Why put a leash on your child?

I used to be dead set against tethering children and I managed to get through the toddler stage with my daughter without any trouble…then I had my son.

My son was the type of child who would not sit in a stroller, and would do everything possible to release your grip if you were holding his hand - sometimes he managed to get loose. I felt it was by far the responsible thing to do by putting him on a tether…if he slipped out of my hand, he wasn’t going very far. I also felt much safer walking in the city with him, where kidnappers are bold enough to run past you and snatch up your child.

My child was important to me…so I put him on a leash. It was not due to lack of parenting…children that age are curious and bad things happen very quickly - I do not, and have never, neglected my children and I resent anyone who accuses me of doing so because I chose to keep my child safe.

I hope, for your own sake, your child is as perfect as you assume he/she is.

Some parents don’t have time to be watching their kid 24/7 especially in crowded areas you know… so why not a leash, in the meantime. lol

I’ve never heard of parents putting a leash on their child. That’s horrible. What the hell is up with some people these days?

When I was younger, my mother had to put a leash on me. I was a good child, but I was (and still am…) just so curious about everything. My mum would turn around for a second and I would be running towards a fountain or a busy road. Also children are famous for touching everything they see. it is helpful to have a leash on a toddler while you are shopping because they may break something.

I can see why people have very strong opinions on this subject. But think from a mother’s point of view: This is your child, your baby. If they are constantly running off, I would look everywhere for a solution. If putting them in a harness and leash is the answer, then it’s better than having your baby play in traffic.

How are our children expected to learn the world if they are not allowed to explore it. I find that if I share in my childs excitement and enthusiasm over something I would normally take for granted then he wont run to something but lead me to it. However I will say that ichibanarky brings up a good point that I can not dismiss, I live in a small town not in the city. We have a very low crime rate because there is one thing that the criminals fear more then police and that is a red neck trigger happy town just waiting for someone to screw up. Also I have been blessed with a very good kid.

I was a twin and my mom had my sister and I on leashes (this was back in the 50’s)…I don’t blame her a bit…

If you’ve ever been to a grocery store with two year olds in it…you’d know that teaching a child how to act in public doesn’t go very far at that age…and let’s face it…leashing them is better than losing them in a crowd.

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are you serious? you have a newborn now, just wait till it tuns 2 and runs amuk all over, you think your child will be perfect and stand by your side and not run away, you got some things to learn. and why they dont want to use a stroller is probably because its a lot easier to hold a leash than push around a big stroller isnt it. plus kids needs to walk and not be pushed around. do you think its better to have your kid by your side knowing its not going any where and having a chance of him getting lost or running in front of a car? safety comes first when it comes to your children does it not?

I was never put on a leash and I turned put fine…what about those who have chipdrean and don’t use leashes? Tons of people don’t. It’s not required. It’s just an excuse. If a leash didn’t exist,than what?

I really cant find a legit answer, no matter what anyone says

It really does depend on the child. All children are different and though my parents had no problem spanking me when I didn’t listen, when I was 2 - 4, my favorite game was to walk away from my parents, talk to a stranger or go running across the street. I was leashed for fear for my life, but it didn’t hold me very long either, as I figured out how to get out of it.

Some kids are just mischievous like that.

To keep your child safe. I’m not sure what more of a legit answer you’re looking for. Also, I’m sorry, you’re a parent at 17? It doesnt say much for your own maturity…

wow i havent seen a child with a leash. i thought people put them on pets (although i generally dont like seeing pets on a leash as well). but really, it depends on the parenting skills whether or not the child will be ‘controlled’ or something.