When you think about it from the kid's point of view, a leash is so much more comfortable than being hauled around, or tethered by a hand clamped around your wrist, with your own arm over your head constantly. At least with a harness and leash, there's some sense of autonomous movement, and not having your arm pulled out of its socket after an hour in a crowd.

Seeing a small child on a leash is a relief, because I know it's safe and won't easily slip away from its adult.

I'm already dealing with the barely concealed, "she's yours?!?" so what's one more dirty look, right?

Just remember, there are bound to be other people like me thinking "That leashed baby is ADORABLE!"

Just remember, there are bound to be other people like me thinking "That leashed baby is ADORABLE!"

I will just pretend all the people are you! Now to come up with a proper snarky response for the other thing.

I see kids on leashes and think the parents are smart... They are circumventing the need to answer awkward or heartbreaking questions with, "I only looked away for a moment." They are giving themselves permission to get absorbed or distracted. They are thinking realistically about their ability to be ever vigilant.

Leashes on kids is not new, they used to be called Leading strings.

I will just pretend all the people are you!

Good plan!

Now to come up with a proper snarky response for the other thing.

This sounds like a job for the silent, withering glare.

Plus the ones I've seen recently are like monkeys or cats and the leash is the tail. Adorbs!

Psa: Costco runs at times like this may result in $100 worth of starchy comfort food and a case of wine.

The only come back I can think of is "rude much" .

I went to go get seafood. I paid too much bit don't care. When I came back I parked in the back and got out of my car and heard scrabbling on the deck and steps so I froze until I heard it move a way. Got in my car and drove to the front and got inside.

I'm sure it was a racoon but there have been bears spotted here. At one point I thought about walking down to the beach and Star gazing...I've seen a shooting star before... but maybe not tonight.

I know I would say the kind of thing that would lead to me chatting with Action News and/or law enforcement...probably best I'm not gonna breed.ETA: ESpecially since I'd be like "While you're here, I've got some questions, too."

The backpack/harness leash is a lifesaver around here where drivers are nuts and road rules are merely guidelines.

Much preferred over the actual wrist leash, which just makes me sad for all the reasons Beverly cited.

I see lots of wagons too. Very useful.

This sounds like a job for the silent, withering glare.

Love. This.

One of the most competent, safe, take charge, down to earth, you-want-to-be-her-minion people I ever met was raised by both parents in wheelchairs.

Kids adapt.