You see it at the mall, at the airport, at your local amusement park and everywhere in between. A small child wears a monkey backpack, and the monkey’s tail is a tether held by the child’s parent. A leash. Every single time I come across a child who is being led around in a harness, I cringe a little. Here are a few thoughts for anyone who puts a leash on their child:
If you put your child on a leash, don't be surprised when they act like a dog.
This is what really gets me. You have your child strapped into a backpack and you are leading them around, in public, by the tail and you are so embarrassed and confused when your child has a tantrum. They want to escape and run away because you are leading them around like the family pet.
You wouldn’t put your child in a crate, or let them poop on the sidewalk, right?
Could you imagine letting your child drop their pants and use the bathroom right there in someone's front yard, then reaching down with a plastic bag and picking up after them? Probably not. Just like you would never lock them up in a 3x5 kennel when it's time for bed. Don't hook them up to a leash. It looks just as ridiculous.
Teaching your child the rules while crossing the street or walking around the zoo is your job as a parent.
You are the adult. You are the rolemodel. You chose to bring the child into the world. Therefore, it is your job to show them how life works. So, next time you’re tempted to reach for that leash, “Freeze!” Good girl.
Learn the beauty of handholding
It's not just for your husband or wife you can hold your child's hand too and let me tell you it works wonders. No, I am not a parent. However, I have had enough experience with kids to know that a simple hand can lead them in the right direction.
If a dog can be trained to be obedient enough to walk without a leash then your child can too .
Every morning my Dad takes my dog to the mailbox to pick up the paper. Without a leash on. She knows when to come back to him and not to wander too far. I promise you if he can train my dog to do this, your child can learn too. A little practice goes a long way.
