What’s the most curious thing you’ve seen in a grocery store? Well, Alexis Solis, a stay-at-home mom from Los Banos, California, certainly topped it all by sharing a video of her putting her daughter on a leash. And no, it wasn’t to pitch a new fashion trend!
Alexis, a former behavioral analysis therapist, has two daughters, and she uses her platform to talk about child safety. But oh boy, did her recent video set the internet ablaze! Capturing 12.9 million views, the video showcased Alexis asking her child to put out her hand so she could secure a wrist leash while shopping. The backlash? Swift and ruthless.
Social media warriors didn’t hold back. Comments ranged from, “I hope they leash her when she’s 50,” to the ever-so-subtle, “I hate those.” But Alexis had her reasons, and she wasn’t letting the haters win. As she calmly explained, the leash was all about safety.
Now, why would a mom resort to a leash, you ask? Alexis detailed that for children who are prone to running off, like those with autism, the world can be a labyrinth of potential dangers. She shared that in her days as a therapist, many families could have dramatically benefited from such a tool.
Her advocacy for the leash runs deep. Alexis wished these tools were more common when she was a practicing therapist. She clarified that the leashes are about keeping kids safe from real dangers, like kidnapping.
Responding to the worries about her children’s feelings towards the leash, Alexis assured everyone that her kids were fine with it and the leash only made an appearance during their public outings.
Safety is personal for Alexis, rooted in her own childhood trauma. As a survivor of sexual assault, her awareness of danger heightened when she became a mother. Her conviction in using the leash isn’t just a fleeting trend but a grounded belief stemming from a desire to protect.
Interestingly, not everyone disagreed. Many netizens and parents understood Alexis’ perspective. Even her husband, initially skeptical, came around after their children were born, prioritizing safety over public opinion.
However, experts had mixed feelings. One psychologist mentioned other alternatives to aid children with self-control and guide them on behavior in public spaces. Adult supervision, according to the expert, might be better than resorting to a leash.
For those concerned about their children darting off, the same psychologist suggested strollers or backpacks as alternatives. But, they did agree that every family’s situation is unique.
Another expert chimed in, pointing out that a leash could potentially harm a child’s self-esteem, especially if they’re dragged or pulled in public. Ouch!
So, wherever you stand on the leash debate, one thing is clear – it’s a topic that won’t lose steam anytime soon. For Alexis, it’s about doing whatever it takes to keep her kids safe, and if a wrist leash does that, she’s all in, public scrutiny be damned!
