A mom and retired therapist has sparked a furious debate after she revealed she puts her young daughter on a leash to keep her safe.
US-based mom Alexis has defended keeping her toddler on a leash after social media users branded the retired applied behavioral analysis therapist ‘ridiculous’ because of how she was ‘protecting her child.
Recently, Alexis took to TikTok to share footage of her putting a wrist leash on her child while shopping. And while she has received some judgement from viewers, Alexis has also heard from parents singing the same tune as her.
In a viral video, which amassed over 12.9 million views, the mom revealed she connected her daughter to her with a leash in an effort to keep her safe, sparking controversy among parents.
US-based mom Alexis has sparked a furious debate after she revealed she puts her young daughter on a leash to keep her safe
Social media users branded the retired applied behavioral analysis therapist ‘a little much’ because of how she was ‘protecting her child
While at a store, the mom documented herself putting the pink wrist leash on her small child
While at a store, the mom documented herself putting the pink wrist leash on her small child.
‘Give me your hand,’ Alexis said to her daughter in the video.
One side of the leash is attached to Alexis, while the other side is on her daughter’s wrist.
Alexis bends down to reach something on the bottom of the shelf to show how the leash helps her and her kid remain connected.
‘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 the clip.
Although Alexis noted the leash was to keep her child ‘safe,’ many social media users fired back at the mom for choosing to strap her child to her rather than ‘watch’ her.
In an effort to defend her stance, the mom shared a follow up video.
She explained that the leash could be a lifesaver for children if they are in danger or if they are prone to running away.
She said: ‘I used to work with children on the spectrum. I don’t share this about myself very often, but I was an ABA therapist.
In a viral video, which amassed over 12.9 million views, the mom revealed she connected her daughter to her with a leash in an effort to keep her safe
She explained that the leash could be a lifesaver for children if they are in danger or if they are prone to running away
‘Something that’s common with children who have autism is they do tend to elope. If you’re not familiar with what elopement is, that’s when a child tends to wander off or run away from the parent or the environment.
‘Now, this can be very traumatic for both the child and the parent. I know that if I had this device when I was working with families, this would have made life so much safer.’
Alexis then explained that although many people couldn’t fathom that she would strap a leash on her child, she suggested her followers attempt to understand her point of view.
‘So if you’re 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. Now, I want to thank everybody who is super supportive in the comments. I was using it today and I thought of you guys.
‘If this isn’t for you and your family – that’s fine. However, I strongly urge you to take a moment before judging others,’ Alexis said.
Alexis also emphasized the idea that leashes can help prevent life threatening situations such as kidnapping and other dangerous situations.
Having worked with children with Autism before, Alexis explained how helpful these wrist leashes could be for kids ‘on the spectrum elope’
Alexis also emphasized the idea that leashes can help prevent life threatening situations such as kidnapping and other dangerous situations
Speaking to Bored Panda, Alexis revealed how she thought to put her child on a leash and why it became a necessity.
She revealed that she first heard about the wrist leash online and has been using it for a ‘few weeks’ before adding that it provides her with a sense of security, ‘especially with all the abductions happening around the world.’
She also noted that her children don’t seem to mind the wrist leash and that she only has them on a leash when the family is ‘shopping or going for a walk.’
Having worked with children with Autism before, Alexis explained how helpful these wrist leashes could be for kids ‘on the spectrum elope.’
‘It’s very scary and dangerous, especially when in public. I had one boy in particular who was very tall and strong. We physically would have try and grab him from going into the street. This wrist leash would allow children on the spectrum to roam around without having to be physically touched,’ she explained.
According to Child Crime Prevention & Safety Center , a child goes missing or is kidnapped every 40 seconds
The mom also said her own past prompted her to strap her child to her.
‘I was sexually abused at eight years old, which forced me to grow up very quickly and become aware of the dangers all around me.
‘I’m constantly learning and evolving, so my question for the people who choose to judge is: if this device could potentially save a child from being trafficked and abused, why does this upset you?
‘Unfortunately, I had a lot comments saying to watch my child and this wouldn’t happen. But the harsh truth is you could be holding your baby, staring them straight in the face, and someone can still come and try to take them,’ Alexis explained.
According to Child Crime Prevention & Safety Center, a child goes missing or is kidnapped every 40 seconds.
Around 840,000 people are reported missing every year, with the FBI estimating between 85 to 90 per cent of these cases involve children.
Despite her efforts to explain her reasoning, many social media users slammed the mom
Despite her efforts to explain her reasoning, many social media users slammed the mom.
One user said: ‘Why don’t you just watch your kid.’
Another person wrote: ‘This is a little much.’
‘Lol you really think you doing something you just made it easier for them I’m sure they plan on taking both of you,’ said one user.
‘It’s ridiculous I don’t live that way,’ commented one person.
And while some social media users were quick to criticize the mom, others came to her defense and even noted that they would do the same.
And while some social media users were quick to criticize the mom, others came to her defense and even noted that they would do the same
‘I don’t care what anyone says I’m doing this. Call me crazy but I will always be a protective mom first,’ one person said.
One user commented: ‘Moms get shamed for everything they do, no matter what. Do what you need to do to keep your kids safe in this crazy world.’
‘Girl do what you feel is necessary for your babies safety and that’s all that matters,’ wrote one person.
Another person added: ‘Not even a mom and I 100% support this.’
‘You are not crazy! This is an excellent idea and you are doing it as a safety precaution,’ commented another person.
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