6:29PM
I agree. I was against the leashes before having kids and with Brody, you can hold his hand and put him in the stroller but as soon as he gets out he is gone! It's definitely just a security thing for the adult in such a crowded place. - brodysmommy 243.7 #1066 6:33PM
Leashes are ridiculous. They're children not animals. If the child can't stay put, or listen or stay in a stroller, they shouldn't be taken to DL. - DisneyFanZoe
1098.9 #75 6:50PM
O_o - ScarfGirl 551.6 #199 6:56PM
Uuuuhhhh..... Ouch.... - SaraLuvsMickey 25.8 #4607 7:03PM
Agreed - Lelundrial 341.4 #429 7:04PM
No, it's not an ouch. I've raised babies. I'm a Mom and I don't subscribe to the theory, that because they're young, bad behavior should be excused. If they won't ride in a stroller, or stay with you, then you keep them home until they can behave in a public place. - DisneyFanZoe 1098.9 #75 7:12PM
Im a mom too, of a 2 year old. I don't use a leash because of my daughters 'bad behavior' she's a typical 2 year old....Full of energy, and a short attention span...lol... It's just a personal preference. I don't think she looks like an animal at all, and it gives me a little more peace of mind to have her connected to me if her hand slips out of mine while we're walking. How is she supposed to learn how to behave in a crowded place like Disneyland if I don't take her? - SaraLuvsMickey 25.8 #4607 7:31PM
Like the rest of us did. Leashes have only just become common. I didn't have this issue. Neither did my sister who has 4 children, neither did my Mom, or my Grandma, or my Aunt, or my friends, or quite a lot of people that I know. If your child can't behave in a public place, you for sure shouldn't take them to DL to learn. It's really not complicated, either behave or sit in the stroller. And I use a leash to walk dogs, not children. And I didn't say they look like animals, I said children are NOT animals, which is why they don't need a leash. - DisneyFanZoe 1098.9 #75 7:42PM
They're not for behavioral control. They allow a bit of freedom. You're going to take a toddler to The Happiest Place on Earth and expect him/her to SIT in a stroller all day? C'mon now... - susieQzee 480.9 #247 7:46PM
No. I expect my child to stay with me. Why is this so hard for people to grasp. - DisneyFanZoe 1098.9 #75 7:49PM
Leashes aren't new. My brother had one when he was little. This was 30 odd years ago! My parents did a lot of international travel before I was the age of 3. They had a harness for me while traveling in international airports where a blonde haired, blue eyed baby girl was worth more than it's weight in gold. They forgot it one trip and they put my father's belt around my waist instead. I wasn't a runner as a child but in those situations it was necessary. My brother was a runner and it was the only way to keep him safe. - Autoalice 135.7 #2512 7:50PM
And I use the long leashes to allow dogs a little freedom. - DisneyFanZoe 1098.9 #75 7:50PM
Well they may not be "new", but the incredible amount of parents using them is. I have an almost 15 year old, and I never saw anyone using leashes when he was an active 2 year old. - DisneyFanZoe 1098.9 #75 7:52PM
It's interesting that you group children with animals and behavior problems. - susieQzee 480.9 #247 8:02PM
No it really isn't. Leashes are used to walk dogs, historically. Children that can't sit in a stroller, or run from you, or don't listen, aren't behaving themselves. How is this interesting? If you're trying to imply something else, don't. - DisneyFanZoe 1098.9 #75 8:07PM
You're right, I don't 'need' a leash, but I do appreciate the small peace of mind it gives me, and I don't find that ridiculous at all. That's great that you and your family and your friends didn't use a leash. It doesn't bother me that you didn't. Why does it bother you that I do? That being said, I've never gotten into an argument on this board, and I don't intend to start now..lol... I think we should just agree to disagree. 😊 - SaraLuvsMickey 25.8 #4607 8:14PM
I'm not implying anything. I simply made an observation based upon your comments. That's all. Leashes aren't the first thing repurposed to suit another need. And I agree with you, SaraLuvsMickey. Use one or don't. It matters not to me. - susieQzee 480.9 #247 8:21PM
I actually disagree very strongly with leashing a child, but I am well aware that quite a few MWers use them, so to avoid offending many, I kept my thoughts at a minimum. With that being said, the poster asked for opinions, I gave mine. And I have had to defend why I don't use them and don't want to, and I really don't need to. I didn't seek out your contribution to this thread and start an argument. You two disagreed with my thought and proceeded from there. I have my peace of mind, always did, and I still do and a leash wasn't necessary for me to find it. - DisneyFanZoe 1098.9 #75 8:29PM
DisneyfanZoe now tell us how you really feel. Lol - Bambi. 595.2 #184 8:35PM
Haha Bambi!! 😂😄 - DisneyFanZoe 1098.9 #75 8:36PM
This is the reason why I carry my kid all say and night at DL..... - VfxGenie 1353.7 #59 9:18PM
An not a fan of these so called leashes. But my cousin has tired to use it on his two year old. Which isn't a fan of it him self. They got him a Mickey one which he love to have on but the minute he feels that your holding on he sits on the ground and refuses to move untill you let go. - Bambi.
595.2 #184 4:32PM
lol - HanLostLeia 1092.6 #76 4:40PM
My dog does that too, you put the leash on and he puts his head down on the ground and doesn't budge. 😜 - bluefairy 627.3 #174 8:16PM
😂 - DisneyFanZoe 1098.9 #75 8:31PM
You have to stare them down when they do that--show 'Em you're the leader of the pack! Lol. 🐶 - Spoonful_O_Sugar 436.3 #285 9:03PM
Leashes were made for that reason use it. Your going to use what you have to to make sure you dont loose a kid - ScarfGirl
551.6 #199 4:40PM
If it gives you peace of mind use it. You can always un hook it if don't want it. - DisneyVacationLover
274.9 #782 4:47PM
Aaaah, the good 'ol leash debate. Do what you feel is best for the child. - LBChica
1500.3 #52 7:24PM
Leashes are the best!!! - HanLostLeia
1092.6 #76 4:16PM
So people do bring their kids on leashes? I was worried we'd be the only ones. I feel better now. - tinkinvegas 64.9 #3494 4:18PM
No us MW'ers like to put each other on leashes - Villescas8(V8) 589.1 #186 4:30PM
No no...belts. We like to get a belt that fits a 500 pound man and wrap that baby around our kids...no leash necessary. - AshleyLynn22 747.6 #136 4:39PM
Ya ppl do we tried on our niece it work a couple of times but now she keeps close - HanLostLeia 1092.6 #76 4:40PM
This is a huge controversy here in MW. Probably best to make that decision with her parents. - Jimineycricket
197.1 #1667 4:18PM
You know what, if it means keeping her safe, go for it... They're not that bad. You could always try without but having one with you just in case! - NurseJennJillO
307.5 #574 4:43PM
I think we are liking this suggestion the best. We do plan on bringing a stroller of course, but I'm sure she's gonna wanna walk sometime. Thanks :) - tinkinvegas 64.9 #3494 5:31PM
If you feel you can't watch her, then don't take her. - Lelundrial
341.4 #429 5:02PM
Pfffttthhhh, took my son when he was 2. Carried him around the park. Let him stand in the lines. No issues, no need to make him look like a dog. - Lelundrial
341.4 #429 7:03PM
There is a "leash" that goes from your wrist to their wrist. I had to use it with my mother in law. Yes I said a grown up. She had severe alzheimers and would wander away from us. I hated having to use it but she would wander out of a store into traffic if my back was turned. - sewgirl
340.5 #431 8:00PM
Bright Visible outfit - E-Ticket
772.5 #128 4:36PM
Smart! - gigibunny2 242.7 #1079 4:44PM
If she's only 2, then you're gonna need a stroller. Hopefully that will solve your issue. - Mimmy
1405.6 #57 4:41PM
🌴I agree! A stroller will solve a lot of issues of a 2 yr old running off, she's going to get very tired of walking and standing and if you all don't want to be packing her around then it's the best option, also it's going to be crazy busy and who wants to waste precious time in the park looking for a lost child when it can be prevented!! Have a wonderful and safe time😊 - dizzylandjunky 203.4 #1582 5:00PM
My son is the same way. My husband hates the leash but at a place like this, I think it's best to use. It's your call. There have been heated debates on here about them but as a parent with a child that runs, I agree to use it. I don't know how many times Brody ran off and ran into people who fell because they didn't see him. I felt so bad an was just glad those people didn't have food or drinks in their hands or it would have been an expensive trip! Again, my husband is against them but he still can't keep a hand in him at all times. So I say go for it and use it. I've seen other people use it and I just keep telling my husband it would be so much easier.... - brodysmommy
243.7 #1066 4:43PM
Thank you all so much for the advice. I will ask at the gate where to get a lost child sticker just in case, and I like the gps idea but I don't know where I would even find one made for that. Good invention idea, Shark Tank? LOL - tinkinvegas
64.9 #3494 5:34PM
garmin.com is the website for the gps tracker. you can get it through your cell phone company(at least att) you get a sticky chip, goes on an object, a pet, or even a person, and then the chips are tracked through their website when it is needed. the box tracker is about $100, plus i think a monthly fee. but for some kids, at risk adults, some animals, laptops, etc.. some people find it an invaluable tool. - secretagentangel 670.1 #154 8:06PM
Please do not treat your child like a pet. She is human and should be treated like one. In the end it's up to you as a parent. - MrFantasia2000JP
23.6 #4776 8:48PM
but SOME children ARE runners no matter HOW much you teach them. They just are. - HandMeAChurroImmaFaint 1801.5 #42 8:52PM
Yes HMACIF I agree. Just look how some Adults act when they get to DL. They get so excited and bolt off to get a pic with a character and stuff like that. Now think of a 2 year old, they get excited too, even more so and dash off - Villescas8(V8) 589.1 #186 8:56PM
Im thinking Mr. Phil doesn't have kids - Mouse4life 1085.3 #78 8:56PM
Now picture a collision between the excited 2 year old and the excited adult who didn't see the 2 yr old. - Kimantha 188.4 #1770 8:59PM
Excellent kimantha. With the leash you can keep the pretty faces from hitting the floor. Me I never used but do not have anything against those that do. No right or wrong here - Villescas8(V8) 589.1 #186 9:02PM
Yes I agree. I don't use a leash but I think anything to keep a child safe that doesn't hurt them and still allows them to have some independence is fine - Kimantha 188.4 #1770 9:09PM
Now kimantha important issue, where is my $.50 book? 😂😂😂 - Villescas8(V8) 589.1 #186 9:12PM
Agree with asking the parents. Some parents dont like it but some do tolerate it. Personally I don't like them regardless of the kid but it's my own opinion. - gigibunny2
242.7 #1079 4:21PM
When I go to DL with my nieces someone always has to hold their hands. They know that they're supposed to be holding hands at all times, it's the best way to keep them in sight, or they can hold on to your backpack or purse if you don't want to hold hands. Make sure she is occupied with something like a snack or a drink, toy, small coloring book etc - gigibunny2
242.7 #1079 4:26PM
Shock collar - Mouse4life
1085.3 #78 4:28PM
Lol, I thought that was for barking...? - gigibunny2 242.7 #1079 4:30PM
Lol!!!! - LaPearleNoir 574.0 #192 4:33PM
😂😂😂 - SueBayou 2012.0 #34 4:35PM
Not a fan personally, I would turn it into a game, skip down main street, sing songs or if you have a stroller, let her push it when she is not in it. However if you feel a leash will be your best bet then go for it. - tiggertwin
317.8 #532 4:39PM
My daughter was a runner! And a fast little bugger too! But I never used a leash. I just watched her really well and never gave her the chance. But even so,she was more than willing to stay with us because of the crowds. I'm assuming she will be in a stroller most of the time anyway. 2 is pretty young to hike around DL all day. But either way have a great time. - SueBayou
2012.0 #34 4:42PM
They make really cute leashes. I like the monkey one. It looks like she's wearing a monkey backpack and then you have the leash part. Also a stroller might be a good idea. Little ones get tired out easily from all the walking & you don't want to have to carry her. Have a magical time - MickeyMousefanatic
160.4 #2152 5:11PM
GPS is a great idea. You'll always know where she's at! - gigibunny2
242.7 #1079 5:18PM
Write your name and cell in sharper in her hand in case she gets lost - ladylikesdisneysmom
267.1 #857 5:26PM
Stroller Yes, leash No. - sassypants23675
240.5 #1108 5:31PM
What about a "restraining bolt". (watching Jedi :-) Spike TV) - SingingPansy
16.2 #5495 5:31PM
For my niece and nephew, I cut bracelet sized strips off of a USPS Tyvex envelope with the sticky tab at the end, then will write their name and phone number (moms cell #) on them...kind of like a swimming pass bracelet. You can cut it off at the end of the day and do a new on the next. - pinupgrl76
3.1 #25363 6:21PM
We just use a stroller and hold my son. If its not crowded I let him walk. - Chumash28
764.0 #130 6:31PM
As founder of the FLC (Free the Leashed Children) Foundation, I don't condone leashes (I always want to go cut the cord with a pair of scissors). However, it's also bad to lose said child. A stroller and the sticker sounds like a good idea. - KylaShea
533.2 #214 6:56PM
We have used the leash on both our daughters. Highly recommend. And hey we use leashes to contain our dearly loved dogs, why not use them to prevent our dearly loved kids from getting lost or hurt? - PrincessDuckie
588.4 #188 6:59PM
Mine are not runners😃but they are little and last summer I did fear them getting lost. Thank You for the info on the stickers😄 - TigrLvnMomma
146.0 #2351 7:01PM
I've used the leash with both my niece and my daughter. My niece, because I took her by myself when she was 2. Since she wasn't my child, and I didn't know how she would do, I took the leash with me and used it a couple times. Luckily, she wasn't a runner, so it wasn't really an issue. MY daughter on the other hand....lol.... She's gone the minute her feet touch the ground. She hates the leash though, so she spends more time in the stroller when it's very crowded. If it makes you feel better, use it!! She won't grow up traumatized because she had a leash for a few hours at Disneyland...lol - SaraLuvsMickey
25.8 #4607 7:01PM
My lil daughter knows DL so well that she knows where all the bathrooms are. Potty trained here. Lol!! - LaPearleNoir
574.0 #192 7:13PM
Leashes are the best. I used them with both my children. I didn't care what other people would say. I would rather keep them safe than lost!!!! - Melba76
124.7 #2656 7:24PM
My son is 21 yrs old and we didn't have them in his time. He wasn't a runner but because I scared him enough of would happen if got lost. Lol! My nephew is 3 yrs old and my sister is embarrassed to use them but I say better safe than sorry...especially at a place that is crowded like Disney. Imagine how scared your niece would be if she became lost. Could ruin your whole day. Being two, she will probably spend most of her time in a stroller but take the leash when exploring the stores and walks. Better to be safe than ruin a nice day. - verofern
135.0 #2523 7:33PM
My daughter is 21, and she was a leash kid. Gerber made them. It allowed her some freedom from being stuck in the stroller, when all she wanted to do was walk, and at the same time, it gave me peace of mind knowing she could only wander so far. The best part about it was all the walking Rachel would do would tire her out, and that made for great naps in the stroller. That gave the adults a good two hour window of "one less thing" to worry about so we could have a little freedom for ourselves. I'm all for leashes. - susieQzee 480.9 #247 7:42PM
My kids (ages 1 & 3) are fine with a hand to hold and the double stroller; however, I wouldn't consider either "runners." I do have friends that used one for their toddler that has Autism. - MommaMel
24.5 #4701 7:34PM
They look funny, but I am all for the kiddie leashes. Better safe than sorry!!! - ima-pirateswife
432.4 #289 7:37PM
a GPS perhaps? - DonaldMissingPants
296.2 #633 7:56PM
Leashes are fine but I don't care for them. My daughter runs but I make sure I'm with her when she does. - A_kid_again
8.5 #7349 7:57PM
I would like to point out to those that say just hold their hands. I do hold my child's hand. But do you know how many people don't bother to watch where they are walking and cut my youngest off because they don't see her? It's very easy to be forced to let go of their hands and loose sight of someone only a couple feet high when adults aren't being considerate enough to look out for them. - Autoalice
135.7 #2512 8:02PM
Exactly. - Deltachiq 969.0 #90 8:08PM
meant to put this at comment, did it as reply so sorry for the duplicate. garmin.com is the website for the gps tracker. you can get it through
your cell phone company(at least att) you get a sticky chip, goes on an
object, a pet, or even a person, and then the chips are tracked through
their website when it is needed. the box tracker is about $100, plus i
think a monthly fee. but for some kids, at risk adults, some animals,
laptops, etc.. some people find it an invaluable tool. Read more: http://www.mousewait.com/disneyland/lands/7/Disneyland-Talk#ixzz1qqgPcuAg - secretagentangel
670.1 #154 8:09PM
please ignore the last sentence, i am having problems posting today. - secretagentangel 670.1 #154 8:11PM
We did the kid leash four our youngest .... Found a supper cool and cheap Whinnie the pooh on eBay. - EdLovesAlvena
134.3 #2532 8:14PM
Woof woof......sit....stay......shake.....good boy - dug_one
1431.6 #55 8:25PM
I don't believe in leashes children are not animals even when they act like it LOL... You shouldn't stop taking them in public because that's how children learn to act in public is you take them out &correct behavior that's inappropriate. My son wasn't a runner but I know some kids that were but if it happens remain calm search your area an move to the next step of finding a cast member and so on... But at 2 she should be fine BUCKLED in a stroller and walked/ held through the line... I would also talk to her mother on how she feels about your thought of putting her daughter on a leash - Singh2011
178.8 #1879 8:35PM
This is an excellent point. You most definitely should ask her parents' permission before you put a leash on their child. As you can see, it is a bit of a controversial issue, so I wouldn't make that decision without their input. - Mimmy 1405.6 #57 8:38PM
We should have a section of the FAQs titled "Subjects Not To Bring Up Unless You Want to Spark a Big Debate" 😂😂 - Spoonful_O_Sugar
436.3 #285 8:40PM
Yes!! 😂😂 - DisneyFanZoe 1098.9 #75 8:42PM
oh I agree. - HandMeAChurroImmaFaint 1801.5 #42 8:44PM
Yeah this and churros vs dole whips are serious debate issues in MQ 😂 - Villescas8(V8) 589.1 #186 8:48PM
MW - Villescas8(V8) 589.1 #186 8:48PM
👍 - Spoonful_O_Sugar 436.3 #285 8:49PM
Can one of you sign me in? - Mouse4life 1085.3 #78 8:59PM
Unfortunately, it would just give trolls a step by step play book. - SueBayou 2012.0 #34 9:01PM
Lol, didn't think about that, Sue ! 👿 - Spoonful_O_Sugar 436.3 #285 9:04PM
Oh yes... Stinking 👿👿, that's very true.... - DisneyFanZoe 1098.9 #75 9:10PM
i don't have children, but i support you in whatever you choose to do in this, as long as you have discussed it with her parents. i think some things are up to the parents, and I hope she can learn to stay close soon. - secretagentangel
670.1 #154 8:50PM
Maybe it's time to report this?? It might start getting heated and people will get upset... - DisneyFanZoe
1098.9 #75 8:58PM
Leashes vs strollers. Kinda like ninja vs pirate - cesium55 529.7 #217 9:01PM
Lol would ninjas be the leash kids because parents can swing them around, and pirates the stroller kids slicing ankles with the strollers? - Villescas8(V8) 589.1 #186 9:06PM
I dunno.... If my parents were ninjas or pirates, I'd be terrifed of upsetting them... 😂😂 - DisneyFanZoe 1098.9 #75 9:09PM
maybe just whenever someone asks this question innocently, along with some others that i am afraid to
bring up, someone can dm them or post to delete the
question. i know everyone has their own opinion, but when reading posts, sometimes it is too easy to read into the comments. - secretagentangel 670.1 #154 9:12PM
My mom would just give me a look and that was the end of that. And don't you dare ask her, "Mommy, is something wrong with your eye?" 😂 - cesium55 529.7 #217 9:20PM
Disneyland Talk Land
See what's happening LIVE from Disneyland!
Thank you!
Bookmark
Your Donations Help Us Make MouseWait Better!
TOP MWs of the WEEK
1.CobbPR 146.96 #462.Tom 139.27 #7
3.BaseballMickey_CM 129.76 #16
4.MrMom626 97.24 #51
5.CM_Oregonducksfan 75.87 #17
6.Sweet_Irish_Cream 75.74 #21
7.LaTruce 69.58 #45
8.ShariRenee 56.26 #50
9.Duchess_SMK 53.45 #11
10.SpaceRAYnger 52.59 #25
MW Quality Top 100 Monthly Leaders Top 100 MouseRank Leaders Top 50 News
MouseWait for iPhone
MouseWait for Android
MouseWait Mobile M
The Lounge
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
MouseWait for Android
MouseWait Mobile M
The Lounge
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
