Response from: Gloria

sure!

Response from: Stephanie

I have used leashes on my children whenever I've been in a situation where they or I are likely to become distracted. That's fairs, airports, shopping malls during the holiday season and so forth. It just makes sense when there's a crowd. I've gotten more complements for my foresight than comments or even obvious glares for using the leash. And kids love them. They have more freedom to explore than they would in a stroller.

Response from: Bea

a lot of parents use the leash here in Manila. And i also advocate the use of it.

Response from: susan

We visited Washington DC a few years back. My girls were age 7 and 5 then. My mom and I toured the sites with the girls while my husband was on TDY at the Pentagon.We were in a strange city with thousands of visitors. We had a wonderful time touring the sites with no stress. The girls liked their freedom to look,yet remain close by with no fear of getting lost in the huge crowds. The leashes helped make the trip a fun and enjoyable time. I'm sure your trip will be relaxing and enjoyable with you son safely leashed. We got some very positive comments and support.

Response from: vin

If you REALLY cared about your child, you wouldn't take him on vacation, where he might be kidnapped or hurt. You would leave him locked up in your basement on an IV drip, where it is nice and safe and he can be free to develop into the vegetable you want him to be.

Response from: Bridget

Well, personally I am all for child leashes. It is so difficult shopping with my son beacuse he's at that age(2) when he wants to do his own thing. So it gives him what he wants (freedom) and me what I want (freedom to shop in peace).

Response from: Bridget

Well, personally I am all for child leashes. It is so difficult shopping with my son beacuse he's at that age(2) when he wants to do his own thing. And it gives him what he wants (freedom) and me what I want (freedom to shop in peace). But seriously it gives me a sense of security knowing that he's not going to just wonder off so I say better safe than sorry.......it only takes a second!

Response from: Bridget

Well, personally I am all for child leashes. It is so difficult shopping with my son beacuse he's at that age (2) when he wants to do his own thing. And it gives him what he wants (freedom) and me what I want (freedom to shop in peace). But seriously it gives me a sense of security knowing that he's not going to just wonder off, so I say better safe than sorry.......because it only takes a split second!

Response from: Jennie

The child leash is sheer genius. the comment from Vin, below, is comletely moronic. I have 3 year old twins and they are like quicksilver. I once saw a woman at Dulles airport in DC who had lost her child because she let go of his hand for one minute - she was HYSTERICAL. When you're traveling through a crowd of 10,000 people - why take the chance?

Response from: Marriage Counseling

Yes I would use a child leash because they're usually used for children that just started to walk, so with the leash I can control him. I can hold him not to fall, I can hold him wwhen a car goes by and so on. I actually used one for my kid when he had the age for it and I can say that it worked just fine and it helped me to teach him the importance of not going anywhere without asking me first.

Response from: David

Those who are against child leashes confuse me. Why would you care how a loving, caring, nurturing parent interacts with thier child? If a judgement is made only by observing a parent and child using a leash this is the same as judging someone for the color of thier skin or thier heritage. You don't know anything about them. Leashes are extreemly valuable in many situations. Security is the primary reason but thier are countless others. In my case I have a bad back and cannot constantly be bending over to pick up my child as they dart from attraction to attraction. If leashes are right for you then use them. Don't be concerned for those who probably judge many things without knowing the full situation.

Response from: Alice

Well, since a lot of people seem to see nothing wrong with this and had positive experiences with a child leash, I thought maybe my horrified rejection to this was more of a gut reaction to something new and previously unknown than a justified response. So I tried to think about it more rationally. But no, actually I'm even more disgusted with it now. It seems to be in line with a recent tendency to substitute parental care, attention and education with artifical means like drugs (eagerly prescribed by doctors for "borderline ADS") and a general disinclination to deal with the uglier sides of parenthood, making the kids more controllable instead. Now leashes. All to make the exhausting task of parenting easier, because - answering questions when you come home from work? Tedious! Playing with your kid? Not in the mood! The noise and possible destruction a kid wrecks when it finds means to entertain itself? Don't you dare do this again! What you should do instead? Play something quiet! Teaching and getting your kid used to sticking close to you and focusing its attention on you in difficult situations by slowly building up the degree of difficulty before taking it, like, to an airport with 10.000+ travelers? What a bother! You wanna go on vacation now!!!
You know, I sympathize with all exhausted, angry, enervated and worried parents, really I do. But better teach them to deal with the world while you can (and learn to deal with a little bit of worry while YOU can, it's not gonna leave you anytime soon). They won't tolerate your leash forever, anyway.
And you know what they say of kids and dogs - too much of a bother for you? Don't get one!

Response from: Renee

I am all for a child leash. I have a very independent 21 month old little boy. When we are in a crowded place such as a mall or big event, I will use a child leash to keep him safe. He does not understand that to leave my side could put him in danger. It is my responsibility as his parent to protect him as well as teach him what is not a good thing to do. I see nothing cruel about protecting your child. My guess is that people who frown on parents using a child leash probably do not have children of their own.

Response from: Rachel

Hi!
I am responding to the thread but specifically to Alice. Have any of these people against a harness and leash for a toddler ever think what it is like for the parent of a brain injured child? I use one, my son is almost 4 but developementally around 18 months old. He also has autistic tendencies and does not have fear.
Nor does he let me hold his hand.
Think about other situations before you judge someone. I have two older children that never needed this restraint, but my son does. Anyone who doesn't like it can get bent!

Response from: Valerie

Hi,
I will be honest up front: I am so "pro" child harness that I founded a company, Liberté Apparel, which makes an ultra-chic, hip child tether called The Love Handle®, in order to eliminate the "leash" stigma asociated with traditional designs. The Love Handle® is made from 100% durable cotton, and looks like clothing when worn. It is available in gorgeous patterns, and is rigorously safety tested.
A former New York State attorney, I designed The Love Handle® for my own personal use when my own daughter reached toddler-age, and I received such a positive response from passersby that I decided to patent and market it. I encourage any parent, grandparent or caregiver who wants to use a tether - but is apprehensive about the disapproving eye of the public - to check out The Love Handle®. It is so attractive that passersby smile at you and often go out of their way to give compliments.
I would also like to add that, as several of you observed, it is not for others to judge a parent's decision-making regarding the safety of their children and, almost invariably, those who do express disapproval do not have children of their own.

Response from: Vin

Ms. Petri, I saw a woman with her crying kid on a leash today, I thought that was just an urban legend until I saw it for real. Then I did a google search for 'child on leash' and see your article saying how great it is. While I am trying hard to hold back a
stream of vitriol and abusive language towards you, let me just say
that in my opinion you are sick. naturalchild.com

Response from: Diann

My mother used a leash on my younger brother, he was the only one who wouldn't do as he was told as a toddler.
I may be using one on my son when he learns to walk.
I believe that a harness that goes on the whole upper body (similar to the one shown in the picture) is safer then a leash that attaches to the wrist, but that would be the only complaint that I would have.
I think that leashes allow a child to have their independence, but still keep them from getting into trouble :)

Response from: Natasha

I am a mother of 3 boys.My middle child is 3 years old and is being tested for autism and a few other disorders.I have been totally against "leashes" in the past and will admit to giving some parents "the look".My 3 yr old has no fear,acts without thinking of consequences,and is very defiant.When you are holding a 21mo old on your hip at the self-checkout line trying to pay while your 6 yr old is loading bags into the cart and your 3yr old has climbed out of the cart and you see him running for the door and out into the parking lot......the SCREECHING tires changed my mind.Honestly I would spend 30$ and risk the remarks and stares just to know that I would still have my "lil wild child" right there beside me.

Response from: Anita

I got one when my daughter was young, to have in case we needed it. I was always apprehensive about using it. I've maybe used it once with her. My husband uses it much more, when we are together in public. The more we use it, the less I like it. I don't judge other people for using it, but when I see my husband leading our now three year old with it, it does remind me of someone with a puppy. I also think it can give a false sense of security...parents should not be so distracted that they are not watching their kid...with or without a safety harness. Also, if a child tugs, the leash can come undone or the parent can accidentally let go and the child could get hurt. Also, the child can still get into displays and such at stores, knocking them down etc. The only way I can justify my husband for using the harness is because our child bolted from him in a home improvement store, and he "casually" walked after her, calling her name. Mean time, she could have ran by where a fork lift was driving, hand trucks with heavy pallets, being pulled, etc. My husband is diabetic and sometimes does not have the energy to keep up with a child who bolts in a flash. I, on the other hand, don't use it if I am the one to keep up with her. I make her hold my hand, sit in a shopping cart, etc. And if she does bolt from me, she never gets two steps away because I react immediately. I would consider using it at a crowded fair, as a back up. I would still hold her hand and have the harness in case she lets go or something.

Response from: Whitney

I think any mother who uses a leash on their child is a horrible mother. If she wants a dog, she should try to adopt a dog. No excuses. Just means the mom is lazy.

Response from: appaled

I saw a child on a leash held by his dad with the mother walking by the side today at the mall. The parents just carried a conversation with one another while the kid was trying to run around. I was completely horrified! There may be a million reasons (i have read some here) for this action but there is one compelling argument: YOUR KID IS NOT A DOG! Just hold his freakin hand! Whether he is autistic, brain damaged, ADD, or normal - hold his hand! I grew up in a foreign city where parents walk around the streets and face dangers every day. And guess what: they teach their children to stay close and they HOLD their kids' HANDS and it provides the safety needed in that situation. Come on, guys, it's plain common sense. I mean what's next? An electric fence?

Response from: Emily

First off, to all of the idiots who are against a "leash", do you even have children? I want to see you even try to make an 18-month old listen to you if you tell them to stay right beside you at a store. I'll bet you a million bucks you turn around and they'll be gone. And how would you like to walk through the mall for an hour with your arm being held above your head? See how that feels! Or better yet, you never GET to walk, but have to be pushed along in a stroller the whole time. You would be begging to be put on a leash so you could get some exercise! And to all the people who are comparing children to a dog, the reason a dog is put on a leash is the same reason a child is: they don't understand enough to listen when you tell them to stay with you, and you want to protect them from harm. To all who are against a child leash, get back to me either once you actually have a child of your own, or once they are abducted, and I'm sure you will have a change of heart.

Response from: cheetah

Emily is soooo right. I bet you a bajillion dollars that if you don't act like a responsible parent you will watch your kid run away from you only to be abducted and molested and never heard from again. It is so hard to catch a 22 month old child, they are some fast buggers. And why should I have to chase my child around when I can not have to pay attention to my child until the tether tugs on my wrist? Also, it is soooo hard to carry a 18 month year old child. They get fat and heavy quick and I'm completely out of shape so I cannot carry children. Moreover, holding a child's hand over their head for an hour is the worst thing you could do to a child. That child will have "loose arm syndrome" for the rest of their life. My parents never used a tether and my arms are useless from constantly being held over my head for an hour every 4 to 5 days. Having my hands above my head so rarely like that not only has made my arms physically useless it has also given me serious mental health issues. Finally, Emily is soooo right about children needing more exercise. If a child is strapped into a stroller it is never going to get any exercise EVER! There are 24 hours in a day and between sleeping and slapping them into a storller for the rest of the day EVERY DAY they never get any exercise. And the best time for them to exercise isn't around the house or at day care, it is when we go out to a crowded place like a mall. If they can't exercise on a leash in a mall they might as well just never get any exercise at all.

Response from: giagemom

i am a pro leash on a child while my baby's daddy is against it. it is hard to come to an agreement with this situation. my mom used one on my little sister and i thought that it was a life saver (11 yrs difference btw sissy and i). the people that say that "you want a dog go adopt a dog" or things along that line obviously dont have kids that are independent at a young age. sucks to be them or just like to make them cry when they dont want to be held or hold hands b/c they are "big boys and girls" even when they are only 1 and 2 or so years old. i almost feel sorry for their kids to be put through the crying of wanting to be independent and not being aloud.

Response from: Jenni

I am so glad that so many women know what is best in every situation. What would we ever do without their expertise and their judgement. We all vary in our level of parental adequacy, what works for one does not work for all. Live and let live. There are many more instances where you might show your "outrage". As a mother of a 5yr. old, 3yr. old, and a 5 month old, I would hate to see my child run down, while we are all getting out of the car at the market, of course, due to my "LAZINESS". Or because somehow I failed to impress upon my child what a car could do to him if it ran him over, or what an adult might do to him if he were abducted. I could go all day on this subject, but I'll just say if a harness works for you, God Bless and do what you need to do to keep your children SAFE.

Response from: Jimmy

I have two kids(2yrs and 5 yrs) and no leash. We have traveled extensively(my 5 year old is getting her second passport). We travel for 2 to 4 months a year. A lot of my assumption is the people that use child leashes are the same useless parents that stick their kids in front of the TV, give them gameboys, cellphones, fastfood, and little or no discipline. Kids have to be taught and nurtured, it is a lot of work. Parents have a responsibility to be healthy and strong for their children and attentive to their children. The leash seems way to much like your lazy and to pre-occupied with doing 'your' thing and not being an attentive parent. Being a parent is a full time job, it's not part time. Turn off your television, take the money you spent on cable and buy art, music and other learning toys and excursions. When traveling bring kids books, travel toys and crayons, don't bring your reading material headphones and pocket full of cash for drinks. Don't expect to linger in stores window shopping, get your stuff and get out as fast as you can. Kids get restless real quick, you have kids not dogs... and keep in mind leashes are used on dogs when walking them no it is is not the same .. not the same at all. You have a kid, your a parent now your not 'free' your kid has a very real bond with you, respect it love and do what you have to do. I cannot imagine the stupidity it requires to take your eyes off your kid for a minute in un-safe public place. If you lost your kid in public, your a bad parent. The comments I get about my kids: smart, focused, independent, engaging, and most important very happy You leash wearing, tv watching, fat(it is a sin), fear mongering, lazy(it is a sin) families ... how are you kids?

Response from: Jenni

Hey jimmy, sounds like you're another one of those "religious" folks that like to judge people all day long, when in fact your good book specifically states that you are not the judge! How would he feel if he heard you calling another one of his children fat or lazy. (It is a sin) Give me a break! It is not a leash that you put around your child's neck, it is not the same as what you use on a dog. It is a harness. Why don't you show as much outrage for people who use those horrific things we call strollers, where the children are strapped in, or the car seats with 5 point harnesses we are required by law to strap our children into. I would love to see how you feel after being put into one of those for even an hour! The reason for all of these items are one....safety, and at least the child has a small amount of freedom to move around with one of these devices, and interact with their environment. I shudder to think of the lengths you may have gone to to keep your toddlers at your side when they were not old enough yet to comprehend that they needed to stay for their safety... By the way.. Two kids are a piece of cake, I'm glad you think that makes you a pro! I do not have a harness, but I do plan on purchasing one for my most energetic, and swift 3 year old son, who often acts before he thinks. Have fun up there on your high horse Jim, careful not to fall!

Response from: Kiley

I agree whole-heartedly with the "hand holding method." Why on EARTH would you actually admittedly compare your own child to that of a dog?? And as a matter of fact, even dogs, if taught correctly can listen and roam about UNLEASHED. It's amazing, you know, actually doing your job as a parent by using communication rather than them having no choice of the matter. FREEDOM. Your child should have the right to walk away if they want to, but if you are a good parent, YOU will make sure they don't roam away (it's not too hard, people..) and THEY will respect you for giving their earned freedom! wow!

Response from: Sarah

Now that I have an active and independent child I am totally for child restraints (leashes). I want my son to be able to walk around and explore things and not all situations are safe enough to let him do so without a tether. Not all children are the same. Some, like my friend's child, will stay within 10 feet of her at all times and does not run off. Mine, on the other hand, takes off and does not look back. My friend's child could be put on the floor next to a stack of CDs and not touch them. Mine started trying to climb the bookshelves as soon as he could pull himself up and gets into and explores everything he can get his hands on. I'm not a dictator who is going to insist that my child cling to my side at all times and I am not one of those parents who has their child spend most of their time in the stroller. Children need to explore as well as be physically active, but they also need to be kept safe in potentially unsafe areas.
At least I'm not one of those dictators who really do treat their kids like dogs: sit, stay, eat, drink, show off your newest trick... I am raising an independent and inquisitive human being, not a dog.