When my partner and I decided to take our family to Disneyland during the holiday season, the first item we packed was a leash for our 2-year-old daughter, Mia. Trust me, taking her out in public is akin to bringing a wild animal from its habitat. While we absolutely adore her and honor her adventurous spirit, the reality is that she’s our youngest child and undoubtedly the most headstrong of the bunch.
We knew that bringing a leash would provoke some raised eyebrows and the occasional disdainful comment, but we were prepared. As Mia zipped through the bustling Disneyland crowds, I could feel the judgmental stares from other parents, as if I was treating her like a pet. At one point, a woman even dared to question my choice of using a leash. Moments later, Mia made a beeline for the edge of the “It’s a Small World” ride, nearly diving into the water. Without the leash, I have no doubt she would have made a splash!
This brings to light a common struggle for parents of spirited children: you’re criticized whether you leash them or not. If I hadn’t used a leash, Mia would have been the lost child announced over the intercom, or worse, the one who wandered into a busy parking lot. She’s an adorable little whirlwind with her blonde pigtails, but she lacks any sense of caution or fear. I, on the other hand, know the dangers that lurk in crowded areas.
I use a leash for her safety because she is completely unpredictable. My oldest child, Jake, was similar, and we also used a leash for him, though we opted for a more discreet monkey backpack style. With Mia, we don’t hide it; her leash is very visible, and we use it without shame. Our middle child, Clara, was much more content to stay close by, so we never needed a leash for her. This highlights an important point: every child is unique. Just because your toddler can remain by your side doesn’t make you a better parent; it simply means your child has a different temperament.
Congratulations to you if your child is more compliant—enjoy it! As an experienced parent, I recognize that development varies widely. Some kids may potty train sooner or read earlier, but that doesn’t reflect on your parenting skills. It merely shows that children evolve at their own pace, with some being naturally more adventurous than others.
If you’re not a parent and you’re judging those of us who choose to use leashes, take a moment to reflect. You simply don’t understand what we’re navigating. Ultimately, we aim to keep our wild children safe while preserving our sanity.
During our three-day Disneyland adventure, Mia was on her leash every day. It prevented her from making unexpected leaps off rides, crawling away on Dumbo, or darting into crowds. So if you spotted me at Disneyland, managing a lively, blonde toddler on a leash and thought about criticizing, let me explain: I’m doing this for her safety.
Honestly, I’d prefer for Mia to hold my hand or stay in my arms without wriggling to explore. But that’s just not her nature. Yet, I wouldn’t change a thing about her vibrant spirit. She possesses a fierce curiosity and resilience that are truly unmatched—qualities that may be challenging now but will undoubtedly be admirable in the future.
If you want to learn more about parenting strategies, check out this insightful post on Cervical Insemination. For parents considering at-home insemination, Make a Mom is a reputable source for syringe kits. Additionally, those looking for guidance on their first IUI should visit this excellent resource.
In summary, using a leash for a spirited child isn’t about being a bad parent; it’s about ensuring their safety while navigating everyday challenges. Let’s support each other, not judge.