Would You Walk Your Child On A Leash?

On my way to pick my daughter up from school yesterday, I couldn’t help but be totally appalled as one woman walked her son home…on a leash. I’m not kidding:

That cute stuffed animal isn’t fooling me–a leash is a leash and a little kid being yanked and tugged by his/her parent is just cruel in my eyes. I understand why some moms and dads might initially consider these backpack leashes, otherwise known as safety harnesses: keeping track of your kid is a lot easier when he/she is always just a leash-length away. But after you start to think about it, do you really want this human being, that you birthed no less, tethered to a string like your pet? The thought of it just really breaks my heart.

If you'd rather keep your toddler in a stroller, check out our guide to the best ones.

I didn’t say anything to the mother, because on most parenting issues, my stance is to each her own. But now that I’ve had a few hours to sit with it, I really hate the idea of kids on leashes. What about you? Would you ever use a leash with your child? Would you ever say anything to a mom who had her kid on a leash?

If the idea of strapping your little one into a safety harness (a.k.a. a leash) doesn’t seem all that bad to you, even I can admit this puppy ($12) is pretty adorable. I'd probably use it as a backpack, but again, to each her own.

If you, like me, can’t wrap your head around the whole physical leash idea, give this electronic leash ($26) a try. Just attach the transmitter toy to your child’s clothing  and you hold onto the sensor. If your child starts to wander off–beginning at 6 feet up to 30 feet–the sensor will begin to beep.

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