The other day we were walking through a local mall and there, right in front of us, a toddler came lumbering out of a store attached to a leash! It was secured around the childs wrist, so that, the parent could jerk the kid back by either breaking the kids wrist or removing his arm from its socket.
I remember the days when parents held their childs hands as they walked down the street or in the mall. I remember the days when children actually listened to their parents and it wasn't necessary to restrain them like a pit bull. Here's another idea...how about holding them or putting them in a stroller? I personally think walking them on a leash is stupid and silly.
Here's how I think the conversation of the parents went before they took a trip to the mall...
Dad: "O.k. honey, I'm ready to go and I put little Bobby in the travel kennel for the trip."
Mom: "Good. Don't forget to bring his leash."
Dad: "No problem. Got it. But I couldn't find the kiddie treats. Where are they?"
Mom: "I have some in my purse. If Bobby's a good little boysy woysy we'll give him some."
Dad: "Yeah, I love taking him for a walk in the mall and this time I brought a plastic bag just in case he messes on the mall floor again."
Mom: "He's so unpredictable. Don't forget next week we take him for his flea and tick treatment."
Enough with the leashes. Whatever happened to holding a child's hand?
