by Sharon Copeland

Created on: February 10, 2010

Here is a debate that will spark controversy all over the planet. I feel like this is a subject that has no middle ground.   You are either really for this or really against it.  I personally do not feel the need for leashes on children. There are many ways to make sure your toddler is safe in busy places, and none of those ways is with a leash. When I was small there were no such thing as toddler leashes.  The whole thing was unheard of and my generation turned out just fine.

I feel that putting toddlers on leashes is not only cruel, but demeaning and embarrassing for the child. Children can be taught to behave and stay with their parents. Holding their little hand in yours not only keeps them safe, but it bonds you with the closeness and love that the child (and you) deserve. If you are putting the child on a leash it gives the impression you think of them as animals instead of children. How do you think the child feels if you have a pet dog that you put on a leash to walk and then turn around and "walk" them in the same manner? They might not understand when they see other children walking without leashes why they are on one. They might feel ashamed or feel they have done something wrong.  They might not  understand why their parent have made the choice to tether them.  Later in life it might make them feel they are untrustworthy.

Adults all over the world strive to find dog parks where they can let their dogs roam freely.  They want to give them freedom to feel unrestrained, yet these same people will grab a leash to take their child to a shopping center. Granted it is hard if you have more than one toddler to take out somewhere.  There is nothing more important in the world than keeping your child safe. I feel the better choice is holding hands, using strollers, shopping carts or taking along other adults if you just feel you can't control the toddler.

Toddlers are curious by nature. They need to be treated with kindness and given safe ways to explore their environment.  They will learn from us on how to treat others with respect and trust.  None of those lessons involve a leash.

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