my goodness this will inspire all sorts of comments. First of all let me say I've raised nine children as a single Parent seven were mine and two I inherited. I used to think this was absolutely horrible!!! how could a mother do such a thing!!!I would never do such a thing!!!!  But I also felt the same way about playpens which many people used in my day!! I never put any of my children in one because I believed they needed to grow and learn with space about them I would just stand back and watch them explore to make sure they were safe. I just couldn't cage them. One of my younger children I inherited was ADHD and he had learning disabilities ( his parents were drug users)  he had a problem listening following directions and had a lack of self control. In rare occassions I did sink so low as to use one. Only when I was going to a crowded place like a mall or a bible convention where either he or I could be distracted. He could slip away quickly unnoticed. It embrassed me to use it but I  loved the boy and only feared for his safety or losing him . Let me also say I took this boy to many parks gave him room to run and roam. Trees to climb...at parks mothers would freak out when he would climb the top of the swing and walk back and forth on the top. He was very cordinated and had excess energy I knew what HIS limits were. I also used to take him to a boardwalk on the beach with his tricycle he ride all day up and down through water that shot out of the ground he'd climb the trees run through the sand climb the jungle gym swing on the swings  he had great fun!! I had to help him spend all that enenergy.  He was a funny little boy that was a joy to have he told him he was my special gift when I could have no more babies. I don't like those harnesses but I do believe in some cases at certain times for some children they may be necessary.

Warm Smiles Sheila A
 

The scariest thing would be to lose a child. I remember when my daughter was very young, about 4 years old. We were at Target in the checkout line and she was sitting in the seat of the shopping cart. I went over to one of those stands, probably magazine. I turned around and this strange man had his hand on the cart as if it was his. I was shocked. He was just looking straight ahead and my daughter was staring at him with this blank look. I went over to my daughter and took the cart. I don't know what he would have done. But anything to keep your child near you is fine with me. I used to think, oh my, that looks like a dog leash. But hey, it is a functional idea that works to give you comfort that your child is with you and gives the child comfort that they won't get lost from their parent or guardian.

 

My first impression of any idea on this matter was formed, at about age 7.  I was with my Ma n her best friend..She startled me with a high pitched gasp, and I looked at her face to see her wide eyed in horror..of course she was commenting on a lady with her child on a leash.  This made my heart pound and thankful I was not so young that I might be considered for this treatment..Sick.  Although, after having my Devon..I thought "this is why people do that"...lol he ran everywhere..but ..uh.......hello.............if you have a kid you must keep up with them..anything beyond medical purposes, I just can't see..(shaking my head) ..lol ;

Was it to make it easier for the child to control which direction the Mama went...

:)Peace Papi*