keeping the kids in

Thanks for the response but not really the answer i was looking for. I too find that rather demeaning.

What is "demeaning" to look after the welfare of your children? My son walked with his "reins" on until he was about 4 or 5 years old. It never hurt him and he is still alive and safe at 51 years of age. In fact, he decried the fact that he could not buy any for his daughters. Political correctness or safety?

Hi Brian

speaking for myself only with no offence intended to those who choose to use them, the demeaning part i found was that the kid was tied up like a dog on a run, not out walking with mum and dad.

Cheers
Phil

Thats what I found demeaning as well. Being tied up like a dog on a run.

Sounds like "Don't confuse me with facts. I have made up my mind." My grand-daughters, both single with no children saw a child in reins and commented, "What a great idea!" By the way, they were talking about "children" notyoung goats.

Dont be such an old grump Brian

For what it is worth Brian I agree............better demeaned than dead
Been a few years since I had to worry about my kids, offspring, children, whatever you would like to refer to them as, their safety and well being was a very long way ahead of what anyone else thought of my wife or myself.
But if that is how you view any type of restraint then so be it....they are your children and if any misfortune should befall them who will be having the most recriminations???


Cheers
Pop

Better, Phil, to be an old grump than to compare children with dogs, which, I agree, should be chained up every night. Sorry that you are offended. My son and his daughters are very precious to me.Thanks Pop!

years ago when my 2 kidults were toddlers wife had bothe on "monkey straps" i believe they were called back then. went into supermarket and while wife was struggling with shopping some interferring old biddy mentioned how disgusting to have the children on "monkey straps". Smart wife responded to said lady by asking if she would mind baby sitting the kids while she finished shopping. Said lady couldnt get going quick enough. There in lies my feelings on the matter.

having camped with babys we have used all sorts of things, and some people have "snubbed" us for it but rather a child tied to a rope than an ambulance bed...
We have used a play pen, wooden flat pack from infant up to the age of being able to climb out of it, even got a custom made canvas/foam base sewn up, cost $150 just for it... then yes we used a rope style thingy yep like a leash on a dog also ...... even at night, out camping, sitting around the camp, kids playing ..... tying a glowstick to the back of the shirt/jumpers so they can be seen in the dark, kids think it is a great game and if they slip for a second into the dark you can see them ..............
You alway will hear from people who "saw" someone doing it, those that have done it know it works and have the safety of the child in mind NOT the trend setting looks they may set ............ go camping with kids, i mean real camping and the grubbier they get the happier they are, they dont care how it looks as long as they are happy and safe ....
At the end of the day do whatever it takes to keep them safe just do it, demeaning or not ............
Cheers
Joe

I thought the problem with "monkey straps" is that it doesn't teach children limits of where they can and cannot go. As soon as they are off the strap they will want to run far and wide, making the strap even more necessary and used more often. A little bit like using dummies. The more you use it the more it is needed.

R.

Great arguament Robt. Now how about something constuctive? The post was for something to ensure the safety of small children. What is YOUR suggestion?
Thank you for your input.
Brian

As for something constructive, I can only share my experiences, although we have only used tents and not vans.

I think the idea of a small fence is on the right track. it doesn't even need to be an impenetrable fence but something that will slow them down, giving you time to react.

We have camped with our kids since they were 3 months old, and never had a problem with them going too far, but every child is different. I'd suggest to choose carefully the areas where you set up camp, don't plan too much into your day, stay with your children at all times, don't drink alcohol and keep your kids busy. It's no holiday, but it may pay off in the long run.

Has everyone gone mad, tying up, fencing in kids, c'mon you go camping to let them have fun.
I agree 100% with Rob! There is nothing like parental supervision, that's what keeps them safe not ropes and cages.
No doubt camping with young kids is difficult but you need to make compromises, early to bed, clear head, you know what I mean. Eventually they get older and you can go back to sitting on your bum around the fire.
Muffin Man

Settle down please team.

Brian, haven't you yourself, as you say,

Brian Purdue posted:
Sounds like "Don't confuse me with facts. I have made up my mind."

The notion of demeaning is based on ones values beliefs and life experiences, you have one set and others have another set, that doesn't make one right or wrong just different.

We can have differing opinions here but the spirit of the site is to let people have their say without personal attacks, and some of the comments here are close to that line.

So please play nice.

You want to put an electronic dog collar on a child???

Trilogy, there's one in every crowd ... lol. Near peed myself laughing when the link opened up!

Cheers, Dave

This post has been read by the moderation team and has been moderated due to a breach of The Personal Attacks Rule .

Forum Moderation Team

Rodney;
Also good under the tyres in soft sand. (Never pack anything which only has a single use!)

Hey Corrugate

I agree let em be kids, mine are no different, they love getting dirty. Perhaps i should have been clearer, but i was getting at staying in C'van Parks. When we camp out of the way with no one around then they do what they want and stay within our vision. The keepin kids in part was that although all parks ive stayed in have speed limits (usually 8km) there is hardly anyone who adheres to this. If travelling in the busier times of the year you can find yourself tucked in cheek by jowl with cars, 4x4's and quads going left right and centre and generally not watching for little kids. With little ones yourself im sure you can appreciate how quick and nimble they can be, hence the desire for some way of creating an area they can play in safely. For my first thread, its certainly created some comment!

Cheers
Phil

Hi Jason

This idea has popped up a couple of times and seems the best way to go. Can also double as a bean trellis when not travelling lol!! Thanks for the input!

Phil