Kid Leashes: When You Want to Take Little Bobby for a Walk

I know you've seen them. The poor little kids wearing a harness-like contraption, dangling from the end of a leash held by a parent too busy to actually watch their child.

When talking with people about it, I've heard more than once, "At least it keeps the kids from being kidnapped."

Exactly how does it do this? If the parent is in the middle of the aisle, and the kid down around the corner...because the kid leash is fully extended and the parent paying no attention...what's to keep someone from cutting the leash and running off with the kid? By the time mom is through talking with Cousin Sally, and realizes the leash line is slack, the kidnapper will be out the door!

Then we have the parents who pull on the leashes so hard the little kids fall in the floor! Or the ones who aren't watching and their kids get tangled around the legs of others, or racks of clothes. I really don't see how kid leashes are helping these parents in any fashion.

If a parent doesn't want to "deal with" their child, they shouldn't take them out. Let someone who wants to nurture the child's mind take them places.

When my son was smaller, I used to love taking him to the store. I'd hold his hand, put him in the buggy, or hold him in my arms. We'd walk around looking at all the different things; he'd play with some toys, and just have a grand ole time. It was fun interacting with my child.

Children aren't dogs. They have feelings, personalities, and love learning new things. Don't put them on a kid leash and drag them around the store! Show them things, teach them about the products they are looking at, and spend time with your child!

Experience the joy only accessible through the eyes of a child, by listening and interacting with your children. You never know what you might learn about your son or daughter if you actually take the time to show them things and talk with them.

Dogs are put on leashes to control them. To make sure they go where you want, do what you want, and don't cause problems. Children should be encouraged to explore, learn, and ask questions. You should point interesting things out to them, use every outing as a chance to broaden their horizons, and help them grow. Don't put a leash on your child because you don't have time to deal with them!

Countless parents raised children without kid leashes. We watched our children when out and about because we enjoyed spending time with them. Believe me, you will miss the feel of your child's hand in yours after they grow up and no longer need you.

Children's welfare is the most important thing. But is putting him or her on a leash really keeping them safe? Or is it just a way for you to shrug responsibility? Put the kid leash away and get to know your child again.