What should and should not be leashed?

Tracy · #1 07-23-2008, 06:34 PM

Let me preface this post by this is my opinion.....

I am 100% sure that there will be some of you that will be offended. That being said, I will still stand behind this post, because this is something I feel very strongly about. However, I also know that there are many angles in which to look at this issue and I can respect others seeing it another way.

OK.....

We have heard Witchy and Py and others retell stories of how they have had nightmares of dogs running around without leashes. So.....many members of society have a very difficult time getting it through their heads that dogs can be a danger to themselves, other people or other dogs and they should be put on a leash. However, they have no problem with the concept of putting their children on a leash???????????????????

I've seen the leashes on children before. As a matter of fact, when my daughter was about 2, she was an unbelievable handful. (to the point that she actually jumped in the fountain at the Christiana Mall) My exhusbands elderly grandmother used to watch her and she just got to be too much. One time when I came to her house, I saw one of those leashes in a paper bag. It was at that time, that I decided she was going to daycare. Of course, that wasn't the only reason, but there is no way in hell anyone is ever putting a leash on one my children while I'm alive to stop it.

Today, I stopped at Chik-fil-a to pick up some dinner and on the way home I saw a mother walking her son across the street with a new kind of leash that I guess is supposed to make it look less dehumanizing. As soon as I got home, I Googled it so I could share it with you lovely people.

INTRODUCING THE LEASH BACKPACK.......

As I've said.....I find it dehumanizing, degrading and if one decides that they are going to use it on their children....better start saving money for their therapy.

Any other thoughts?

Pythoness · #2 07-23-2008, 06:37 PM

I was considering getting one for Aidyn.

Autistic kids have a habit of running out of doors and into streets. You really can't, at some point, trust them not to. They just don't understand the danger (and not understanding danger, not showing a respect of traffic, fire, and heights, is an indicator of autism).

It's either that or train a Border Collie to keep him within 2 feet of us at all times.

The leash is less expensive on the upkeep.

Panama Girl · #3 07-23-2008, 06:39 PM

I'd use the backpack with my kids, for peace of mind.

Just because someone is a good parent doesn't mean a toddler can't slip away from them in the blink of an eye.

Tracy · #4 07-23-2008, 06:40 PM

I thought about autistic kids after I posted this and I can almost see it, but then I thought they have enough on their plate having to relearn everything the way society wants them to learn stuff. I wouldn't want my kid to have that on his back too. I suppose if it is a necessity though....you gotta do whatcha gotta do.

RosaM68 · #5 07-23-2008, 06:41 PM

I have never used one. But then again there are some kids that need a 24 hour watch.

hockey · #6 07-23-2008, 06:42 PM

If I saw that, I'm afraid to admit this but I would definitely assume that the child wearing the leash has a mental issue. The kind of issue that doesn't allow for proper thoughts like, self preservation.

I would assume the child is beyond reasoning with and fears nothing. Why else would such a device be needed?

I'm sure I just don't understand the proper use for this. Idk.

I guess it's one of those things that doesn't really bother me all that much. I'd just walk by and have my little wonder about the child's mentality and it would be out of my head just as fast.

Pythoness · #7 07-23-2008, 06:45 PM

Well, the thing about autistic kids is that a lot of them lack the ability to generalize.

They can learn that it's dangerous to dart out in traffic and that they should always look both ways at the corner of 1st and Broad Streets.. and if they aren't taught the same thing the same way for every intersection, they will ONLY stop and look both ways at the corner of 1st and Broad.

As for them having to re-learn, it's fine. It's actually probably a lot easier to try teaching them when they are older and have a better grasp of language than trying to teach them at 2. A verbal 2 year old would pick up on the signals in the inflection of your voice that says, "Bad. Danger," and *listen* to them.

Autistics don't. They're oblivious to the danger and to all your social cues that signal a dangerous situation.

hockey · #8 07-23-2008, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pythoness

Well, the thing about autistic kids is that a lot of them lack the ability to generalize.

They can learn that it's dangerous to dart out in traffic and that they should always look both ways at the corner of 1st and Broad Streets.. and if they aren't taught the same thing the same way for every intersection, they will ONLY stop and look both ways at the corner of 1st and Broad.

As for them having to re-learn, it's fine. It's actually probably a lot easier to try teaching them when they are older and have a better grasp of language than trying to teach them at 2. A verbal 2 year old would pick up on the signals in the inflection of your voice that says, "Bad. Danger," and *listen* to them.

Autistics don't. They're oblivious to the danger and to all your social cues that signal a dangerous situation.

That must be very hard. I didn't realize so much was taken so literally with Autistic children.

I know two Autistic little girls and they are just the sweetest things. Very quiet and focused. I've never seen them outside of the safety of their cousins house. They both seem to like everything "just-so". They don't like chaos so I can see that it would be difficult situation in a dangerous environment.

kittykat · #9 07-23-2008, 06:56 PM

Ok story,when i was 6 my family went to great adventure for the day ,and at the time my mom also had a 8,9,10 yr old as well,my mom,dad and granparents were talking and i did the worst thing a kid could doo,walked away.Needles to say it didnt take but a minute when they realized it and freaked,my story has a happy ending my older brother found me on the bumper cars with a man i did not know and told the man running the ride i was his sister and the park security and my family was looking for me and to get me because that man was not family he was a stranger.I was extremely lucky because kids are never found in these situations,i was returned to my mom ad family who were crying hysterically i might add,and got my ass beat..That was 26 yrs ago and the world was not nearly as bad as it is today,So i say if that leash keeps my child attached to me at all times where they are safe, then I am all for it.

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Tracy · #10 07-23-2008, 06:57 PM

What I don't understand is this.....why are there so many autistic children now? When we were growing up, I don't remember hearing about any autistic children. You guys think it was just because it wasn't diagnosed? I think it has to do the environment being in shambles.

What should and should not be leashed?

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