Alexis Solis, a stay-at-home mom from Los Banos, California, has stirred heated online discussions after sharing a TikTok video where she uses a toddler leash on her daughter in a grocery store. The video, which has amassed over 12 million views, triggered a wave of mixed reactions, with many criticizing her choice. However, Solis, a former behavioral analysis therapist, stands firmly by her decision, citing her children’s safety as the primary reason.
The Controversial Video
Solis, a mother of two daughters, posted a video showing her gently asking her child to extend her wrist so she could secure the leash while shopping. The clip quickly went viral, with comments pouring in from all corners of the internet. While some viewers labeled the leash as “dumb” or “unnecessary,” others questioned her parenting style, making comments such as, “I hope they leash her when she’s 50.”
Despite the backlash, Solis did not shy away from addressing the criticism. She expressed her frustration with the judgment but emphasized her unwavering commitment to keeping her daughters safe. “I’m okay looking like a crazy mom,” she remarked, highlighting that her priority is her children’s well-being, even if it means enduring negative opinions.
A Tool for Safety
In response to the uproar, Solis explained why she believes in the use of toddler leashes. Drawing from her professional experience as a behavioral therapist, she pointed out that some children, particularly those with autism, are prone to “eloping”—a term used to describe wandering off unexpectedly. Such incidents can be traumatic for both children and their parents, and a leash serves as a simple, practical solution to prevent them.
Solis shared that she wished she had access to such tools during her therapy career, as they could have significantly eased many parents’ lives. For her family, the leash is also a protective measure against the alarming risk of child abduction. She encouraged critics to understand that every family’s situation is unique and urged them to withhold judgment.
Personal Experiences Shape Her Approach
Solis’s emphasis on safety is deeply rooted in her own traumatic childhood experiences. As a survivor of sexual assault, she is acutely aware of the dangers that can lurk in public spaces. Becoming a mother only heightened her determination to safeguard her children from potential harm.
Her husband, initially skeptical of using a leash, eventually came to appreciate its importance after their daughters were born. Now, he fully supports Solis, disregarding any judgmental stares they might receive in public.
Expert Opinions: Pros and Cons
While Solis’s decision has its supporters, some psychologists argue there are alternative methods to teach children self-control and public behavior. For example, strapping children to strollers or backpacks might offer similar safety benefits without potentially affecting a child’s self-esteem. Critics of toddler leashes suggest that the dragging or pulling associated with their use could harm a child’s confidence, particularly in public settings.
That said, experts acknowledge that parenting is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Each family must navigate their unique challenges and choose what works best for their circumstances.
A Divisive Yet Important Conversation
Alexis Solis’s story highlights the challenges and judgment parents face when making decisions to protect their children. While her choice to use a toddler leash has sparked debate, it also underscores a universal truth: parents will go to great lengths to ensure their children’s safety, even in the face of public scrutiny.
