What do You Think of Child Restraints Like the Child Leash?

I have actually considered using this when my daughter reaches the running age. I am so worried that she might run into the street and get hit or something. Maybe I will change my mind in a year or two but I always looked at the leash as a great idea for toddlers.

I do agree with you guys and I never used one with either of my boys.

However, I do have to say that when we went to Disney for the first time last year, I did sort of change my "dead set against" thinking about them. Still not that I would do it, but I could see it in some situations. A place like Disney is SO overwhelming that maybe some parents do want that extra bit of security. I'm not talking about a regular trip to the mall, but in such a crowded place. We all know it only takes a split second for something to happen!

I certainly don't condone it, but I don't want to judge too harshly either.

The child leash, I agree Debra, is very dehumanizing.  I get equally angry when I see these young moms with their child strapped to their wrist, what helps me to withhold my frustration is the knowledge of its intent AND the fact that we don't know the whole story that led that parent to using it.

The child leash is the perfect tool for parents with disabilities or older grandparents taking their toddler grand children out for an afternoon.  Toddlers are fast, and being a parent that can't run due to physical restrictions I can sympathize with parents who chase them daily (I was able to get around better when my kids were toddlers). 

Where I commonly see the child leash used properly is with moms in a wheel chair, parents with some form of physical disability and older grand parents.  It is also a common tool for parents of autistic children or other mental disabilities that have a characteristic tendency to darting or other dangerous behavior.  The leash allows parents in these situations to let their children explore their area in a more controlled fashion.   

Where I commonly see it misused is by lazy moms who would rather gaze in the store windows than observe their child.  In reality we have strollers for children that are difficult to manage.  I also see it misused as a means for an easy out to teaching our children to stay by our side and when used in this manner the leash only further encourages passive parenting, which leads to a break down in their children's responsibility.

You are right Debra, there are two sides to the coin and for one side the child leash is a true blessing.  On the other it is a means to passive parenting, which in my mind is a very bad thing.

Mikki Hogan Publisher of UniqueParenting.com