I have an issue concerning the use of children’s harnesses. Most people refer to them as leashes that you put on your toddler.

I no longer have young children, but I do have grandchildren and I definitely promote the use of these harnesses for their safety. But apparently a lot of people view them as something only to be used on their pet.

Recently my pregnant daughter and her two children, ages 6 and 2, went to a crowded beach. Knowing the 2-year-old could outrun her in her condition, she put him in a harness for his own safety. Apparently several people either gave her “looks” or made comments about using a leash on her child. Some of these people had pets and they had them on a leash to help keep them safe, but they don’t see doing the same for a child.

I say if it keeps your child safe to put a harness on him or her, then do it! If it keeps your child from running out in the road and getting hit by a car, then do it. If it keeps him from running out in the water and drowning, then do it. If it keeps him from getting too far ahead of you in an area filled with strangers, then do it.

People need to rethink the issue of using these harnesses. They are put on the child to keep the child safe, not to make them appear to be a pet. If you love your pet, you put a leash on it and if you love your child, you put a harness on him or her.

My daughter hates to even use it because of the comments and looks she gets. People need to change the way they view these things. My grandson will be safe with his harness on, will yours?

Carol Myers
Marysville