The subjectivity of defining "child abuse"

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

Hey, people already put their kids on leashes. Ya never know!

I swore I would never put my kid on a leash because it seemed so dehumanizing. Then we were at Sea World when Halo was about 2 1/2. He was so excited he kept trying to get out of his umbrella stroller to see cool stuff and he almost tipped it over a few times. So we let him out of the stroller and then he ran everywhere. I bought a leash that day and used it that day! He was too young to be capable of containing his excitement and stay holding one of our hands and I decided I'd rather have him on the leash than have him get lost. I don't think I ever even used it again after that day, but I did have to admit that sometimes, it's safer to do that than anything else. We all had a lot more fun that day because it ended the battles and kept him safe.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by AGDee

I swore I would never put my kid on a leash because it seemed so dehumanizing. Then we were at Sea World when Halo was about 2 1/2. He was so excited he kept trying to get out of his umbrella stroller to see cool stuff and he almost tipped it over a few times. So we let him out of the stroller and then he ran everywhere. I bought a leash that day and used it that day! He was too young to be capable of containing his excitement and stay holding one of our hands and I decided I'd rather have him on the leash than have him get lost. I don't think I ever even used it again after that day, but I did have to admit that sometimes, it's safer to do that than anything else.

At that age, they're about as functional as a labrador retriever anway. They respond (sometimes) to commands, can be taught tricks, can fetch and communicate their needs to you sort of effectively.

The lab wins though 'cuz it can be potty trained.

My parents used a leash on me.. probably smart. They also used corporal punishment early and often.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by AGDee

I swore I would never put my kid on a leash because it seemed so dehumanizing. Then we were at Sea World when Halo was about 2 1/2. He was so excited he kept trying to get out of his umbrella stroller to see cool stuff and he almost tipped it over a few times. So we let him out of the stroller and then he ran everywhere. I bought a leash that day and used it that day! He was too young to be capable of containing his excitement and stay holding one of our hands and I decided I'd rather have him on the leash than have him get lost. I don't think I ever even used it again after that day, but I did have to admit that sometimes, it's safer to do that than anything else. We all had a lot more fun that day because it ended the battles and kept him safe.

LOL.

Let's think about this though, there are certain demographics of people whose kid on a leash would cause alarm. I don't see kids on leashes that often but when I do it is white people who appear middle class.

I would bet people would be more inclined to claim some level of abuse or neglect if the kids on a leash thing was more prevalent in other racial and socioeconomic demographics.