la_la_la asked:
I have noticed that many parents at malls, entertainment parks, tourist attractions, and similar venues put their kids on what appears to be a leash. Usually, it’s a contraption that has a front harness on the child and then a length of fabric or cord that the parents use to walk them.
I was at a tourist attraction over the weekend, and I noticed a child of about 3 years of age in one of these devices, and she kept falling down and getting tied up in the thing because her parents weren’t paying attention. It was disturbing, to say the least.
I was just curious to see if there are any parents out there who use this device, and what the thought process is behind using it. If they have them on the market, obviously there’s a need for such a thing, but I’m not getting it.
Does it hurt the child? Do you receive any dirty looks for using it when you go out? Do tell.
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{ 8 comments }
Having not used one, or had one used on me…I might be wrong here, but I’ll give this a shot.
From my personal experience, most parents who use these harness don’t take any notice of the child in it, so I think really its just there to stop the kid running away. So basically to me, it slackens the amount of attention given to the kid.
I dunno about it hurting the child, but I would expect if the leash was pulled then it probably would.
On the subject of dirty looks…all my friends…and me aren’t impressed when we see kids in them. We feel sorry for them…
People who put their toddlers on a leach do so because they’re selfish, lazy, and irresponsible. I would never do that to my boys.
I think it is horrible! I feel if a child is properly disciplined and the parent pays attention, it shouldn’t be necessary to treat them like a dog. Most of the children I see on these “leashes” have very inattentive parents. Sorry to be judgemental or harsh but this is my opinion on the matter.
My daughter is 7 and is horrified when she sees children on a leash. She wants to know why they are being walked like a dog.
Yes they do look a little odd, but the fact of the matter is, the child is within 3 feet of the parent. There is minimal chance for the child to run off and get lost or even worse get SNATCHED by some perverted child molester just waiting for the chance to abduct a roaming child. That is the purpose of “leashes”.
for very public and very busy places like airports or amusement parks, i’d rather see a child on a leash than one that got kidnapped or ran out and got hit by a car. I think every attentive parent can say that in busy places their child is a master at getting out of reach. i was in a place where i was trying to figure out where to go and my daughter was playing with a balloon beside me. usually we both keep an eye on each other but we got separated. it was only a few minutes until we found her since i noticed right away, but it was the most horrifying few minutes of my life. i don’t use one but i don’t have a problem with them. i wouldn’t want anyone to feel how i did that day.
I bought a “leash” for my 3 year old son because sometimes when I am getting him and my 18 month old out of the car, he likes to run off. Not because I am not paying attention does he get away from me, but because I have my hands full. It is scary when he does that in a parking lot where there are cars coming and going. I would rather have my son on a “leash” and have people look at me funny, then have my son get hit by a car. It doesnt bother him usually. He never complains it hurts. Sometimes he gets upset because he can’t get away. I do pay attention to him while he is wearing it. I don’t let him get tangled.
Well i have three small ones 5 2 and 1. I have used the “leashes” on both my older kids when we are in heavy populated ares for there protection. to many crazes out there just to let them run free. Plus it gives my 2 year old the since that he is big now and gets to walk and not be pushed in a stroller or worse totted he is very independent and the leash lets him feel that way with maintaining his safety.. No it does not hurt them most are covered in a soft cotton around the attachment for there comfort..
i plan to buy a leash for my son, but only to use in crowded places (airports etc)..the type that is like a monkey backpack with a clip in the front but it has a leash seems to be the best fit.
Bottom line, i trust my kids I JUST DON’T TRUST THE CHILD SNATCHERS OUT THERE…
I also do not undestand parents who use the leash as substitute for teaching their children right and wrong. This is not a crutch, you still need to pay attention to your child and teach them to stay close to you at all times. your child is still learning this (and him/her not knowing yet does not make them ‘bad” or “poorly behaved”) and needs to know that you trust them (so the leash should not be used 24/7).
it is like all things in life, with moderation and in the appropriate circumstances. I wish that our kids were growing up in a enviroment where said leashes are not needed…but until the day that child snatchers no longer exist, you need to take care of your kid as much as possible,
And personally, who care what other people think…it is not their kid.