Put that kid on a leash! Literally?

I use one for my kid only if we're in an amusement park, fair or big event where there's lots going on and large crowds. I want to give him the freedom to walk about, explore on his own, etc without being confined to a stroller. Plus, in a situation like that, he doesn't want me to carry him or even hold his hand. He will run away if he gets a chance! He's not afraid of anything and doesn't get deterred by large crowds and is friendly with strangers. And he's only 2!! So, I'm constantly worried that he's going to escape from me if I don't keep a close eye and hold of him. I'd rather be safe than sorry any day! I used to think that it's stupid and inhumane too until I had a kid of my own!

After my little adventure with my little one I have been thinking about this very issue. With all three I have used reins until they understand you walk with mummy etc. Then I remove them so that this is reinforced. (If you leave them on they never prove that they have learnt the rules). I have never used a wrist strap as I know plenty of children that have learnt to undo them and sneak off. They are too easy to remove to be of any use in my opinion. Today I found myself looking at the retractable dog leads! I nearly bought one for my youngest! She's done one dissappearing act outside our home, what if she decides to do it in town? My thought was I could clip this to her belt loop or button hole then she had freedom but could not get away! I didn't buy it in the end as I'm not sure I want to be walking my daughter, literally, on a lead!

Personally I have never seen a problem with the child harnesses and leashes that some parents use. I know to some these harnesses and leashes should be outlawed, but children are hard to keep track of especially in a crowded area. Even holding their hand is not a guarantee that they won't slip away from you. I don't use them myself, but I don't condemn parents that do, cause they do allow the child to have some freedom to explore things on their own while staying close to the parents. I'd rather have that on them, than have to deal with a child in public that was screaming and crying because they didn't want mommy or daddy holding their hand. They make the outdoor experience a bit better for the parents, child, and those who may be occupying the area as well. Just my view on things.

In some cases it could be useful, but I think a lot of parents just use them as a cop-out so they don't actually have to keep track of their kids. Like most things if it is convenient to use it then it will be used all the time.

My mom used one on me on the ferry. I guess I was a bit wild. She was afraid I'd be a baby overboard! I don't remember any of it, so I think they are good to have in some instances. I think it is like a dog on a leash, but I prefer wild dogs to wild kids any day. I wish more people would have control over their kids and worry less about the impact it will have on the kids far in the future. People are too afraid of warping their kids that they treat them as if they are made of glass and will break. Leash em I say!

We have WAY too many responsibilities in life for juggling important things. We deserve more than a few "cop outs" as you put it. Of course, what I think some people could use for their kids is a muzzle.

I personally don't like using them but I think they are a good idea when used properly. I used reins for my oldest child and gave up with them after only using them once or twice bascically because he would hold my hand and keep by me anyway and the reins were awkward to use and uncomfortable for him. So there wasn't really any point in them. As for my second child, I think he might be a little less co-operative so I might be more inclined to use a restraint. I found something I think is brilliant. http://www.bumpto3.com/product.aspx?DISPLAYCAT=outdoors&CAT=Products&CATGRY=on_the_go&PID=JF222 It's just a back pack with a detachable "lead" so the child carries the bag as an ordinary backpack but designed small and appropriate for a toddler. Then you can clip the lead onto the bag so the child won't even know it's there rather than those horrible old fashioned reigns which I'm sure must hurt the children. The one thing I really have a problem with is those wrist ones where the child has one end on his wrist and the parent straps the other end to a wrist. I think they are dangerous and I'm sure I have heard that children have had broken wrists as a result of using them.

I think it is a good idea. When my son was little he did not like to have his hand held and he was too big to carry. Although we never used a leash, it probably would have saved us a lot of aggravation. Just think, with the kids on a leash, you can walk them and the dogs at the same time, thus ensuring that everyone is getting their exercise...:)

I've never had to use one, I don't own one, my son goes in the sling or stroller, he has no choice. But my nephew is autistic and this is the only thing that can work, if you strap him in a stroller, he'll lean forwards and run away with it on his butt. He's a very strong child too, so it's hard to hold onto him. I have seen parents yank their kids around on them, I just think that's sick and wrong.

They didn't have those when my two oldest ones were born however they did have wrist bands. One end was on mine and the other was on thiers. I used then and still think they are a good idea. What if some one was trying to pick your child up you would feel the tug and know something was wrong.

I was just like you when I first saw them. I thought that these parents must be horrible to put their kids on a leash. Then I had my 3rd child. He never wanted to be in the stroller. He wouldn't hold my hand in the mall. He was a little terror. I went out and bought one of these so called leashes. It hooked on his wrist and I held the handle. We loved it! He could walk on his own and hang with his older brothers a bit more. He was right with me, but didn't feel like he was being restrained. Now I have a totally different opinion of them.

Well I was like you, and always thought they were for lazy parents or whatever. But once I had kids I realized they could be very useful! I have never used one, I usually just use a stroller for kids under 2, and kids 3 and up walk, that's the rule here..but for a VERY active kid or in a very busy place like disney or something, I can understand how people might need to use them! I think it's better than letting the kid wander, if alot is going on. Now I probably wouldn't use it, but I don't see a problem with people that do.

I thought they were terrible until I had my 4th child. He was a runner. He would slip out of my grasp and run through the parking lot or into the street before I could catch him. His running was worst when I was hugely pregnant and when his baby sister was tiny, making it even more difficult to catch him. I didn't buy a leash for him, but I strongly considered it and if I had to live those years over again, I would do so. It would have saved me a few panics.

Kids need to be on a leash, so many parents don't watch their children. I am tired of going to a store and having to step over, walk around or be disturbed by someones bratty kids. If people can't control their kids in public they should leave them home.

I don't have kids yet, but I mostly find it amusing when I see a kid with one on. Most people don't want to just stay home when they have a toddler, but you also don't want to lose said toddler, so why not use a leash? I use to run a preschool daycamp, and a I had a really long skipping rope. When we went for walks, I had each child hold onto the rope, and then an adult held each end. We pretended we were a very long snake, and it was very easy to keep track of all of the kids.

I'm all for the harnesses. I think some parents might need them more then other parents and they shouldn't be judged for using a harness. It's not about not being able to watch your kid, it's about being safe. Sometimes holding the hand isn't always safe. I mean lets face it, sometimes we have to let go of the hand for whatever reason it might be and don't you think a harness would help in that matter? Or what about the kids thAt refuse to hold hands, but are still to young to really walk alone because they might run off? Some parents have kids that run off every chance they get... Whatever the reason a parent uses them for is their own reason and to each their own.

They are a great idea especially when you are in a crowed mall or amusement park. I remember one day, me and my family were at Universal Studios in Florida. My brother in law had one of those harness thingies on his son and a young couple in their early 20's walked by. The woman made a comment about how terrible it is to see a child on a leash. I just figured she probably does not have kids of her own so she does not understand why those harnesses are necessary. I know it looks bad however it is not harming the child. Children are curious and do walk away from the parents and then they get lost. This way the child is within your vision

I was given a toddler harness when my son was little and it was a great way to keep him close to me while we were out. He was quite an independant child and would toddle off on his own given the chance, so the harness and leash was a great way to ensure he was safe.

We went to Montreal and Quebec City this summer on vacation and I wouldn't have been without my harness for my Autistic boy in that instance...it was a life saver as he does not understand the dangers of traffic or anything! He is five but mentally around 2.5 so it was very necessary there! WE will be going to a fair next week-end and I will use it there too...Where there are a lot of people it is invaluable!!! ~Heavens~

I have seen these used a few times. I have never used one for any of my children. Not to judge others but I probrally never would either. I just don't see the need to put them on leashes if I am paying attention to them. We have never lost a child when we have taken them to the store or to the fair. We don't hold their hands constantly but they have been taught that they must stay where we can see them. This allows them the freedom they need.