Alexis Solis, a stay-at-home mom from Los Banos, California, recently shared a TikTok video showing her putting her young daughter on a leash while shopping in a grocery store. The video quickly went viral, amassing over 12 million views, but it also sparked a wave of negative reactions online. Many commenters expressed their shock and disapproval, calling the idea of using a leash “dumb” and even making cruel remarks like, “I hope they leash her when she’s 50.”

Despite the backlash, Solis stood by her decision, explaining that the leash was a safety measure. As a former behavioral analysis therapist and mother of two, she used the platform to raise awareness about child safety, particularly in public spaces. While some viewers couldn’t understand the reasoning, Solis emphasized that she would not feel ashamed for prioritizing her children’s safety. “I’m okay looking like a crazy mom,” she said, “but I’ll never stop protecting my girls.”

Why Solis Believes in Using a Toddler Leash
In a follow-up video, Solis addressed the criticism, providing context based on her professional background. She explained that the leash was especially useful for children who are prone to running off, a situation that can be both dangerous and traumatic for both the child and the parent. Solis highlighted that children with autism, in particular, are known to “elope”—a term used when children wander off unexpectedly. She said that using a leash in these instances could help keep both the child and parent at ease.

Solis reflected on her time as a therapist, noting that a tool like a toddler leash could have made many parents’ lives easier and safer. She explained that for her, it was not just about preventing her children from running off but also about protecting them from potential dangers like abduction.

The Impact of a Traumatic Experience
Solis also shared that her advocacy for child safety stems from her own traumatic childhood experience. She revealed that she had been sexually assaulted as a child, and that experience heightened her awareness of the importance of keeping her children safe and vigilant in public spaces. Solis emphasized that her decision was driven by love and a deep commitment to her children’s well-being.

While not everyone agreed with her methods, many parents and online users could relate to Solis’s desire to keep her children safe. She also revealed that her husband had initially been skeptical of the leash but, after having children of their own, now fully supports its use for safety in public settings.

Expert Opinions
While some psychologists suggested other methods to help children control themselves and follow rules in public, such as using strollers or backpacks, they acknowledged that each family has different needs and circumstances. One expert did caution, however, that using a leash could potentially impact a child’s self-esteem, especially when there’s tugging or pulling involved in public. However, Solis remains steadfast in her belief that her children’s safety comes first, regardless of public opinion.

In the end, Solis’s decision to use a toddler leash is an example of a mother prioritizing her children’s safety in the face of criticism, and her message is clear: each parent has their own approach, and the most important thing is doing what’s best for your family.