sure!

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.

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

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.

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.

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).

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!

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!

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?

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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

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 :)

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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!

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!

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.

I would NEVER EVER in a million years leash my child. It's a disgusting practice for parents who are too lazy to teach their child how to behave appropriately.

This is ridiculous. Does anyone have control of their children. Who is the adult and who is the child. Try disciplining your children, talk to them. There is no excuse for this...its a crutch for lack of disciplin.

Do you make your child sit for treats and tie him to poles while you go into a store?

I don't know if it is your laziness or stupidity that keeps you back from raising your kid (telling him not to wander off/holding his hand). No wonder ADHD is an epidemic, parents would rather put their kids on meds than properly discipline them.

I happened upon this forum as I was researching harnesses for children. My husband and I have considered purchasing one for our not-yet-two-year-old son. We have been in situations where a harness of some type would have been very practical, such as an airport before a 5 hour flight. This is an instance where a stroller just doesn't cut it because a toddler needs to get all that energy out. I am appalled at the individuals on this forum who will make sweeping statements about parents who they say are lazy, etc. I have a background in elementary education and therefore have some knowledge about child development. A very young toddler cannot grasp the concept of what could happen if they were to wander away from their parent(s). You could explain and punish, but you would be wasting your time, and I beleive being more cruel since you would be punishing a child for something they can't comprehend is wrong. Is it a coincidence that the individuals with the most venom also seemed to have the most grammatical errors in their posts? Education is a wonderful thing people. My husband and I tried for 15 years to have our son and I will do anything to protect him, regardless of the uninformed opinions of strangers.

To Jimmy and Sarah and the others who are so angry and self-righteous,
How wonderful it must feel to have all the answers and be so confident in the choices you make as a parent. Every child is different, so if you were believe you should get a parenting award because you have a docile, low-energy, child with an unusual lack of curiosity, guess again. There are parents out there who are doing the best they can EVERY day, chasing after toddlers, young children, and children with Autism, etc. It is an exhausting and thankless job but we don't complain, we just do the best we can. Shame on you for judging these people. Do you think you are being helpful or are you just bored as you sit at your computer while your kids play their video games and watch TV while they dream of their Happy Meals?

sickening. that is the only word i can find to describe my feelings on child leashes and the parents that use them.
parents need to take more time developing caring comforting relationships with their children.
hold their hand, put your arm around them, carry them on your shoulders. make sure your child listens and obeys you before you throw them in mass crowds of people. this all seems like basic parenting and common sense. which i feel parents have become lazy and want a gadget to distract their children or take care of them so they dont have to do as much work as parents. did anyone think of the psychological effects a child gets from being tied up to mommy or daddy? would the parents like to be leashed together? maybe so daddy wont stray too far from mommy? have we forgotten what it means to be human?
this is a disgusting form of NEGLECT! it seems like shopping is too important. or sight seeing is only for the parents and the kids are just a distraction.
im a mother of 3 and im deeply saddened that these are the type of parents of today. that my kids will have to watch other kids run around infront of thier parents like wild dogs while their moms sip lattes and talk about the vacations their husbands are taking them on!

my friend and i find the concept of a child leash hilarious
we're only 14 and 13 though so we dont have kids nor are we like mature enough for the whole parenting thing
so i cant share a fair opinion. but man, whenever we see children on leashes we piss our pants

For all of you who feel it is ok to judge a parent that uses a leash for your child safety, shame on YOU!!!! I have two children with autism and when your child cannot tell you his name then it is better to be safe than sorry. If you don't like it, don't look at it!!!! Denise

I whole-heartedley dissagree with the leash I think that it shows that we live in a untrustworthy scary world... I don't believe children should grow up with fear of the world. I also believe that it does not teach a child self discipline,self control. Children run from you because they want to know that you are there to stop them, they thrive on knowing their limits and it builds trust with your children. Everyone builds synapses in there brains when they learn on there own. There are alot of people who read child development books who are not parents, but have chosen this as a carreer choice don't be afraid of someone telling you their opinion on this subject just because you are afraid of being a bad parent. You yourself should stop living in fear it is what is wrong with our society and the world, the world is a beautiful, beautiful place and fear is the thief of dreams. And by the way I never used a leash on my three year old son who is very high activity he's too awesome to break his spirit like a horse.

Yes I would! I don't have a leash yet, but I am definately getting one soon. Recently, my 4 and a half year old ran off at the Grand Canyon. We were so scared because it took almost 10 min. to find him. Thats the longest he's ever disappeared from us. You can talk, beg, spank, and lecture...the kid just runs off giggling! He will let go of the hand and run away and get lost quicker than you have a chance to run after him. I think there is no other option here. I would rather be embarrassed by how rediculous he looks wearing a harness, rather than loose my kid forever! With some children, there's just no other way!

Oh...and another thing to all of those who say that harnesses/leashes are for the lazy...WRONG! I am not lazy. I am in my 20's and very energetic! Everything I do is for my kids. I spend every day with my youngest child, and am constantly educating him. He has been reading since He turned four! He gets plenty of attention and love. He's very smart, but he is very active and he misbehaves often. Given my situation, child restraint is a must in public areas! I love him too much to take a chance. We live on the border of Mexico...so I am extra careful!

I tried the leash on my oldest son, once. We were in a mall. After he wrapped himself around a couple of passing people for the second time, I decided it wasn't worth the hassle. It came off, and I just learned to keep an eye on him. Oh, we've misplaced a child upon occasion, but I think the child learned an important lesson as well. Let the parent know where you're going, and keep an eye on each other. The leash is only good for lazy parenting.

This is too funny. Everyone has thier opnion as well as parenting styles.
My husband and I are taking my one yr old on a cruise. We are definatley purchasing this restraint. My daughter thinks that it is funny to run from us. All the while not paying attention to where she is running to just how far is mommy or daddy from catching me. I am not the type of parent that believes in spanking (especially in public) nor do I wish to have my daughter get hurt. So I ask myself, proactive or reactive? When it comes to my lil princess, hands down I am going to be proactive in attempts to avoid having to be reactive and not do something in time to save her. None of us are "Perfect" parents and we all live and learn. But I do not want to have my daughter hurt or kidnapped and then learn later.

To anyone who usesa Chid Leash: Congratulations. You've just degraded your kid to a dog. You might as well be wearing a big sign that says "I'm such a loser I need to put a leash on my kid because I'm not good with controlling them"

I keep hearing independent child. Funny, didn't know 3 year olds were old enough to think for themselves, let alone support themselves. ITS A CHILD. My old man taught me to listen to him when he said wait here, its called a spanking. Discipline. Oh right, the army will teach them that, along with school teaching them about sex. You are all on the road to horror of suburbian hell.

personally, i believe in discipline, a leash really isn't going to stop them from running away that one day you don't have them. if the children realise the consequences of going were they shouldn't be going, they wont do it. also, why aren't you paying attention in the first place, your children should ALWAYS come before anything else, ALWAYS. and if you are talking to a friend, or making a purchase, or in a situation where your child doesn't have your attention, hold his hand, or keep him in the cart, something to keep him there. also, warn them. tell them if they aren't near you when you are out, warn them of the consequences. my mother was very strict, very disciplining, but according to her acquaintances, i was the most behaved 2 year old they've seen. my point. Discipline, dont De-Humanize

Alice, you have a problem. You are way too emotional to make responsible decisions when it comes to the safety and well-being of our little ones. I am medically retired from law enforcement and a big advocate of these so-called leashes. If you compare a child to a dog, then you have issues. Do what's best for the child - keep them safe from injury and abductions. It doesn't matter what other people think. God is the only one that has the right to judge....and Kathi, you have no clue what it's like to have small children. We raised SIX and no one will ever tell me that you can force a child to accept and practice the rules we teach them. They listen to us and then in a split moment, do what they want. This issue has nothing to do with being lazy. We know children from years of raising them. They are all grown with college under their belts and some are married. We know kids, trust me.

What the hell? You would rather attach your child to you with a false umbilical cord than talk to him?! That is pathetic.

I'm replying to Susan above. You seriously put a leash on your SEVEN and FIVE year old? Cut the safety BS, you did it because you wanted to tour and didn't want to have to think about your kids until you had to. I could understand maybe a toddler, but a SEVEN and FIVE year old? Disgusting.

I use a leash on my teenager because it gives them the amount of freedom someone their age needs. They tried taking it off before, so I got a model that locked on and now they are safe and secure until I choose to release them with the key.

Reply to Phoebe

Exactly why we used the leashes. To tour the sights WITH the girls who as a matter of fact we always think about. You weren't there in a strange city for 4 days among the tourists and crowds. SAFETY and PEACE OF MIND was the issue as it would have been very easy to get separated. We had a great time with very little stress! Sorry you don't approve!

My child is 18 months old. I cannot explain to him about safety yet. He does not like to hold my hand, and he is very good at squirming out of my arms when I'm holding him. I do not own a restraint for him, but I sure as hell could understand why other parents would. I get the impression that a lot of people who are slandering people who would use a tether don't even have kids. If that's the case then go have a kid and get back to us. If you do have a kid, well maybe you should consider that your kid is not like everyone elses kids. Also, a lot of you tether slandering people seem to be putting people who use them in a little box- lazy, discusting, a bad parent. Other people have gone as far to say "shame on you" I will go as far to say "fuck you". You don't know these people. You don't know what they go through day to day for their children. You don't know what kind of sacrafices they make, and you certainly have no right to put into question how much they care for their children. I'm not against restraints and I'm an all natural mama who still breastfeeds her tot and reads to him constantly. So check your stereotypes and most of all check yourselves.

I use to be so against the child "leash" until I had my daughter. She is into everything. I find that I can't put her in her stroller for too long otherwise she trys to get out, I have an ergo and love it, but there are just times that all she wants to do is run. Running after her in stores is so hard especially if I'm trying to pay for something. So I have decided to get a tether. The Love Handle® Child Walking Tether by Liberté Apparel. I will be purchasing it from www.mom4life.com as this seems to be a more appealing leash style then the ones out on the market today.

I still can't believe that I am buying one, but if I don't want to go insane then it must be done.

totally agree with Melissa..and in fact i will get one. Have a 2 years old girl and a 9 month baby so will be really usefull for me especially now that the 3 of us are flying without daddy.

to jess...
If you say we´ve degraded our kids for using child leash then let´s say the same to those that accessorise dogs and treat them like people... and its not about "controlling" its because they are just kids.

I have a two year old, a bright, inquisitive, curious and energetic boy who I have nurtured and cared for diligently. Throughout his infancy I co-slept, wore him, breastfed, and in all ways was geared to the "attachment" philosophy. So to read comments from people who arbitrarily decide that if I leash him I am a bad mother who lets my kids watch television and eat french fries all day and never teaches them discipline makes me furious.

Yes, kids need to be taught to stay near you and hold your hand. I'm glad so many of you have one and two year olds who always do exactly what you tell them and never, ever repeat an offense for which they have been disciplined. But my experience is that discipline takes time, and all too often my son's curiosity gets the better of his self-control, no matter how many times he has been instructed on the proper behavior and no matter how well I am watching him. In the meantime am I supposed to keep him at home and never take him anywhere - so that he misses out on the stimulation of parks, concerts, festivals, parades, etc? He is too big to carry now, and is too active a child to be content in a stroller. I am pregnant and physically cannot chase a rambunctious toddler around as much as he would like. He thinks his parents chasing him is a game and will run farther and faster if we come after him. I am about to purchase a harness for him so that our upcoming trip to a local festival and our frequent trips to theme parks can be an enjoyable time for him and me, rather than a stressful one during which I am exhausted and worried about his safety.

Until you have a strong-willed, independent child of your own, until you've experienced that heart-stopping moment when you've been distracted for one second and not been able to locate your child the next, until you've had to squeeze your child's hand until he screams in frustration and tries to pull away while all passersby look at you as though you are an abuser - don't pass judgment on the parents who choose this method of giving their child the freedom he desires while providing him the safety he needs. Giving a child a physical boundary does not make anyone a bad, lazy, selfish, or unenlightened parent.

To Laura...
You leashed a TEENAGER? Are you kidding? I can understand leashing a toddler or a small child, but a teenager needs their space. It's those years when they become a person, and if you're leashing them and forcing them to stay close by they have no opportunity to become their own person. Children should be instilled with values, discipline and a sense of respect in their childhood years...To chain someone in their teenage years is simply bad parenting.

I DONT think a chid leash is okay. I think it is wrong. First of all your child should listen to you and if you say stay here or hold my hand they should. I have a 2yr old son and we do busy family activties together in high populated places all the time and never in a million years would I put him on a leash. When you tink of a leash the fist thing that comes to mind is a dog right? Well thats whom it is for. I think any parent that has to use a lease to keep tabs or an eye on their child should re-think themselves as a parent. There are classes that will help you be a real parent and leash is just plain rediculous. Why are you not teaching you child to listen to you ? Thats what I dont get but I guess having a leash is the easy way. But as I say anyone can give birth to a child. It takes a real woman/man to raise one, and a lease is not included.

I am currently shopping around for a restraint. My 3 1/2 year old is a special needs child who doesn't communicate and when we go shopping she throws a fit riding in the cart because she wants to run around, if we try to let her walk she takes of running without watching where she is going she almost got hit by someones cart. My child has serious brain problems and running into something or falling in a store could kill her, she looks different so we are used to people staring, I doubt having her on a "leash" will make that any worse. To those people who who feel they have to stare and give dirty looks, why not just be thankful you have healthy children who can respond to your direction--DON'T JUDGE what your lucky enough to never have experienced.

This is first and foremost to Jimmy and all the rest of you frigging morons. Not all children are the same. Some have way more energy and wii power. I am 34, thin, hard working (not at all lazy) and extremely attentive to my 2.5 year old. Pushing a grocery cart while your child is trying to climb out is difficult. I'm strong, but carrying her while pushing is hard as well. I spend every f****** day trying to emphasize how important it is to stay next to mommy. She still bolts where ever we go. I'm sorry, but if a leash will keep her from being abducted or hit by a car I'm going to opt to keep her alive. I'm sorry you would rather put your child at risk Jimmy. Maybe, you just have mellow children. Hey, everyone likes a wallflower here and there. Oh and I don't stick her in front of the T.V. either. I love being a mom and put all of my emphasis on her and nurturing her. How dare you call someone a bad parent for losing their child. By the way, being fat is not a sin, but I'm sure being an ignorant bastard is. Emily was more tactful than myself, but she has it all right!

I recently had to fly across country alone with my 18 month old. I would have never made it through the busy Chicago and Los Angeles airports without one. My husband completely disagrees, but I much prefer the security of knowing she can't get away from me in crowded places.

wow, Z you are an idiot. that person was making fun of everybody using leashes.

How in the world is putting a child on a leash giving them any sort of freedom at all?
they're tethered to a ridiculously short radius.

The whole point of being a child is to be able to learn about the world by exploring. let them do what they want.

I used to think leashes were stupid. Still do. They look silly, and one can't help equating their appearance to animals. BUT little ones are lively, and, well, maybe I'm turning around a little on this subject. I haven't used one, but I haven't felt a need to, and I understand why someone would.

Using a leash DOES NOT IN ANY SHAPE OR FORM compromise your duties as a parent, and it astounds me that someone would assume a leash-user is inattentive, or generally a bad parent. How can that be the natural train of thought when someone simply wants to take a little extra caution in protecting their young, ignorant child? Little kids don't really know any better....they DIE, darting out into traffic or getting scooped up by strangers or simply get themselves into trouble by getting lost and such. Parents are busy, and theoretically, we have lives beyond our children as well. How freaking easy is it to fill out tedious insurance papers whilst attempting to restrain an energetic toddler who simply WILL NOT be held in a stroller, car seat, etc.?

There are situations I can see a leash being appropriate, but they are bound to be frowned upon because they look so stupid.

Here's a novel idea... How about everyone stop thinking they know whats best for everyone else and do what works for you. We're all different and it amazes me to see the amount of people that feel entitled to judge others. If you don't agree with the leash then don't use one and if you think it helps then by all means use when you want to. People who have enough time to sit and judge others need to get a hobby!!!

I have a question...I've been searching the internet for a leash/harness that can be used in the water. We are going to the beach in a few weeks and there is nothing harder of holding a slippery little hand in the water. I have a 3 year old and 5 year old. The 5 year old scares me the most b/c he goes out in the water with his Daddy while I usually stay closer to the sand with the little one. Rip currents really worry me and I would feel so much safer if they wore a wrist leash in the least. I find it odd that there is nothing made specifically for water safety and that child life jackets don't have a leash attached. Is there something dangerous about the idea that I'm not thinking of? If anyone h as advice on the matter please let me know! It will be greatly appreciated!

By the way, I think that safety harnesses are a great product! They are extremely helpful in certain situations! The little stuffed animals ones are a great invention, I'm so glad someone though of them! We used the monkey one for beach play a few years ago but it got all wet and sandy...but who cares! My son was safe and I kept my sanity! It was also great at Sea World! I guess the people who think that they are bad for the children haven't been in a situation where they needed one. I'm sure the kids feel tons better wearing one than having their little hands squeezed and arm raised high in the air all day...and I'm quite sure they are too young to feel like we are treating them like dogs, give me a break, that is other people's hang ups. What matters is that we are going what it takes to keep our kids safe, and succeeding at it! :)

so, basically, instead of putting forth a little bit of effort u would rather just keep your precious child on a leash?

FUCK THAT!

im so angry at all u parents who want 2 hav kids then just put em on leashes!!! if u want a child, dont put them on a leash! get a puppy instead

children r so easily scarred 4 life, if u do this they could end up hating u 4ever. peace out

Not only do I use a kid leash, I also make my kid sleep in a crate at night. I have also found that if my son poops, I rub his nose in it and swat him with a rolled up newspaper> He is learning quite well. Great news: I can now make him sit and stay without dog biscuits!

To the"pissed off kid" You need a leash on that mouth! Who are you to judge parenting skills with such an immature attitude. Clean it up!

My son is 6 and has CP. He can walk some by himself but needs assistance to go at a good pace and you have to keep a close eye on him as he may fall backwards. He loves walking at the mall and the grocery store with me, the dad, mom and our 2yo daughter. The "leash" allows me to run around and explore the store with both kids while mom shops. We have a blast! We explore everything, the fruits and vegatables, we look at soap, check out the balls in the big bin, it is a wonderful adventure every time.

She is learning to stay close but I could not chase her if I needed to. I tried this excursion without the "leash" a few times but we wound up with my son pushing the cart with mom and me chasing the little one all over the store.

Not one of us had as much fun or learned as much. Somehow using a tether makes me lazy or irresponsible or a bad parent?

I did have an incident where I had wanted to walk the kids outside when mom was out. I asked a friend to help with my daughter but he was just not as experience with how fast things could go wrong and we almost got a first row seat to watching her get hit by a car. Alternatly on our first tethered outing she was pulling to hard and lost her balance and bumped her leg. I'll take the leg bump thank you.

Most of the negative posts contain poor grammar. I did not notice at first but find this a very interesting observation.

I have not noticed any more odd looks with her on the tether than I normally get when I am out with my special needs son. If I do I suppose I will handle it the same way. Flip the idiot off.

I don’t think that I would use a child leash on anyone unless they were very out of control and defiant children.

I've just read through all these comments. My conclusion is that using a harness is a judgment call to be made only by the parent involved. But I have to say that some of what I've read has also led me to believe that some supposed "aduldta' should be tethered. Wow, such abysmal ignorance and sanctimonious pomposity.

ok for real ppl...my little brother was on a leash cuz of some stupid commercial my rents saw. my brother is now in 8th grade and kids still tease him about it cuz in pics we have from family vacations he had a leash on...now come on parents..think of the psychological effect this will have on ur kid..i feel bad for my brother and i hate him...so yea

Child leashes are wrong on so many levels! No one cares if you try to be all politically correct about it by calling them "harnesses". While you're at it, you should also teach them commands like "sit", "stay", and "come". It's for your children's safety, you know; they might get into trouble if they don't learn them. Just remember to use both words and hand gestures when you teach commands.

Hey, it's the voice of reason again. OK, so supposedly it's OK to walk a child on a leash, because it keeps them out of trouble. But would you say the same about tying the leash to an object somewhere?

They're not for misbehaving, they're for safety!

I had some negative reactions when I did it. I wrote this a couple of years ago:

It's been more than 30 years since I had my son on a leash, but I got the some nasty reactions walking up Charles St. in Baltimore as a grad student at Johns Hopkins' Homewood campus. Shouts and general dissing.

Why would an intelligent (PhD student in Comp. Sci at JHU, duh), loving (two happy adult children) father put his son on a leash someone might
ask.

I'm 6' tall. My son was somewhat less than 3' at age 20 months. If I held his hand his feet barely touched the ground if he was more than a
few inches away. I liked to stop and talk to people, he liked to play in the grass or pet the dog, traffic liked to zoom up and down Charles
St. I put him on a short leash, connected to a comfortable harness over his yellow raincoat. He could walk freely, play in the puddles, and not stray into the street; I could catch him when he fell by raising the leash, and/or be distracted by a cute coed, without risking his life.

Think about it -- which would you prefer -- an arm pulled out of it's socket as you walked, or a nice safe connection to your father that kept
you from getting hurt?

Note that the leash was not the only way we moved as a pair -- at times he rode in my backpack and pulled himself up by my ponytail -- making the pinball game more interesting -- we went on bike rides together, etc. Sometimes I stretched his arm.

But there were times I felt the leash was our best option.

It depends how old is the child.

I can't wait to get one of these. Then I won't have to worry about holding my disgusting kids hand or paying too much attention to what they're doing.

I'm all for using a leash (oops, I meant harness). I myself have a little kid, and put him on a leash whenever we go outside. It's so convenient, it's un-freaking-believable. I even got him to understand some commands. He already knows "come" and "stay", and "sit" is unnecessary because he automatically sits in a public chair/seat. He's still learning "drop it" and "heel", but we'll get there in time.

Of course, you probably realize that this is all just dark humor. I'm very much against child leashes; they reduce the child to a dog or a status symbol. I'd expect Paris Hilton to use one, but not someone with a trace of intelligence. And this post is meant to illustrate my point. Thanks for reading; carry on.

Child leashes are a thing of the past. They are not nearly as effective as other child products. I used to use a child leash, but my son Bobby is a wild one! He's a strong one, and would usually pull me when the leash was attached to him. Now, I have a more effective product, which actually costs less. I find it much more effective to strap a leash around the child's neck when going to the mall, airport, or anywhere outside of the house. When the child starts to act up, you simply jerk the rope and the child behaves. We use the same leash on our dog.

I am just amazed that some people find it offensive. I think that a parent has the choice to feel safe out and about with their children, especially when in the city, crowded malls, etc. It does not make a person a bad parent to want to feel safe in these crowded places with a young child, because I will tell you that abductors, perverts, murderers, etc. look for the slightest opportunity to commit their heinous acts. The world is a much faster place and we must grow with that pace to protect our children regardless if it offends some utopian thinking parents. If you want to put up a stink why not make it about something really destructive to children like pregnant mothers being able to receive synthetic narcotics, like methadone, that is paid for by state health insurances in some of our wonderful states. Fight something real and not something petty and get over your self-righteousness.

I am just amazed that some people find it offensive. I think that a parent has the choice to feel safe out and about with their children, especially when in the city, crowded malls, etc. It does not make a person a bad parent to want to feel safe in these crowded places with a young child, because I will tell you that abductors, perverts, murderers, etc. look for the slightest opportunity to commit their heinous acts. The world is a much faster place and we must grow with that pace to protect our children regardless if it offends some utopian thinking parents. If you want to put up a stink why not make it about something really destructive to children like pregnant mothers being able to receive synthetic narcotics, like methadone, that is paid for by state health insurances in some of our wonderful states. Fight something real and not something petty and get over your self-righteousness.

Im PRO child harness/restraint/LEASH however you want to term it. I have 2 toddlers & another on the way & I think there is an 'appropriate' way to use a restraint just as there is obviously 'inappropriate' ways to use it. We visit Disneyland fairly often, crowded & full of wonders to a 3 year old curious, little boy & I use the monkey backpack/leash combo for trips like these. Not all 'leash' parents are lazy or inattentive to their children, although admittedly i've seen the mom who's dragging around all her kids by a leash, paying no attention to them whatsoever- a perfect example of "irresponsible" use of the 'leash'. When I use my son's backpack, i ALSO hold his hand. Im blessed to have fairly well behaved children, leash or no leash, hand or no hand, stroller or no stroller they stick by my side- but you never know when your child is walking right next to you some stranger will scoop them up from behind & take off! Not all situations are preventable, hence the reason we have so many dead/missing children every year, EVERY DAY! Not because parents are just irresponsible or lazy. We live in a day & age where children just ARENT safe even in the happiest place on earth. I live in the same town as Sandra Cantu went missing & was later found dead, stuffed in a suitcase so of course, the length I will go to protect my children knows NO boundaries. Regardless of what other people think- I know that I am a loving, attentive & caring parent ONLY concerned about my childs safety & well being. I will take the "dog" comments & rude stares/remarks ANY GIVEN DAY above having my children lost/stolen/killed.