Some children are strong willed and need that extra control! I didn't need one with my other two children, but my youngest son was a different story. I used to think it was silly when I saw parents putting their children on a leash. That was until my son tried to dart into a lake. It was the best decision I could have made! It's unfortunate that anyone would verbally abuse a parent for trying to make sure their child was safe. I guess you are damned if you do and damned if you don't