I hope you didn't play this version.
Posted on 02/25/2026 1:19:57 PM PST by where's_the_Outrage?
You might assume safety leashes feel extreme - especially after a father declared, "She isn't an animal." But when a sudden scare shows how quickly toddlers can bolt, you'll see why some parents swap principles for practical precautions. If keeping a child close reduces the chance of injury, many caregivers choose a leash as a temporary safety tool rather than a sign of failed parenting.
This piece explores how opinions shift when safety becomes immediate, how social judgment weighs on choices, and how families balance independence with protection. Expect candid accounts, practical context, and points that help you weigh the trade-offs for your own situation.
Parents argue over practical safety, child autonomy, and social judgment. Many shift positions after a close call or when caring for a child with strong curiosity or sensory needs.
Opponents worry about labeling a child or restricting independence. They describe tense interactions with strangers who equate a leash with poor parenting. Some also cite improper use-tight straps, leaving a child unattended, or relying on a leash instead of teaching boundaries.
Practical trade-offs matter most. Parents weigh specific environments (airports, amusement parks, busy sidewalks) and child traits like impulsivity or developmental delays when deciding if a harness makes sense.
One myth says harnesses cause long-term dependence. Research and parenting reports show most kids outgrow harnesses as their hazard awareness increases. Another false claim: harnesses harm physical development. Properly designed harnesses distribute force and leave limbs free for normal movement.
People often confuse harness types. Wrist straps and backpack-harnesses serve different needs: wrist straps help brief holds; backpack-harnesses allow hands-free control and can carry ID or snacks. Misuse fuels criticism-using a leash to force compliance versus as a temporary safety tool produces different outcomes.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...
you’re welcome
I didn’t see this a lot when my kids were little, maybe because we lived in a rural area and everyone knew everyone. In today’s world, as crazy as people are, in an amusement park or such, how fast kids can bolt, I’d absolutely do a leash!
The wrist things are awful.
I used a toddler leash on my 2 year old at the state fair.
Got a few dirty looks, but most didn’t care and a few smiled.
The wrist things give the child the ability to lean into it and destroy your wrist and make it as uncomfortable as possible for both of you. And the child has no freedom of movement.
With the harness and leash, she could toddle along without literally being tied to my wrist by hers.
“...and only used later in the day when the ‘sundowning’ started.”
I kind of miss those 4pm ‘Sundowner’ calls from my Dad. We had some VERY interesting conversations. Usually he was missing his wallet (I handled all of his finances) or his HUGE red toolbox that I could never lift, or he would ask if I was taking good care of our family dog that had died 40+ years ago.
He called me one afternoon and asked me to pick him up at the bar he was at, as he couldn’t find his car keys! I told him, ‘Put the Bartender on the phone’ and his Caregiver and I had a lovely conversation. ;)
Ok, sure.
You stick your hand up in the air, now leave it there for an hour. Hurts don't it?
People wonder why children cry and get cranky after being out for a bit.
What. Ever.
When I married, I inherited three boys ages 3, 4 and 5. The Toddler was a handful from the git-go, so leashing him was the only kind thing to do! Tying him to a cinder block in the yard also worked - he could run away, but at a very slow pace, LOL! (I’m certain I’d be arrested for that these days!)
We played, ‘Red Light, Green Light’ with the other two when we were at a Mall or at the Fair, or just out for a walk after supper with the dogs. That worked well, too. They were ALL trained to FREEZE IN PLACE when one of us yelled, ‘RED LIGHT!’
I hope you didn't play this version.
We had twins, and used a halter style tether (people like that term better than “ leash”) for them. They had more freedom and we had more control. Both of their hands were free. Occasionally we’d get a disapproving look, but that never bothered me, especially after people asked if our boy-girl twins were identical. My stock answer would shut them up: No. Her pen is is a little larger than his.
I don’t know that one...
I had my kid on a leash at 4yo in Grand Central Station in NYC in the early 80s heading back home on leave. Wife was glad I thought of it.
To many freaks let alone the normal dangers. Today, if I had to be there I’d be in tactical gear fully armed and the wife and kid in an armored up SUV with an escort team.
Haven’t been there since the late 80s and stay away from any city.
You do what you need to do to protect your family at all cost.
"The dingo's got my baby!"
“his Caregiver and I had a lovely conversation. ;)”
Dad’s caregivers were Angels! Absolutely amazing and imperturbable. The two that were with him most came to his funeral. They absolutely loved him. Thanks for that great memory!
Exactly, I had 3 kids, 13 months apart. They were harnessed when we went for hikes or traveled. Especially in airports, malls and parks.
At one point I was pregnant with a one year old in a back pack and a two year old on a leash. Anyone questioning me to my face would have been told off tout suite.
As for them getting yanked backward if they took off, guess what? None of them did it twice. They quickly understood the laws of physics. When the harnesses got brought out, they knew we were going somewhere new, fun and exciting.
Never used one. But there were times when mine had a rocket in his pocket. He could be gone in a nanosecond.
Thank you for this post.
I always thought it was a great idea at the mall or anywhere there’s a crowd.
I love and believe in old sayings, in this case: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
For the safety of my child I never needed that pound of cure because I used a leash.
I used to have my kids on steerable leashes when they were youngings just learning to ski.
Bite your tongue….
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