Thursday, November 6, 2008

I need some pro advice

Right now, as fun as Zeb can be, he also makes me INSANE. I think he needs a leash. I'm serious. No matter where we go, he RUNS wild. When we went trick or treating in downtown perrysburg he'd make a break for it ANY chance he got. As soon as we got into the offices to get the candy he'd make a run for their back rooms. When we were outside he'd tear over to the road or neighboring buildings. ALL of the other kids we were with remained mostly with moms or at least kept in close proximity. Yesterday we went to the 577 foundation (a fun kid's place) and he took off immediately. He does not care where I am or where he's going. Oh, and his stroller is not a great option. He's quite the litle houdini and can writhe and squirm out of any restraint.

So, my question to you all is, should I get him a leash? you know, one of those little monkey backpack things that they wear that also attaches to me. I won't use it unless we are outside or maybe at the library. He makes me crazy at the library-running rampant and pulling hundreds of books and dvds off the shelves. Are leashes pathetic? are they mean? do they even work? will he just grow out of the runaway phase?

20 comments:

Cynthia said...

If safety is an issue, it is definitely not mean to put your kid on a leash. My advice is to find some way to make him be restrained so he gets mad and frustrated and learns that if he stays close he won't be restrained. That is too bad you can't get him to stay in the stroller, because that is what worked with Kaitlyn for punishment. She liked to wonder too and she hated being restrained. So she learned if she wanted her independence (walking) she had to stay close. Good luck! This behavior is something you will appreciate in a few years, I promise!

Lyndsay said...

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Leash him up!

Linz said...

Get a leash. And don't worry about what anyone thinks. You have to think about yourself too. You won't want to be running after him for the next few months. And yes, he'll grow out of it eventually. But for now, do what you need to do for your sanity!!

Dave and Michelle Howell said...

I had one for Bryson when he was at that stage. He scared me too many times.

Jeni said...

Van lived in his stroller until he was about 2 1/2 because he would run off any chance he got. He still runs off and he's almost 3 1/2 and it still freaks me out. He still doesn't care if he loses me, whereas Vivi will freak out if she loses sight of me for a second. It's a personality thing and so far it hasn't really worn off. Do what you can for safety reasons. That's all that matters.

Unknown said...

Yes on the leash. Uncle Bobby used to be leashed to the tree in our front yard and he seems OK (well sort of OK).

It's a safety issue not a punishment.

But what do I know? I had children who came to me already perfect.

N.A.

Unknown said...

I have never used a leash, but I totally would. I don't think they are mean or weird at all. I don't go to the library anymore because Natalie is nuts. It's completely pointless. If there is one thing I have learned from my little bit of motherhood is that being a mom is ALL ABOUT STAGES. People say that all the time but it's because it's so true. My life consists of hanging on for dear life as my kids pass through different stages. He will totally get better. And then you will be chasing your other one!

M- your favorite said...

I used to think leashs were mean, but not anymore. I sometimes think Kristy needs a leash for her kids. I think it's funny now to see a kid on a leash. But I always think that is a GREAT idea! So yes go with a leash!

Pat and Brent said...

Zeb would probably think the leash is fun (at least for a while). I used to put Hanna on a leash when I was babysitting. It's good for peace of mind.

Laney said...

maybe you should borrow a leash first, and make sure it doesn't send him into fits of anger. A screaming freaking out child is much worse than a wanderer.

Katy said...

I agree with Laney. Especially with Zeb's asthma. Fits of rage always send Skyler into a massive attack and then the vomitting starts.........So, try one out first, see if it works and then go spend the money. It is definetly a stage though, Skyler is the same way, always wanting to go and do. Jeni was right when she said it is a personality thing. Domenic never left (unless his ocd kicked in, gotta look for PEZ), and Alexis just talked to everyone.

yaya said...

I never used one, but boy I wish I had sometimes! Especially when they were teens, but hey, that's another topic! Seriously, don't be afraid of trying it out for safety sake. Zeb's so adventursome (hmmm, wonder where he gets that?) it might be the best bet.

Janna Mills said...

I personally wish I would have had a leash. I remember being at Disneyland and seeing all the cute backpack leashes and such and all of us kids thought they were great!! :D haha

Jason & Shannon said...

I think if you use a cute backpack leash that would be alright, but what do I know, I'm not a mom. Good luck. (Also make sure the backpack has a buckle to keep it on)

Molly said...

I had to wear a leash because my little sister was such a fiendish little monkey. That's all.

Brittney said...

I would totally get a leash! We used one w/ Bryan and it was very helpful in certain situations - at the duck pond, mall, airport... Sometimes it's more important to keep them close than to worry about what others are going to think! I did have some Young Women criticize me as we walked past their Girls Camp when we were camping once and I just said, "When you have a 2 year old, you'll understand!"

Susanna said...

I got those monkey backpack ones for my twin boys. They loved them and would ask me to put them on wherever we went. It is just a phase, but it lasts for a while- I would get him one, even if you just use it sometimes when your in a really busy place.

Anonymous said...

Dont do it.. Me and Penny one time at summerfest saw a kid with a leash on and he barked at us a few times!

Breanne said...

I am totally for the leash!! We did it in Disneyland, and it was great!! Of course you will get looks from other people, but who cares! At least you're not going to lose your child!

Anonymous said...

I used a leash for Zacharias when he was smaller and once I got a harness one, instead of the kind that went around the neck, we were fine.
It's peace of mind and if he is running off a lot it will keep him safe.