Many parents have a way of disciplining and raising their children that we may not particularly agree with. However, every parent is allowed to and entitled to raise their kids the way they feel is best for their child. The whole “parent shaming” epidemic has gotten a bit out of control, especially with the addition of social media in the mix.
There has been a stigma attached to child safety harnesses, or “leashes” as they are known, for a long time.
Some parents opt to use backpack safety harnesses on their children when they are out in crowded, public places . For parents with rambunctious children, it’s a positive reinforcement to ensure they can keep their kids in sight at all times.
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Many parents say that it’s the best option for their kids.
We’ve all heard things about the “terrible twos” and other toddler ages where kids can get a bit testy or can run away in a flash. When going out, these devices ensure that the kids are in sight and are listening to their parents.
However, there is a lot of controversy surrounding these safety harnesses.
Some parents see leashing toddlers and children as “cruel” and wrong. In fact, many parents have spoken out against leashing kids, even shaming parents who do leash their own children.
One mom recently spoke out on Facebook about her own decision to use a safety harness on her son.
Rachel Butcher, a mom who has received a ton of mom-shaming, spoke out on her Facebook page to the “Karens” and “Susans” of the world who continue to judge her for choosing to use a backpack safety harness for her son.
Rachel wrote about her son, who happens to be adopted.
“Our family and friends know our son is adopted, they also know he was born drug addicted. He has more energy and speed than your average 21 month old. Aside from his already rough beginning of drug exposure, we know little to nothing about his bio family and their genetics. So he could be more hyper just from experiences that I don’t know of,” she said.
So she called out the “Karen’s” and the “Susan’s” for their constant judgement.
“I have a backpack leash for my son. 10 years ago, walking around Disney World, I laughed and cringed at the sight of children on leashes. ‘How can they not control their child? I’ll never let my child behave that way’”
Yes, I was ‘Karen’ then, but, let’s be real, every parent has said that line once or twice BEFORE they had children and ate crow years later,” she continued.
She also opened up about how hard it is for her to chase around her son.
“My child runs faster than me. Due to scar tissue from my hysterectomy, I do have trouble running sometimes to keep up with him. Let it also be known, I religiously ran races and ran everyday before my surgery. So it’s not a lack of laziness.
My child also hates to be confined, whether it’s a car seat, high chair, stroller or shocker, a shopping cart. I use Shipt more often than I should because it is incredibly hard to go out with him alone sometimes. But, guess what, life doesn’t always work that way and we have to go out and get things done,” she wrote.
She continued, explaining why she was writing this particular post, stating that on a trip to Target she met her breaking point.
“But today, today was worse. We went to Target and we wore his backpack and he did AMAZING. He was HAPPY, LAUGHING, SMILING, and yes, running, but he was close to me.
The looks and side-eye I got from no less than 5 ‘Karen’s’ made me grab my two items and leave.
I don’t know why women feel the need to judge and mom shame so often. What works for your child doesn’t necessarily work for mine. I’m glad your little Lucy is perfect and never has meltdowns.
My child isn’t talking yet and we have a communication barrier. He attends occupational and speech therapy and he is THRIVING. He is such a happy, beautiful little boy with A LOT of energy,” she said.
Overall, she asked for others to understand that every parent does what’s best for them and their child.
“I’m not writing this for pity or sympathy, but more of a public service announcement to kids with leashes. My son does not have a disability, he is a runner. My neighbors know he is a runner, so much so that they chase after him too,” she said.
Amen, Rachel.
