Thank you for prioritizing your child's safety. Never mind the stares and comments from rude people. I hope the mother who posted three days ago reads this and follows your example.

We tether our dogs to keep them safe. But those jerks think keeping kids safe is treating the child like a dog? They're very stupid. You also feed your child, like we feed dogs. You have a bed for your child, like we do our dogs. F those ass hats.

Back in the 70s my Mum did actually put toddler me on the dogs lead, attached to a belt she buckled behind my back through the loops on my trousers so I couldn't get at it. The dog, a big ol' Yorkie, would trot along beside her good as gold while I tried to get into or run after anything that looked interesting. Not a single parent who saw the dynamic judged her in the slightest. Most of them found it hilarious and some of them took notes... Leashing your kids is just straight up, plain common sense.

People like that need to STFU. If you start dragging your kid and yanking on the leash, then it's like a dog. What you're doing is fine. My parents told me I'd run off as a toddler and vanish super fast, so they got me one of those leashes. Apparently I loved it and so did they. It gives the kids freedom to walk around and explore but in a safe manner. I guess these asshats would rather your kid wander off and get lost or, if you're outside, into the street or something. You keep using that leash with pride. You're keeping your kid safe without restricting their desire to explore.