Should children be leashed in public to prevent abductions?

Question

It seems like a good way of keeping track of them, say, at the grocery store, and may actually encourage a closer bond between parent and child.

Answer 1

If you asked me this question before I had kids, I would have told you I thought it was wierd. However, now that I have two boys and one of them is constantly doing Houdini disappearing acts, I say they are a great idea. They not only help you keep your child from wandering off, but yes, may also prevent abduction!

Answer 2

When my children were toddlers (18 mos. apart), I often used a leash on the oldest so I could push the baby in the pram & not have to worry about the oldest getting out in the road. By age 2 1/2, I didn't use it any more. Several years later when my 3rd. was born, I had to use a leash because she was very hyper, climbing out of her stroller (or tipping it over), running instead of walking, etc. by the time she was 3, I didn't use it any more. She understood why she couldn't run away from Mom. I think they serve a great service when you have more than 1 little one to keep up with or 1 that is hyper but only while they are quite small. I always used the ones that have a harness. I have seen the wrist leashes used on twins & it worked quite well. When they figure out how to take it off, they will. Yes, people do need to start teaching their children how to behave when out & about. I don't think requiring it would work nor would folks follow it. The police are already overworked & have enough to do without watching to see if every child has a leash on. If a child gets kidnapped in a store or away from home, then the parents are at least partially responsible for not watching them, teaching them how to behave and teaching them to scream loudly if a stranger tries to take them anywhere. All parents should teach their children those 2 things if nothing else.

Answer 3

I have a real problem with this but I am willing to compromise on it a little...
It makes me CRAZY to see a child/children on a leash at the grocery store or any place that isn't that crowded. Children are not animals. Grocery stores are not usually THAT busy that you can't keep an eye on a few kids. I have taken 3-4 children with me at a time. I set the rules before we go in. All children are to stay in the cart if they are VERY young, holding onto the cart if they are small OR if they are older, I ask them to stay within 5-10 feet of the cart. I have also seen families with 6+ children that can do it. It takes a little pit of time and patience and some skill as a parent. It requires a parent to utilize their parenting skills. You can tell what parents take the time to teach their children to be responsible and listen etc...

Now I said I was willing to compromise a little... If a place is extremely crowded and by extremely crowded... I mean like a place where you can't see more than 2-3 feet ahead of you because it is packed with people....If I had more than 2 children in this case, I might consider using one... Otherwise, a parent should be able to hold their hands OR have the children hold onto a jacket sleeve etc... if the parent needed their hands free for something.

If you are still worried about your child being abducted, maybe you should hire a babysitter or not take your children to that location.

Answer 4

Like others, I never under the leash or harness until I had my own. I bought one for her, but never needed to use it. All those people that are dead set against them should talk to parents that just turned around and their child was abducted. If it makes me look like a bad parent, but keeps my child safe, I am all for it! They also make bracelets that one goes on the parent, one on the child and if the child goes out of range, they beep like crazy. I have a 3 yr old that loves to "shop" and she will walk away to look at something when I am looking at something and my heart will drop when I look where she was 2 seconds ago and she's gone. And I am a very obessed parent with always keeping an eye on her in public.

Answer 5

I have three children and the one and only time I used a wrist leash was when I traveled by plane to visit some relatives. I used the leash at the airport because they are so crowded and it's easy to lose adults there!

In normal settings, I think that leashes are not necessary. You should be able to keep an eye on your child, if not use a stroller!

Answer 6

I always thought it was weird to see a child with one of those leashes but now that I have my own chidren, I can see why people use them. It really depends upon the child. Instead of using a leash, I would make sure they are in a stroller & buckled. You could also try using one of those sturdy back packs. We do it with our 3 year old and it works good. If you are at a real crouded place like disneyland than it would be a good idea. It would only take a second for them to be out of your sight. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

he's off to the US to communicate recommendations of combating similar baby abductions!!!! i absolutely imagine this example is excellent - has each person ever heard of any similar baby abduction circumstances the position a touch one became taken in those circumstances? The McCann youthful ones are genuine youthful ones - no longer dolls which will be placed away at the same time as they're no longer required. a reliable theory in combating this lower back is to rearrange sufficient baby care at the same time as having a nighttime out. it really is organic and straightforward common experience - the guy is a nasty excuse for a father.

Answer 8

There's no need for a "leash" if you keep an eye on your children. A leash creating a closer bond between parent and child is ridiculous.

Answer 9

Um I just hold my childs hand.

I had no problem teaching my child that he needs to hold my hand in public, he did when he was 2 and he still has no problem now.

No need for a leash, he's not a dog.

In fact 90% of dogs with the right trainer can be taught to stay with their owner and not run off/bark/chase others/ etc. and can walk without a leash.

If Dogs can do it I certainly think young children can too with the right parent.

Answer 10

I see so many parents at stores who let their little kids walk behind them.. The parents continue to walk ahead not waiting to see where their little person is. That bothers me so much! Moms who rush, rush and want their little folks to keep up step by step. They get mad when the kids lag behind and just continue to walk. Those little kids could be so easily abducted within seconds. I would encourage every mom or dad out there to buy one of those leashes if it meant that they could keep their child by their side vs. walking way behind them!!!!