Harness (Leash) on a seven year old?

[Angela0528]

Every year U.C. Davis has an open house on campus called picnic day, there are tons of fun things to do, tons of animals and tons of people. I wanted to take my 7 year old sister to it along with her friend from our Girl Scout troop. The only problem is she tends to run away from us, to look at something, to be first, to go with a friend, whatever. No matter how many times my parents have told her not too, she still does this. She'll wriggle loss from your hand (or drop it) she just loses her head basically. My mother is to the point where she wants to put her on a harness. I think she's too old for it, but honestly it might be the only thing that will work. We've tried leaving if she doesn't follow the rules, we've tried taking away treats or outings or birthday parties and for the most part, she'll be on her best behavior, AT HOME but it still doesn't seem to effect her when she's out in public. When it's just me and her she minds a lot better. I don't let her run ragged, but I'm not quite as strict as mom. I understand she'll want to look at things too and letting her do that, choosing where we window shop next, seems to help. Bringing a toy or doy helps.  (electronics don't help) I also try to give her job when we're together (and with mom) and looking for something and she's getting restless standing around, but i just want to know if anyone has any ideas on what else we could try. She's not at all embarassed at being yelled at by my mom in public either.

[susan994]

Get a harness for her! A few years back we traveled to Washington DC. I was with my girls with my mom while my husband was TDY. My oldest daughter is very much like yours. No matter what I tried,she wandered off.I warned her and tried many of things you stated. Same results. I got both of them a harness and leash. Both girls (age 5 and 7) wore them all week in DC. It was wonderful. We had peace of mind. The girls had some freedom to look,yet were kept within limits. I found a nice harness as www.dandeecorp.com They have them for older children. I modifed it a little so that it was secure. There is also a site www.childharness.ca  that makes harnesses for older children. Check them both out.
Don't hesitate! If she runs as you stated,she will run off in a large crowd. You can't take any chances. Believe me there is not a worse feeling than losing a child in a crowd.  You will be able to keep her close and enjoy your outing. You can modify the harness so that she cannot remove it. She will adjust to the harness. email me if  you need more information

[Agiesmom]

Sorry...sidetracked.  Maybe you can try it.  Also, the parent has a receiver, not a transmitter.

Best of luck to you!

[Agiesmom]

I had something like this for my son when he was younger (but he was 3, not 7--however it should still work):
http://nservices.com/child.htm

It was a tracker--the child wears the transmitter (around waist or wrist) and the parent has the transmitter.  Both will beep if the child goes beyond a certain range (you can set that) and you can also hit a button on your receiver and the transmitter on the child will beep (so you can find them--or for your sister, it can remind her to come back).  Mine also had a panic cord for him--it he were lost, he could pull the cord and it would screech loudly.  It worked well at the fair and park.

Maybe you could

[ames67]

If it means keeping your daughter from getting lost I would consider the harness as well. She may not like it either which may serve as a deterrent for her running away from you. Good Luck!