During a family vacation to Disneyland around the holidays, my partner and I made sure to pack a leash for our spirited 2-year-old, Emma. Navigating through the crowds with her is akin to managing a wild animal outside its habitat. This doesn’t stem from a lack of love or respect for her independence. On the contrary, we cherish her feisty spirit. However, with three kids, and Emma being the youngest, her tenacity is unmatched.
We anticipated the judgmental looks and snarky comments when we decided to put the leash on her. As Emma dashed through the December crowd, parents shot us disapproving glances, as if we were treating her like a pet. While waiting in line, one woman even questioned the necessity of the leash. Just moments later, Emma veered toward the water feature of the “It’s a Small World” ride. Thanks to the leash, she didn’t plunge in. But I knew that wouldn’t convince the critic in line.
The reality of having a wild child is a catch-22. If I don’t use a leash in crowded places like amusement parks or malls, she could easily become the lost child broadcasting over the intercom. She might be the one featured in a Facebook post for wandering into a busy parking lot or, heaven forbid, trying to climb into an animal enclosure.
Emma is adorable with her tiny legs, little hands, and blonde pigtails, yet she lacks an understanding of danger or consequences—something I am all too aware of. I keep her on a leash for her safety because her unpredictability is off the charts. My oldest, Liam, was just as adventurous, and we also put him on a leash, though we were more discreet, opting for a backpack that resembled a monkey. With Emma, we’ve embraced her more obvious leash without hesitation.
In contrast, my middle child, Mia, was calm and content, usually staying close by. We didn’t need a leash for her. This difference underscores that every child is unique. Just because your toddler can remain at your side doesn’t make you a superior parent—it merely indicates that your child possesses a different temperament.
Congratulations if your child is more reserved. Enjoy that! However, I’ve been a parent long enough to realize that every child progresses at their own pace. Some may achieve milestones earlier than others, but that doesn’t reflect on your parenting abilities. It’s simply the nature of childhood development, where some kids are bold and fearless, while others are naturally cautious.
To those without children who criticize parents for using leashes, please reconsider your stance. You don’t truly understand the complexities of the situation. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure our wild child remains safe while preserving our sanity.
We spent three magical days at Disneyland, and each day, Emma was on her leash. It prevented her from launching off the Casey Jr. Train, escaping the Dumbo Ride, or dashing into the river at Pirates of the Caribbean. If you spotted us at the park and wondered why I had a wild, blonde toddler on a leash, now you know.
There’s no need for judgment. I would prefer Emma to hold my hand or stay nestled in my arms, free from the kicking and pulling that comes with her unquenchable curiosity. But that’s not who she is. Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t change a thing about her fiery spirit. Her determination and curiosity are traits I hope she retains, for while they may be exhausting now, they will undoubtedly be admirable in the future.
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Summary
In summary, using a leash for an energetic child, like Emma, is a practical safety measure for parents navigating busy environments. Each child is unique, and parenting choices should reflect their individual needs without fear of judgment from others. It’s crucial to prioritize safety and understanding in the parenting journey.