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Personally, I don't like them. I can completely understand the use of them at an airport, for example-but where I have typically seen them used are at places like amusement parks or the mall. And it seems like the folks I see, use it like a dogleash, letting the kid run along while trailing behind holding the leash. Why are they not holding their child's hand, teaching the child to stay with the parent?
Let me say-I have five children, born in 10 years. I had LOTS of littles at once (and was often pregnant as well). I KNOW how hard it is to go out and about. What I found is, you have to plan and teach the kids to obey. And sometimes, we just didn't go places that would be too hard or overwhelming. Loading everyone in the van at stores was always tough. But, we practiced and taught at home! Sounds funny, but we patiently taught the kids how to stand quietly against the van while awaiting Mom or Dad to put in the baby. We taught them to keep one hand on the shopping cart while at the store (I usually had a couple of kids IN the cart as well, lol) and on the walk out to the van. I also took these kids to NYC on the train by myself, and we all stayed together.
What I don't like about the leashes is that it seems that parents use it as a substitute for teaching and expecting the kids to learn to obey and stay with Mommy and Daddy. I understand using it for safety, IF you are actively holding your child's hand and not just holding the leash like one would for a dog.
I thought 17 years ago when I had my first son that parents that used them were CRAZY! To me, it looked like a dog on a leash and the parent couldn't control their children. In my mind, it was LAZY parenting. My dh and I would joke and say, yep there goes another parent that can't get their little one to behave!
Ok, now that we have a two year that is COMPLETELY different from my first two sons.....I TAKE BACK EVERY WORD!
We went to the zoo and I told my dh we would be buying one of the leashes before our next visit! I think it would be great for kids that want to be a little more independent. My two year old wants to get down and explore and walk instead of being confined in his stroller.
Now, I get it....only 17 years later! LOL.
You have to do what you feel is the best for your child.
You have to do what you feel is the best for your child.
I understand your post for the most part, but I still don't think this is best for your child as opposed to best for you getting away without disciplining your child as much as you should be, and in the right way.
Children don't think leashes make them independent, I bet
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Big fan here!
