Monkey (wanna) act just like you (and me). Travis is very independent and strong-willed. He is great at home and even for walks or trips to the park but shopping is a whole other story. This kid is determined. Determined to squirm out of the shopping cart belt (no matter how tight I make it), determined to be like his older brother and walk, determined to be like mom and push the shopping cart. I've been thinking of different things to do like force him to stay in the cart against his will but he finds his way out of the belt and I'm afraid he's going to fall out one of these days, I've tried the basket of the cart (you know, the part that you're not supposed to put children...) but he tries climbing out. Again, I'm afraid of him falling out. Special toys and snacks don't do the trick either. Holding his hand is out of the question at this age while shopping. It is good for a short trip into a small store but not grocery shopping or the mall. He hates his stroller and fights to get out the entire time. He is too young to understand language well enough to know to stay close for safety reasons.
While looking on Amazon.com I came across this review that made perfect sense to me. Here is part of it:
"As to the preachy comments from others who feel "leashing" your child is inhumane, they just don't get it. I would suggest that confining your child to a stroller, shopping cart, backpack, etc. is the crueler alternative. Let's face it, being buckled into a restrictive seat is much more restraining than being tethered.
I am a rock climber, and I would suggest that the rope and harness I wear to protect my climbs, gives me freedom to explore the vertical world in relative safety. This product similarly provides our son the freedom to explore the ambulatory world in relative safety."
I am a rock climber, and I would suggest that the rope and harness I wear to protect my climbs, gives me freedom to explore the vertical world in relative safety. This product similarly provides our son the freedom to explore the ambulatory world in relative safety."
I used to be one of those people who thought harnessing their child was absurd and inhumane. I thought they should just teach their child boundaries. I do not want to get a harness so he can run around like a crazy child but so that he can walk independently yet still be safe. Child abduction is a real concern of mine. I don't see it as a cure to every situation but definitely for when we go to large stores, places like Las Vegas or at the airport. Thoughts, ideas? Is there anything else I could try before the harness? Do you harness your child in crowded places? Do you think its inhumane? Are you one of those people who give dirty looks to parents who harness their child?
I think that it totally depends on the child and you know your child best. Tom's brother and his wife used one with there son who was a very independent child to put it nicely. He absolutely loved it and would put it on and hand you the handle and say lets go! I say it is worth a try and if it works for you guys then great!
ReplyDeleteMy little guy is very energetic and independent...and he wears a harness when we go to the mall and various other places. Given his energy level, it can still be crazy...but for the most part he enjoys the chance to walk and I enjoy the peace of mind. And yes, I have gotten 'the looks' from people...but they don't know my little boy, and they aren't his mother, so oh well. I had been thinking about getting a harness until I had something happen that made me get one. It was right near the end of my pregnancy with my baby girl and I couldn't run or chase my little boy. He escaped from my grasp when we were in the parking lot and ran...wanting me to chase him and turn it into a game. He almost got hit by a car...luckily they were paying attention. I grabbed him and spanked him and told him he couldn't run away from mommy. I'm not really normally a spanking mom, but it scared me so bad and I didn't know what else to do at the moment to get it across to him. I don't want to be yelling at and spanking my little boy, and I don't want him to get hit by a car or dissapear in a public place...so from that point on, I have frequently used a harness. It keeps him safe, and it makes it possible for me to still go places with my two kids.
ReplyDeleteSo there's my take on it...nobody knows what you've been through or tried with your little boy but you. And you shouldn't ever feel guilty for finding the solutions that work for your specific child.
Oh and we have one like that little monkey, but it's a dog and my little guy loves it. :)
Have you tried Duct Tape. I just saw an ad in a magazine for it. It now comes in designer patterns so he would be very styish!! jk. I love the leash idea.
ReplyDeleteI think that whatever you need to help you stay sane and keep him safe is the way to go. It's funny how every child gives us a different way of thinking and looking at the world. Good luck!! Maybe he will decide he likes the cart better if given the option...or he'll be great in the harness. Don't worry what others think...as long as he's not falling on his head! :)
ReplyDeleteWell I have had a monkey harness for Ethan for a couple of years and bought Myron one last year. My boys love them. They put them on to play around the house in. They love the freedom of getting to walk too. I have noticed that I get less stares now than I did when I first put Ethan in one. Maybe it helps that I have two munchkins and one on the way, people might be a little more understanding. But I also think people are starting to realize was a godsend these harnesses are.
ReplyDeleteWe love Ellis' dog back pack and she loves it too. A must have for malls and carnivals.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I hate those things. After reading that review, I almost think I could do it, but only almost. I guess you have to do what you think is best and will help you with your monkeys. For my monkeys, if they're out walking it's not going to be someplace crowded but someplace where they can really let loose or is not crowded. But that's just me. Also, just because I don't like them doesn't mean I'm judge others. I have too many other things to worry about....like my three monkey, lol!!!
ReplyDeletewe have one for Bronson, who is 2 1/2. we don't use it a lot, but it is so helpful when we go busy places that i know he will want to walk around anyway. like the zoo or the petting zoo. i find it very helpful, he gets to still see everything and i don't get as stressed!
ReplyDeleteI am one of those who says do what works for your kid. Some kids hang around mommy. Vince stuck with me for a long time (until he turned 2) It's funny, because he started walking when he was about 10 months and until he turned 2 he understood that if he was going to walk, he had to stay close by me. But now it's as if suddenly he has grown into a little devil. He runs away in the parking lot, and just about anywhere if I let him walk. I know that he is just testing his boundaries, but I feel like I'm having to re-teach him to stay with me. So the point is, do what works for your kid. You're the mom, and you know best what will work in your situation, and for your sanity. :)
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