To Leash or Not to Leash: The lowdown on children with a leash
I used to think that parents who put their children on a leash are very cruel and lazy. It seemed to me that they gave their children very little freedom and they weren’t up to the task of being a parent. But I immediately realized my mistake when I became a teacher.
The main reason why I used to think that way, was because of the connotation that our society has on the word “leash”. When people refer to this word, it is often within the context of controlling or disciplining dogs. So when I saw children in leashes, I felt that they were being treated like dogs. I used to want to scream at their parents and say, “Your child is not an animal!” But now I understand.
While working as a teacher, I observed that children naturally want to wander around, especially when in a crowded place. Many of them seem to have an aversion to holding their parents’ hands, and some even have the tendency to throw their bodies onto the ground when their parents don’t give them what they want. So I realized that with the help of leashes, parents can ensure the safety of their kids as well as prevent them from throwing tantrums in public.
Just try to imagine being in the place of a little girl whose arm is being tugged way above her head while one of her hands is being held by her mom. Do you think you’d enjoy a stroll in the mall in this position? I am sure that you won’t.
As a parent, do you think you would enjoy your walk in the park if you’re constantly worrying about your child breaking free from your hold and running out through the crowd or across a street? I am certain that you won’t.
Then I hope that you would agree with me when I say that leashes can be beneficial for you and your children. Not only can they provide safety and security for your children but they can also aid you in controlling your children’s behaviour. With the growing number of people who prey on little children, the leash will definitely deter them from trying to take your child away from you.
Leashes have already been around for decades but a stigma is still attached to their use. Parents who use them are often regarded as inhuman, and often get reproached for inflicting trauma on their children. I believe that if people will just try to understand the benefits of using leashes, then they will stop pointing their fingers at those who use them.
Contrary to what many people think, leashes actually give children a greater sense of freedom and not cause them any trauma at all. Experts say that limitations actually make children feel more secure than when they are left to wander around freely. Leashes come in various lengths so parents can use them in different situations. They are now available in various designs that look very attractive and far different from old models of leashes that look like telephone cords.
The benefits of using leashes far outweigh the negative remarks or unpleasant looks that people could give you. Maybe, it would be easier for you to use leashes if you would think of them as “harnesses” instead of “leashes”. In this way, you won’t be thinking about dogs when you use them on your children!