Extreme Parenting: To Leash or Not to Leash? (Video at link) [View all]

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http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2012/06/extreme-parenting-to-leash-or-not-to-leash/

Extreme Parenting: To Leash or Not to Leash?

June 25, 2012

By ELIZA MURPHY

via GOOD MORNING AMERICA

It's becoming almost a common sight-and a great debate for any modern family. To leash or not to leash small children? For parents across the country, there is no middle ground.

Mother of four and family psychologist Kristen Howerton of New York City says she was given a safety harness as a gift.

"I felt a little funny about it. We were on vacation with my sister-in-law in Seattle. I was juggling a bunch of children and worried about someone running out, and she said 'Why don't you put this on your daughter?' So I did and it just kind of made sense," said Howerton.

But when Howerton, 37, used the harness she said she got so many looks she put it away and hasn't used it a lot. People were glaring at her and making comments about how it's a child and not a dog.

There were some benefits to using the harness, however.

"It was great. My daughter was walking freely she felt like she had freedom, but I felt like she was safe. It was a great experience other than other people," Howerton said.

Child psychologist Tina Bryson explained why she believes parents are choosing to leash their kids.

"A lot of times the parents who are using it are using it because it's based on a child's behavior that they've seen," said Bryson.

For Howerton, whose husband was hit by a car, it's all about safety, regardless of the criticism.

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http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2012/06/extreme-parenting-to-leash-or-not-to-leash/



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