Written By: Naz Haider | Updated : November 3, 2016 11:18 AM IST
Before I present my opinion on why parents, especially Indian parents, need to use a child leash, let me state that I do not mean to offend anyone or any parenting technique. My opinion is based only on safety and convenience, of the child and parents. Also, though I am not a child leash user, I am interested and I have done my research about it. And by research I mean asking fellow mothers about what they think about child leashes. There are people who are for and against it, and the only reason most parents are against it is because it looks, or rather feels like a dog leash. What most parents agreed is that it is a handy tool for keeping your child safe.
Now I am a baby wearer, I love baby wearing and I like how it gives me the freedom to move about and have my hands free while also having my toddler close to me. However, as most toddler parents will agree, once a kid starts walking and becomes mobile, they refuse to be bound in a stroller or worn in a baby carrier. This is why I am thinking of transitioning to a baby leash, and following are my reasons why, and also why I think other Indian parents should follow suit.
1. When out shopping: I almost lost my 14-months-old once when out shopping, because she hid behind a rack of clothes, peeling stickers from clothes. I ran the entire length and breadth of the store, screaming her name! Now I never enter a store if I am not wearing her in my baby carrier. If my toddler is up and about in a store, I can't afford to peel my eyes away from her to look at what I am there to buy. A leash will give me the peace of mind that my toddler is at a safe distance while I can browse away.
2. In crowded places: Public places in India are packed! And it is not humanly possible to hold your child for hours while you stand in the queue for paying an electricity bill or outside a mandir for darshan. Since, babysitter culture is not very popular yet, it is only wise to invest in a child leash to keep your tot safe.
3. Makes cruising busy streets easier: Walking up to the park or to the store to buy some milk? Of course your kid wants to walk by herself, and soon she'll be wanting to race. If you don't fancy chasing her on a busy street, why not put her on a leash?
4. Kids love running and this can be annoying for some people. I was once out for dinner and this child of 4-5 years of age kept running around into chairs and bumping into people. People go out for dinner to have a good time, and to have it ruined by a child whose parents don't mind their ill-mannered child can be a bummer. And I am saying this as a parent! Do not expect the general public to be accommodating of your child. Also, expecting a child to contain herself for hours, as you enjoy your dinner can be too much. Either keep her entertained and occupied, or at least constrain her with a leash.
If your argument against using a child leash is that you will be judged, then let me tell you this -- You will be judged no matter what you do. No parenting technique is ideal, and people who don't buy your reasoning will always judge you. You know what's in the best interest for your child and you. Anything else does not matter.
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