This is a photo I took of Kate in her jammies examining the ornaments on our tree. It's cute, but what I want you to notice is the backpack she's wearing. We bought it at Target the other day, and given her current love of accessorizing, Kate is wearing it around like it's the hottest thing in toddler fashion. But what she doesn't know is that it's not just a backpack. Out of a little pocket in the back comes a reeaaaallly long tail that serves as ... a leash. (Evil parent laugh.) Here's why we went out and bought a leash for our baby: Since the last time we traveled by airplane, Kate has learned to walk, and while she's not up to top speed yet, I have a feeling she's going to be a little hard to keep up with in the multiple airport terminals we will occupy along with everyone else in America and their mamas come December 20. Thus, the leash, so that she can never get more than two feet away from us. I am sure we'll get some weird looks. I don't think walking your kid on a leash gets you onto the cover of any parenting magazines. But I don't care. I am going to have bigger problems. Like keeping Dan from running up and down those giant moving walkways in Denver.
Comments (6)
I used to make fun of parents who had kids on leashes. Then one day at the seminary a 2-year-old wandered off. She was found on an access road to a major highway not too far from the seminary, but FAR ENOUGH FOR A 2 YEAR OLD. She was found by a stranger who picked her up and brought her to the seminary library.
Those parents will never forget it. Nor will any of the rest of us. That girl was on a leash the next time we saw her out (which was a long time after that incident).
No judgment from me here. No way.
And anyway, if you're going to do it, that's about as cute a way to go as any...
Posted by Megan | December 8, 2008 4:39 PM
Posted on December 8, 2008 16:39
And that, Megan, is exactly why I am totally putting Kate on a leash. Now that Kate is mobile, I can see how something like that can happen. I can also see myself explaining to the airport security people how two of us grown adults lost track of a 15-month-old!
Posted by Haley | December 8, 2008 5:47 PM
Posted on December 8, 2008 17:47
We're big fans fo the leash here!!! (We have the same exact one). I do see the cute backpack leashes around more and more these days.
Posted by Jeannette | December 8, 2008 8:21 PM
Posted on December 8, 2008 20:21
Oh my goodness, I've totally been wanting to get one for Joey especially once the new baby comes along. Andy's not as thrilled with the idea, but I'm sure he'll come around!
Posted by Megan L. | December 8, 2008 8:43 PM
Posted on December 8, 2008 20:43
We have the monkey version of that leash. Ana also thought it was the hottest toddler accessory, and now Gene loves running around the house with it.
A word of caution about using it at the airport, though. While it does keep the kid close at hand it will not prevent them from walking under the barriers in the security line, and they will eventually wrap themselves around a pole and throw a minor fit. While you may be worried and embarrassed, it keeps every one in the line entertained. That's what the folks in the Austin airport told me when Ana made a scene.
Posted by Tim Smith | December 8, 2008 9:29 PM
Posted on December 8, 2008 21:29
Here's another fan of the leash! We don't use it much, but it has been a huge help when traveling in the airports with multiple children! So much so, in fact, that I fear what the consequences may have been a couple times if we hadn't used it. I've seen tons of them in the airports, especially around Christmas time, when so many families are traveling. No judging--just smart parenting!
And, of course, there's no denying the toddler envy it envokes. What kid wouldn't want a monkey strapped to their back (for about 5 minutes, anyway)? :)
Posted by Jennifer | December 11, 2008 7:53 AM
Posted on December 11, 2008 07:53