A leash was essential for my 3year old son.He was also the kind of active,impetuous child that would run out into streets,parking lots,ponds,oceans etc.Heedless to any direction or guidance,impervious to discipline of any description.He would simply laugh and run faster,turn the tables and try to exact discipline on me,or simply start screaming,wailing and crawling around on all fours like a dog.With the leash on ,the effect was complete.Some stared in horror and disgust,I could have cared less,give THEM an afternoon with this kid.He was so heavy and muscle bound(9 lbs at birth)any type of physical restraint was like wrestling an alligator.At 2 ,diaper changes were a workout,my husband would have to hold the legs and arms,while I steered clear of the rock hard headbutts and cleaned and diapered,unreal.Now,Joshua is age 5 .I am able to reason and rationalize with the youngster.However once again,they make these leashes for a purpose,they are not for docile,easy going,obedient children.They are for the flip side,only people with this personality type in the family or of accquaintance with this type will truly appreciate the desire to actually enjoy an outing with out,frantic searches for your lost child,screaming to STOP as the child darts out in front of an oncoming car,trying to hold a hand as the child refuses to reciprocate and a simple held hand must resort to a death grip as the child hits the ground and refuses to walk normally(this only happens crossing a busy street or parking lot)My son remembers alot of his shenanigans and just this morning was reminiscing about getting lost at a gas station.Honestly I can't even count the times ,strangers have walked up to me,my son HOLDING THEIR HAND!Looking at me with disapproval,saying"IS THIS YOUR SON?"
