Alexis Solis, a stay-at-home mom from Los Banos, California, shared a video of her putting her daughter on a leash in a grocery store. The video quickly gained over 12 million views and drew several negative comments, but Solis firmly believes she did it for safety reasons.

Alexis Solis, a former behavioral analysis therapist, was criticized on social media for using a toddler leash on her children. The mother of two daughters uses her social media platform to raise awareness about child safety, and one of the tools she advocates for is the toddler leash. Nevertheless, not everyone is convinced that keeping children on a leash is a good idea.

The viral TikTok video showed Solis asking her child to extend her hand so she could secure the leash while shopping in a grocery store. With 12.9 million views, the video shocked many viewers.

Solis defended her actions, explaining that the leash was a safety measure. One commenter expressed outrage, writing, “I hope they leash her when she’s 50,” while others labeled the leash as “dumb.” Another viewer simply stated, “I hate those.”

Why Does the Woman Believe In Using a Toddler Leash?

Solis explained that the leash was a lifesaver for children who are prone to running off in public. In a response video addressing the negative comments, the mother of two talked about her background as a therapist.

She gave the example of children with autism, who might “elope,” or wander off. Solis said this experience can be traumatic for both the child and the parent, so tools like the toddler leash can help keep both parties at ease.

Solis wished she had had access to the toddler leash when she was still practicing as a therapist. She believes it would have made many parents’ lives easier. For her, it’s also a way to protect her children from the dangers of kidnapping.

To those who were skeptical about her methods, Solis urged them not to judge without understanding that everyone has different situations. She also clarified that her children are comfortable with the leash and that she only uses it in public settings.

Her emphasis on her children’s safety comes from a traumatic experience in her own past. Solis revealed she was sexually assaulted as a child, which heightened her awareness of her surroundings, especially after becoming a mom.

While not everyone agrees with the use of the leash, some parents and other internet users sympathized with Solis’s perspective. She also mentioned that her husband was initially skeptical about the leash.

But after their children were born, he realized how crucial the leash was for their safety and now ignores the public stares.

One psychologist noted there are alternative ways to teach children self-control and appropriate public behavior. However, the expert also mentioned that adult supervision is preferable to using a leash.

For parents concerned about their children running off, the psychologist suggested using a stroller or a backpack instead, but also acknowledged that each family is different.

Another expert argued that a leash could harm a child’s self-esteem, especially if they were dragged or pulled in public.