Now here is a topic I’m torn on. I’m not sure if I’m in favor of this idea, totally appalled, or if I fall somewhere in between. Like me, I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of parents keeping their child close by using a child leash or a monkey harness or a kid keeper – or whatever you may call it. I recently took a trip where I traveled through a couple of airports and stayed at a busy resort hotel. It seemed every time I turned around I saw a child tethered to one of these.
I completely get the concept. I remember when my kids were toddlers and I could barely get them to sit still in a stroller for longer than 10 minutes. Hustling young kids like this through busy airports, hotels, parks, malls and other crowded areas can be a nightmare. Even today I get paranoid taking my nine-year-old and six-year-old into congested areas without them holding my hand or me keeping a constant eye on their every move. But I’ve never considered using a leash.
I never thought to purchase one when I knew we’d be in situations like the ones described above, and I never had a friend or relative recommend the use of one to me. Yet I see parents use them all the time.
Even though I see them used frequently, I can’t help but think they could be a nuisance to both the parents and the child. To me, it looks awkward to be “walking” your child on a leash, and it also looks very uncomfortable to the child.
And then there’s the “it just doesn’t seem right” feeling I get every time I see a child on a leash. I can’t help it. But, maybe I’m wrong or just over-reacting.
So what do you think? Are you in favor of a child’s leash? Yes or no? If you’ve used a leash and it’s worked for you and your child, tell us why you think it’s a smart decision. Similarly, if you’ve had a bad experience with a child’s leash, tell us about it. Or if you’ve never used one – and never care to use one – tell us why.
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