This Mom Uses a Leash to Keep Her Daughter Safe, and Here’s What Experts Have to Say

A woman’s TikTok video reached nearly 13 million views after she revealed that she keeps her toddler tethered to her when they are in public. Her parenting approach drew mixed reactions from Internet users — some people defended her method, while others slammed her actions. But the US-based mother, Alexis, explains why she feels the need to use a leash on her child.

In the video that went viral, Alexis demonstrated how she uses the device.

She began by attaching the other end of the leash to her wrist, then telling her daughter, “Give me your hand,” before clamping the other end to her toddler. She proceeded with her grocery shopping, with her kid connected to her the whole time.

“I’m tired of the world being this way, but I’m NEVER tired of protecting my girls. I’m okay looking like a crazy mom. As long as my babies are safe. And thanks to everyone, I freaking love this thing,” she captioned her post.

In a follow-up video, Alexis explained that she uses the leash for her child’s security in public places.

“I used to work with children on the spectrum. I was an ABA (applied behavior analyst) therapist. Something that’s common with children who have autism is they do tend to elope...that’s when a child tends to wander off or run away from the parent or the environment,” the protective mama said.

Unlike in other countries where it’s safe to leave babies alone in public, Alexis believes that life-threatening situations (like kidnapping) can happen where she lives. She also said that families would be safer if they knew this advice.

“So if you are one of those people that think, ’I would never!’ Please, take a moment. Not everybody’s situation is the same. It might not work for you, but it works for a lot of people, myself included.”

Her post divided the Internet, with users either applauding or criticizing her as a mother.

Screen grabs of the negative feedback she received showed users saying things like, “This is a little too much,” and “It’s ridiculous. I don’t live that way.” Another person asked, “Why don’t you just watch your kid?”

Meanwhile, there are also people — both parents and non-parents — who rushed to her defense. “Not even a mom and I 100% support this,” one user said. Another encouraged her to continue, saying, “Do what you feel is necessary for your babies’ safety, and that’s all that matters.”

She also replied to one comment that said, “Moms get shamed for everything they do no matter what.” Alexis replied, “This is so true. Everything that I post, everybody has an opinion.” Then she taunted her bashers by pulling out the leash and saying, “Look what I’m about to do, for the people that I’m gonna make angry.”

Experts have varying opinions on the use of leashes for children’s safety.

On a positive note, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (USPC) has not issued any product recalls for safety harnesses or toddler leashes. This means they are safe to use, and there don’t seem to be many reports of injuries associated with them.

However, one psychologist explained that this practice could cause embarrassment for the child and reminded parents who prefer to use a leash to refrain from tugging or dragging the kid with it.

Another expert recommended alternative ways for folks to keep their children safe. “Parents [should] teach children to develop self-control and follow rules to be safe over time with support, guidance, and communication. For children with impulse control issues, active adult supervision is always a better choice than a leash.”

“If you are worried about losing your child in an airport or theme park, put them buckled up in a stroller or backpack.” At the end of the day, each family is different, and parents know which method will work best for their children.