I hope they leash her when she’s 50,” one commenter wrote
Alexis Solis, a stay-at-home mom from Los Banos, California, sparked online controversy after sharing a video of herself using a toddler leash while shopping with her daughter. The video, which amassed 12.9 million views, attracted harsh criticism from viewers who labeled the practice as “dumb” and “embarrassing.” However, Solis defended her choice, explaining that the leash was a safety measure, especially for children who tend to run off in public spaces.
Drawing from her background as a former behavioral therapist, Solis highlighted that children, particularly those with autism, may “elope” or wander off, which can be traumatic for both child and parent. She also mentioned her own traumatic childhood experience with sexual assault, which heightened her concern for her children’s safety. Despite the backlash, Solis emphasized that her priority was protecting her kids, and her husband, initially skeptical, eventually supported the decision.
While some experts advised other methods of child supervision, such as using strollers or backpacks, others expressed concern that leashes could harm children’s self-esteem. Solis urged critics to understand that each family’s circumstances are different.
