Put that kid on a leash! Literally?  

I use one for my kid only if we're in an amusement park, fair or big event where there's lots going on and large crowds. I want to give him the freedom to walk about, explore on his own, etc without being confined to a stroller. Plus, in a situation like that, he doesn't want me to carry him or even hold his hand. He will run away if he gets a chance! He's not afraid of anything and doesn't get deterred by large crowds and is friendly with strangers. And he's only 2!! So, I'm constantly worried that he's going to escape from me if I don't keep a close eye and hold of him. I'd rather be safe than sorry any day! I used to think that it's stupid and inhumane too until I had a kid of my own!

My mom used one on me on the ferry. I guess I was a bit wild. She was afraid I'd be a baby overboard! I don't remember any of it, so I think they are good to have in some instances. I think it is like a dog on a leash, but I prefer wild dogs to wild kids any day. I wish more people would have control over their kids and worry less about the impact it will have on the kids far in the future. People are too afraid of warping their kids that they treat them as if they are made of glass and will break. Leash em I say!

Personally I have never seen a problem with the child harnesses and leashes that some parents use. I know to some these harnesses and leashes should be outlawed, but children are hard to keep track of especially in a crowded area. Even holding their hand is not a guarantee that they won't slip away from you.

I don't use them myself, but I don't condemn parents that do, cause they do allow the child to have some freedom to explore things on their own while staying close to the parents. I'd rather have that on them, than have to deal with a child in public that was screaming and crying because they didn't want mommy or daddy holding their hand. They make the outdoor experience a bit better for the parents, child, and those who may be occupying the area as well. Just my view on things.

In some cases it could be useful, but I think a lot of parents just use them as a cop-out so they don't actually have to keep track of their kids. Like most things if it is convenient to use it then it will be used all the time.

After my little adventure with my little one I have been thinking about this very issue.
With all three I have used reins until they understand you walk with mummy etc. Then I remove them so that this is reinforced. (If you leave them on they never prove that they have learnt the rules).
I have never used a wrist strap as I know plenty of children that have learnt to undo them and sneak off. They are too easy to remove to be of any use in my opinion.

Today I found myself looking at the retractable dog leads! I nearly bought one for my youngest! She's done one dissappearing act outside our home, what if she decides to do it in town?
My thought was I could clip this to her belt loop or button hole then she had freedom but could not get away!
I didn't buy it in the end as I'm not sure I want to be walking my daughter, literally, on a lead!


related resource: buy leads

I was just like you when I first saw them. I thought that these parents must be horrible to put their kids on a leash. Then I had my 3rd child. He never wanted to be in the stroller. He wouldn't hold my hand in the mall. He was a little terror. I went out and bought one of these so called leashes. It hooked on his wrist and I held the handle. We loved it! He could walk on his own and hang with his older brothers a bit more. He was right with me, but didn't feel like he was being restrained. Now I have a totally different opinion of them.

Well I was like you, and always thought they were for lazy parents or whatever. But once I had kids I realized they could be very useful! I have never used one, I usually just use a stroller for kids under 2, and kids 3 and up walk, that's the rule here..but for a VERY active kid or in a very busy place like disney or something, I can understand how people might need to use them! I think it's better than letting the kid wander, if alot is going on. Now I probably wouldn't use it, but I don't see a problem with people that do.

They didn't have those when my two oldest ones were born however they did have wrist bands. One end was on mine and the other was on thiers. I used then and still think they are a good idea. What if some one was trying to pick your child up you would feel the tug and know something was wrong.

I've never had to use one, I don't own one, my son goes in the sling or stroller, he has no choice. But my nephew is autistic and this is the only thing that can work, if you strap him in a stroller, he'll lean forwards and run away with it on his butt. He's a very strong child too, so it's hard to hold onto him. I have seen parents yank their kids around on them, I just think that's sick and wrong.

We have WAY too many responsibilities in life for juggling important things. We deserve more than a few "cop outs" as you put it. Of course, what I think some people could use for their kids is a muzzle.