Child Leashes- Good or Bad?

Child leashes/harnesses DRIVE ME BONKERS! ! ! The reason that I dislike these most is that it seems like everytime I see one of these being used, it's being used for all of the wrong reasons, whether a family is at a theme park and the parent doesn't want to pay close attention to their child, and when they want their attention they just YANK on the leash! I find it very upsetting. I once even saw a mother at the Zoo who wasn't even watching her son, she just had him on the leash while she was sitting down eating, well she got up an without saying a word to him she started walking, yanked on his leash, it caused him to fall over and scrape his knee pretty badly, then she of all people had the NERVE to yell at him for crying! I was in shock by this! If the purpose of these sorts of restraints is for obiediance, due to the fact that your child throws fits about holding your hands and walks away, then yes I may understand your frustration and say that in your case they may be a perfect fit for you. Just PLEASE try and remember that a kid will be a kid and that there is NO reason for the abuse of the leash/harness as I have seen SOO much! Good luck and I hope you find a solution that suits all of your family!

I have used them before and I do like them. I agree the harness isn't the easiest of things to put on at times but well worth it. As you can't very well push a cart and hold a lil ones hand at the same time. You are right it allows them to have the freedom and independence they crave while keeping them at a safe distance. I haven't had to use it for #2 she was a pretty good listener when it came to staying close so she could be a "big kid". The lil guy it's hard to tell but he seems pretty good so far but I'll have to find where I put the hand leash as he's starting to get bored of the stroller.

I've never used one, but I don't see anything wrong with it. It only takes a second for a child to get lost or be taken in a store, or outdoor area. It gives the parent a little peace of mind when they go out. Whatever keeps them safe, I'm all for it.

Personally I dont care what other people think, leashes are an excellent idea for kids who are ones for dashing off or wandering away from a parent. I also think that they are a great thing for use on a family holiday when places are crowded. I have never used one, but I never had to with my boys they were permanently glued to my side, they were scared of everyone so would never wander away. My daughter however is the opposite and many a time I have said I am going to buy her a leash, especially for when we go on holiday because I dont want her to wander off.

I use to look at them and was against them. That was until my son started walking. He is a real hyper child and always wanting to be independent. There are days when he goes into the store with me and wants to walk. No big deal until recently once he broke a bottle of olive oil. DUmped over a container of cookies sending cookies all over the floor. How embarrassing it was. So Those are the moments I even wish for a child harness or wish that he was at home with a sitter. LOL. I do have one somewhere i believe. But if your like me its most likely buried amongst the toys, used clothes, or other children stuff.

Yes, I used the harness kind and told the child that we were playing horsey. They loved it. I cannot understand why anyone would be agianst using a safety restraint as it could save the child's life/ Children need to run and walk - they do not like being cooped up in the stroiller all of the time - they need to run and use up their energy. I would not pay any attention to what people would say. You know what is best for you and your child. Not them. They need to walka mile in your shoes before they pass judgement.

I did use a leash (harness type) with my son. I took the kids, 2 and a half and baby for a walk. The baby was in the stroller and my son walking beside me. We got to a corner and he took off across the street by himself. My choices were to leave the stroller and chase the toddler or just try to catch up with the stroller. As soon as I had him back in hand, we went home, end of walk. I was terrified and realized this could happen anywhere we tried to go. Having no desire to sit in the house all day while my husband was at work, I got the leash. I got the stares and comments too, but the safety of my children is more important than what a bunch of strangers think about me and my mothering skills. Use the leash, keep the kids safe, you won't need it forever.

I got one for my daughter at Walmart about 4 months ago. I have only ever put it on her twice so far though. Mostly when we are out somewhere like the zoo and she does not want to be in a stroller. I think they are fine. Better than dealing with a child fighting to get away from your hand like my daughter does.

Heck yes I used one with my daughter. I will do so again for my son. I have back issues. So I am not always the quickest on my feet. Leashes help keep them safe! No they're not dogs, but I'd say you try chasing them down, go ahead..betcha change your mind!

I did have a leash for my oldest and youngest. Didn't need one for the middle child. I ignored the comments and knew where my kid was at all times. I got the "they're not dogs" too. Which I have to argue with because up to a certain age they do act like little animals and my son did a pretty good imitation of a dog, including fetching a stick.

I think it's a great idea. Those people who made those "they're not dogs" comments should try watching multiple toddlers. My mom used one on me, actually. I was very hyperactive and loved to run. Didn't use one on my twins, but I usually had my husband to keep an eye on one while I was watching the other.

I never did use any for my kids. I personally don't like them but my kids were always pretty mellow so I never had any reason to consider using one. I have seen people using them for their kids and I try not to judge since I don't know someone else's situation or the behavior of their children. If it keeps your children safe then it is the right thing to do.

bad!!!! bad idea!!!

i had my daughter (who is now 13) on leash when she was little, i got a lot of stares... mind you it is not that "in" here, in fact i was the only one i think using it at that time. when i was in college i used to watch a lot of western shows, and i saw that leash on a tv show, and when i had a child of my own, i went on looking for something like that here, it was hard to find... lol. whenever we go out i had that leash on my daughter's wrist... i dont want her to get lost so i dont care about the stares... lol... it's their problem not mine. i think it is good if we have that on our kids especially if they are hyper and always want to be put down. my next child didnt want it though, he always take it off... and the youngest, well he loves to sit on his stroller, so i didnt bother buying another leash...lol

We got one of those for our daughter when she was about 1. She just wanted to be picked up instead of walking altogether when we put it on her so we stopped using it. I never had anything said to me but I did get those looks too. I would normally use it at the grocery store but now if she runs away from me I just strap her in the cart seat and she hates that.

When my daughter was little, i did. I agree with you that I would rather know where my child is and that they are safe. No they are not dogs, dogs are more replaceable. I did it and would do it again. I wish more parents did it.

I've never used a child leash or harness on either of my kids, though I'm certainly not against the idea. I've seen other families use it on their little ones and I thought it was smart of them to do so. Kids can disappear in a blink of an eye and may never be seen again, or at the very least get into something they shouldn't. There's absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to keep them safe.

I have never used one, but they seem like a good idea.

I have always laughed at people who have their dogs on leashes, it just looks funny to me. To me it is the same as those people that you see walking their cats on leashes. I only have two kids and they are two years apart so as they were growing it was never that hard for me to just have them hold me hand and walk with me when we went somewhere. My aunt used to put my younger cousin on a leash when he was young and i always thought it was funny to see him on it. I guess they work well but I just never got into them. I honestly think that if a parent thinks it works for them they should do it, I would rather look foolish and have people talk then have my child run ahead and me and potentially get harmed or lost.

Although I have never used one, and probably would never use one...I wouldn't say that it's wrong. I work EMS and I know what can happen when a kid gets away from a parent even just for a second! I never had to use one for my son (who is now 3 years old), but he was always impeccably behaved and would never leave my side. My other child is a 7 year old girl, so there was enough age difference there that it never created an issue (was never difficult for me to go with both of them to the store). In short, I think you should do whatever you feel necessary to keep your kids safe. Even if it's not the same method others would use, it doesn't mean it's wrong!