Mom Defends Use of Child Leash in Times Square, Sparks Parenting Debate
A Canadian-based mother is responding to online criticism after a video surfaced showing her 3.5-year-old son wearing a child leash while exploring Times Square in New York City. The incident has ignited a debate about safety versus perceived limitations on a child’s freedom.
Shubhangi Jagota shared the video, which depicts her son happily running and jumping while tethered to his father. In a caption accompanying the post, Jagota explained her reasoning, stating, “He’s 3.5 and we’re not ashamed to say we put him on a leash. In a city like New York, this was hands-down the best decision for our trip.”
Navigating the City with a Toddler
Jagota emphasized the practical benefits of the leash, particularly in a bustling environment like Times Square. “Our little runner always wants his freedom, and this gave him just that—without giving us a heart attack every 5 minutes,” she wrote. The leash allowed her son to explore without constant physical restraint, while simultaneously alleviating her concerns about him getting lost or, as she put it, “stolen.”
The mother detailed her strategy of using different leash lengths – 8.2 feet and 4.92 feet – adapting to the density of the surroundings. “He got to have his hands-free adventure. We got reassurance he wasn’t getting lost or—let’s be real—kidnapped,” Jagota explained. She also noted a surprising benefit: her son embraced the arrangement, playfully declaring himself the “sheriff” and his parents his “captives.”
Backlash and Defense of Safety Tools
Despite the positive experience, Jagota preemptively disabled comments on the video, anticipating potential negative reactions. The use of child leashes, while common in venues like theme parks, airports, and festivals, has drawn criticism on social media, with some labeling it as “inhumane” or “lazy parenting.”
However, many parents, especially those with multiple young children, have defended the practice as a valuable safety tool in unfamiliar or crowded locations. The debate highlights the challenges parents face in balancing a child’s desire for independence with the need to ensure their well-being.
The incident underscores the ongoing conversation surrounding appropriate parenting strategies in modern, often unpredictable, urban environments. While opinions remain divided, Jagota’s experience offers a compelling perspective on the practical benefits of utilizing tools designed to prioritize a child’s safety and a parent’s peace of mind.
