My daughter has recently become SO independent. She doesn't want to be told what to do, be in the stroller or even hold your hand. I have always told myself that I would never be a "leash" Mother, but I am. I just didn't know what to do about Quinn's desire to run wild and not listen to me at all. I didn't want to just sit in the house or any other small and confined area. So I went out and did what any borderline-psychotic-mother would do... I bought Quinn a backpack/leash. I believe the appropriate term is "kid harness". No matter the name, it is a leash. Even though many may be looking down on me for "trapping" my daughter to be right by my side at all times, it has really helped her have so much more freedom.I wanted to test out her new "toy". We decided to go to a local mall since we both are already covered in bug bites! yikes! Quinn had on her new backpack. I had the leash/tail of her monkey in my hand. We walked the ENTIRE mall without any problems.(a huge circle, one floor mall... over 1 mile!) She actually held my hand the whole time. (as soon as she tried to let go, I would stop walking and she would say "con" (come on) and reach for my hand. I think that she felt like a big girl, being able to talk to me and point things out. I wasn't constantly stressing out about if she was going to let go of my hand and dart across the mall, room, whatever and she wasn't yelling "eht go" (let go) at the top of her lungs. I think that Quinn could tell how relaxed and comforted I was.
Anyway, Quinn's new backpack (Mommy sanity tool) is a little monkey. She thinks that it is Curious George... she calls him "joy". It is so cute. While at the mall, we stopped in the Bass Pro Outlet store. Wow, they have the best store for little kids. There were moose, ducks (stuffed) and lots of fish (alive). All in all it was a WONDERFUL day for my little girl. She loves to explore and be treated like a big girl.
8 comments:
I don't care WHAT you call it, it is sheer genius! Alot of horrible anxiety can be forgotten about. Anyone who judges has not tried to go ANYWHERE with a toddler. Do you want them lost, or do you want them on a leash? Yay for "Joy". Happy Quinny!
Michele, I swear, Quinn could not possibly get any cuter!! I think the monkey is darling. Wish I'd had one for Adam and maybe he wouldn't have gotten lost at the mall. Talk about panic....
I swore I would never even consider buying one of those things, until my child turned about 2...I never actually got one but for different reasons. I think they're brilliant when used properly. You got it spot on michele, you do whatever you need to do to feel more at ease with Quinn becoming more independent which will help her feel more empowered and you more at ease. It's adorable too - the backpack. I'm glad it's working out. Quinn is no longer a baby - saaaadddd, but it is sooo exciting watching her grow and explore.
That monkey backpack is really cute. It sounds like it has worked out and look both mom and kid are happy what can be better than that?
Safety First !!!! Glad it is working out for you both. She is getting too big too fast. Love,
A. Reenie
Michele- What a great idea. I should look for one of those for Piper. She's still pretty good in the stroller but it doesn't last that long. I really need one for Ainsley - she got lost at the mall last month and now she swears she'll never go back!! Do they make them in size 5?
Shel - how appropriate for your little monkey to have her own little monkey. I think these are wonderful inventions. It may look controlling, but it actually allows more freedom since you don't have to worry about separation. I love you all.
This is one of the cutest blogs ever.I laughed out loud because I koow that feeling. The back pack is adorable and it looks like Quinn loves it too. Go Michele and Quinny !!!!!
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