Taking Toddlers for a walk

Many toddlers dislike being tied into a pushchair and prefer to test their walking skills. Some toddlers don't like holding a parent's hand and some parents don't like having to bend down to hold onto a toddler's hand squirming around trying to loosen the hand grip. Some toddlers prefer the freedom to walk alone, practising their walking skill and feeling free to wander where they choose. Using a 'leash' (I've personally never thought of them as a pet leash, one use being to keep the pet (and others) safe from harm) allows the toddler some freedom to feel independent while at the same time allowing them to remain safe. 18 month old children don't understand the concept of keeping safe but DO like their independence. At 18 months, two of my childen were forever wanting to wander off and it was all I could do to keep him with me. 'Leashes' kept me sane and them safe. I'm all for them.