On a recent visit to the Portland's Saturday market with Jason's family, I was approached by a stranger regarding a personal choice. The conversation went something like this.
"Excuse me ma'am, can I ask you why you find it necessary to put your child on a leash?" (referring to the Monkey Back Pack that Hannah was wearing, that does indeed have a tail that I can hold onto!)
ME: "Because when she gets away, I'm 6 months pregnant and just can't chase her."
Him: "But all kids run off at times."
ME: "You don't have to agree with my choice, but this is the safest choice for my child and me."
I could have easily ripped into him about do you know the type of people that are in the community, do you know the numbers of children that are kidnapped in busy public places, do you know what kind of accidents happen when children run off in front of traffic, or into the water etc, etc, etc. But instead did not feel the need to justify myself to him or anyone else.
Jason and I hold Hannah's hand when she has the pack on, so it's not like she's "leashed", but it is an added protection for if she does let go, or tries to run off. I want my daughter to be independent, and we give her plenty of oppurtunities to do so. But going to the Saturday Market with hundreds or thousands of people is not a place that I feel comfortable letting Hannah just run free at. And because at nearly 3 1/2, she does not want to be sitting in her stroller, she wants to be out walking. So the monkey pack is a great family helper for us. She actually doesn't mind wearing it and plays with it at home. She does not find it distressing. Yes it might look funny, or some may say cruel, but again I stress. . .
It's the best choice for me and my daughter, for a fun busy visit to the Saturday Market.
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