I find Jenny M story interesting because I had a similar experience . I too wore a harness up to around age 8Both my parents worked so over the summer I stayed with an aunt. She had 2 girls,one my age and the other a bit older
When I was 12 I started to wander off on shopping trips,walks,and fairs. I recall my aunt sayingâBilly if you donât stop running, Iâm getting you a leash! I promised to stop, but I just couldnât. Long story short, she had a harness made for me. It was a brown leather one which buckled in the back. I was shocked and pleaded with her but to no avail.
I was so embarrassed for several reasons. First wearing the harness in public, second the teasing from my cousins.
Even in the harness, I could not control myself. I constantly tugged and pulled to the point that one time she pulled me back so hard, I fell on my bottom.
My cousins loved teasing me and begged to hold my leash. Thank goodness it was not allowed.
Sometimes I was leashed to the shopping cart. Often my aunt would shorten upon my leash to keep better control.
I hated that.
Then there were the stares and remarks. Clerks would sayâ He seems a bit old for a leash!â
The ultimate embarrassment was a trip to the state fair. We rode the bus and then spent the entire day at the fair.
My aunts sister joined us with her two kids, one a girl about 7 and the other 3. The 3 year old wore a harness as well.
It was the longest day of my life.
It turns out I was ADHD . But in those days, the diagnosis didnât exist.
So I can share your feelings. I only had to wear it that one summer. Somehow as I got older I learned to control myself.
But the threat of the leash was ever present.