Stringing them along
A video of a father in a mall with his son attached to a type of harness has received numerous views and comments. Would you put your child on a leash, asks Marchelle Abrahams?
THERE was a time when a leash was only really meant for a dog, or pet of other sort. However, modern day parents who take their kids out to busier and busier places are devising ways in which to keep them in check, and more importantly, safe.
A video clip showing a dad walking in a mall with his son attached to a type of harness has caused quite a stir on social media this week, with many asking: Would you string your child around in a public area?
This particular toddler harness is attached to the adult’s wrist with a retractable cord which connects to the child’s arm. It’s quite a nifty invention. Anyone with a small child who has just learnt to walk knows how difficult it is to keep them on hip and hand.
But what do you do when they decide to make a bee-line for the pricey playthings in the shopping centre?
The comments associated with the post ranged from shock to delight. One Facebook user, Nicole Dillman, commented: “It isn’t for keeping your child from running off, it’s to keep strangers from taking your child. Human trafficking is serious.”
Another user, Nancy Sick, said: “You get frowned upon and judged if you use something like this – and you get judged if you let your kid run crazy.”
Others took a harsher stance, accusing parents of being lazy. Jim Hall commented: “This is just an excuse for parents to be a little less responsible.”
Bertram Joe Dinesen was less forgiving: “How bout you watch your kid instead when you’re in public places?”
When shown the video, mom of a rambunctious toddler Megan Baadjies laughed in delight, saying: “I’d definitely get that! I think it’s the best invention ever.”
This is what our parenting expert
had to say:
Lee Koetser
Keep your friends close and your kids closer
It is extremely easy for a mother to become distracted when you are speaking to someone. It takes only a second for your gremlin to be swiped by a stranger.
Look right, left and right again
Crossing the road sounds easy but if your busy body wriggles loose at an intersection, your beautiful bundle may in seconds become a pancake.
Movement means development
Sometimes the only way to shop is to confine your child in a stroller. By keeping them strapped in you are not ensuring your child gets the movement required for optimal development.
Protection from others but also from oneself
I am in the special needs sector of education and often see the effects of children with these barriers of which impulsivity is one. A harness in this regard will protect your child from making poor impulsive choices.