I have three children. The eldest is 6 and the twins are 4 1/2, all boys. They’re wild and do boy things. They constantly run away from me, especially in crowded places like the zoo. I have started using child leashes. People look at me with horror. My friends judge me and say that I should be able to control my children. Is it terrible? I am just trying to keep them safe.
Quick: Personally, I find leashes reprehensible. Except on dogs. However, you make it clear that it is a safety strategy for your children. I find injured or dead children more horrifying than leashes. Unless your friends are willing to supervise your busy children safely, on a regular basis, tell them to back off. It may be worthwhile to seek the advice of a behavioral therapist who could suggest strategies for managing the boys’ behavior. Some sweet positive rewards and the possible use of the leashes may be all the consequences you need.
Quack: My first thought was, Oh, goodness no! I could only imagine myself as a child with a leash – I would have…well, done a lot of naughty things. I want to suggest that you need to control your children with words and consequences – not by tying them up. Then, I realized that I was as judgmental as those people you mentioned. As a result, I reconsidered. Safety first. Sometimes rewards and consequences do not stop two 4 year old kids careening off in different directions. The dirty looks are probably coming from childless adults or judgmental bitches like me. Ignore us all and do what you do. Stop seeking approval. Often as a parent you will make a decision that some like and a gazillion others do not. So, keep your children safe and you’ll feel better and therefore be a better less frazzled parent. Use a leash, save a gorilla.
drs quick and quack 