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What do you think about the leashes parents put on their children when out in public? Dehumanizing, safe, idiotic?

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68 Answers to "What do you think about the leashes parents put on their children when out in public? Dehumanizing, safe, idiotic?"

  1. Staley - 56-60 years old - female

    Posted by Staley Dec 28th, 2012 at 7:37AM

    I don't know about every one else I can only speak for me, but I had to wear a leg brace and couldn't run so I had to use one with one of my children.
    My first and third child were great, but my second child was very active and would just "take off" and never listen to me.
    I made a decision to get one after one day when we were out and he took off and crossed a road. He was returned to me by some stranger and I was the one who was crying because while I was so upset, he was just probably planning his next escapade, so I bought the straps.
    He didn't like them but I didn't care. To the people who are entertaining themselves with the idea that it was "cruel", I always held his hand, but always had the loop around my wrist, (not around his neck - except on Sundays) that way I had a backup if he took off again because I wanted him safe.
    He is now the father of 3 kids and still alive. He obviously had a mother who loved him and made sure he was safe. Oh yes, that was me.

    Like (24)

  2. NedKelly1 - 51-55 years old - male

    Posted by NedKelly1 Dec 27th, 2012 at 8:47PM

    Well its better than some paedophile stealing the child when you are not watching them

    Like (18)

  3. VoluptuousVix3n - 26-30 years old - female

    Reply by VoluptuousVix3n Dec 29th, 2012 at 10:14PM

    EXACTLY!! Thank you Ned!! <3 xoxo

    Like (1)

  4. lizabee - 51-55 years old - female

    Posted by lizabee Dec 27th, 2012 at 8:49PM

    If you ever have a child that likes to run off you'll know how to feel about them.

    Like (15)

  5. someonegotmyname - 51-55 years old - female

    Posted by someonegotmyname Dec 28th, 2012 at 12:58AM

    They are quite necessary. If your child is a runner, you'd never catch him before he got in the road or disappeared into a crowd.

    Like (12)

  6. stlcrzy - 46-50 years old - female

    Posted by stlcrzy Dec 27th, 2012 at 10:11PM

    I used to think they were f'd up until I turned my back in a store for a few seconds to grab something off of a shelf and when I turned back around, my son was gone. He was 3 at the time. I almost puked, that's how terrifying it was. I found him not far away and he was okay. Soon after that, I started using one. It only took a few times of using it and he learned NEVER to wander again.

    Like (11)

  7. Wanderartist - 31-35 years old - male

    Posted by Wanderartist Dec 27th, 2012 at 8:48PM

    It keeps their children out of my way.

    Like (11)

  8. intrepiddreamer - 70+ years old - female

    Posted by intrepiddreamer Dec 27th, 2012 at 8:48PM

    they may seem bad, but the terror that rips through your body when you suddenly can't find your child is worse

    Like (10)

  9. lessthanhero - 31-35 years old - female

    Posted by lessthanhero Dec 27th, 2012 at 9:21PM

    Sitting a child in front of a tv all day is dehumanizing, a child harness isnt so bad.

    Like (9)

  10. mononoaware - 26-30 years old - male

    Posted by mononoaware Dec 28th, 2012 at 12:17AM

    safe. there have been no conclusive studies that say leashes are detrimental to the childs health. I wish more parents used them.

    Like (8)

  11. SingleMeg - 26-30 years old - female

    Posted by SingleMeg Dec 27th, 2012 at 9:08PM

    I used to think they were dehumanizing. But have you seen some of these hyperactive all-over-the-place kids these days? Anyway, I have no opinion since I am not a parent so I cannot fully understand. I think you have to be in those parents shoes to understand the situation.

    Like (7)

  12. Classicality7 - 56-60 years old - female

    Posted by Classicality7 Dec 27th, 2012 at 8:47PM

    I believe it is sometimes a good idea. I used one with my son when he was little. The deal was this, if he'd stay with me and hold my hand when I needed him to, specifically in those busy parking lots, then he didn't have to wear the "leash", but when he broke away from me, he would be put on the leash for the rest of our outing.

    Like (7)

  13. DSM5 - 46-50 years old - male

    Posted by DSM5 Dec 27th, 2012 at 10:05PM

    I can understand why some respondents have opted for the answers: dehumanizing and idiotic. I can see what they mean about children not being animals. But for anyone living in the UK there are just two words - James Bulger - which leads to the inevitable conclusion that safety is paramount. I warn you, the information in the following link is dreadfully upsetting...

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Bulger

    Like (6)

  14. stlcrzy - 46-50 years old - female

    Reply by stlcrzy Dec 27th, 2012 at 10:22PM

    I remember reading about this years ago. Good God, it still makes me cry.

    Like (1)

  15. DSM5 - 46-50 years old - male

    Reply by DSM5 Dec 27th, 2012 at 11:55PM

    That is why I would never criticize a parent for using a leash.

    Like (1)

  16. ttlisaof2 - 26-30 years old - female

    Posted by ttlisaof2 Dec 27th, 2012 at 10:03PM

    I have twin nieces I constantly see the running wether its around racks at stores or towards the road. I believe leashes are stupid but some children need them to be safe. My bro is the best father I've ever met but children don't always listen I'd rather have my kid on a leash then kidnapped or in the road dead!!!!!

    Like (6)

  17. MyNameIsQ - 22-25 years old - male

    Posted by MyNameIsQ Dec 27th, 2012 at 8:52PM

    Lazy. Although safe for the kids, having a leash attached to your child probably indicates you should not be a parent to begin with.

    Like (6)

  18. VoluptuousVix3n - 26-30 years old - female

    Reply by VoluptuousVix3n Dec 28th, 2012 at 4:36AM

    Pffft whatever. You obviously don't have kids so who are you to judge?

    Like (1)

  19. VoluptuousVix3n - 26-30 years old - female

    Reply by VoluptuousVix3n Dec 29th, 2012 at 10:12PM

    Pfft, no, that'd be you... You are comparing parents who choose to protect their children to dog owners... You don't even have children so how can you even state your case when you've never been in our predicament. My daughter refuses to sit in a trolley so I have to use them as I obviously can't push her in a pram and she'd damage the shopping or fall out if I was to let her sit in the trolley, so she walks next to me and "helps" me ;)

    Like (1)

    1 more reply
  20. staceysunflowers - 18-21 years old - female

    Posted by staceysunflowers Dec 27th, 2012 at 8:50PM

    I think its safe

    Like (6)

  21. 1Booklover510 - 66-70 years old - female

    Posted by 1Booklover510 Dec 27th, 2012 at 8:50PM

    Definitely agree with them for safety given the fact that kids can dart away so quickly and given the world we now live in, Better to be safe than sorry, The kids are fine and will grow up safely. Keeping your toddler safe in that manner does not traumatize them.

    Like (6)

  22. LdsGirl - 26-30 years old - female

    Posted by LdsGirl Dec 28th, 2012 at 8:45PM

    I dont yet have children but I wouldnt hesitate to use one. Some people might call it dehumanizing but in this world we live in full of its dangers and whatnot...an overly hyper,curious,rebellious "runner" child could become prey for some sick freak. Id much rather have the child safe and cared for,with me...thats my job as a parent.

    Like (5)

  23. Slantload - 66-70 years old - male

    Posted by Slantload Dec 28th, 2012 at 7:35AM

    I see nothing wrong with it. It allows a little freedom for the child, and reduces the risks that go with that freedom.

    Like (5)

  24. Staley - 56-60 years old - female

    Reply by Staley Dec 28th, 2012 at 8:20PM

    Perfect! Exactly what I was trying to say. *note to self, less is more - see Slantload's reply again and again.

    Like (1)

  25. WordsOfWiz - 41-45 years old - male

    Posted by WordsOfWiz Dec 28th, 2012 at 4:26AM

    Lose your niece in a mall for 10 seconds sometime...you'll love them

    Like (5)

  26. jeanemae - 26-30 years old

    Posted by jeanemae Dec 27th, 2012 at 9:16PM

    I think a kiddy harness is much safer than loosing your kid in the market. My cousin used to wander off...he was so undisciplined .....it was really hard to be his caregiver. Once one of those boys working in a giant supermarket (in another country) had to capture him for us. A kiddy harness would have been much safer.

    Like (5)

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