Mom sparks furious arguments after she reveals she’s keeping her daughter on a leash to protect her

A mother and a retired therapist have sparked a furious debate after she revealed she put her young daughter on the phone to protect her.

American mother Alexis has defended keeping her toddler on a leash after social media users called the retired applied behavior analysis therapist “ridiculous” for how she “protected her child.”

Recently, Alexis took to TikTok to share footage of her putting a wrist strap on her child while shopping. And while she’s gotten some judgment from viewers, Alexis has also heard of parents singing the same tune as her.

In a viral video, which has been viewed more than 12.9 million times, the mother revealed that she strapped her daughter to her with a belt in an attempt to keep her safe, sparking controversy among parents.

While in a store, the mother documented putting the pink wrist strap on her little child.

“Give me your hand,” Alexis told her daughter in the video.

One side of the strap is attached to Alexis, while the other is on her daughter’s wrist.

Alexis bends down to grab something from the bottom of the shelf to show how the leash helps her and her child stay connected.

“I’m tired of the world being like this, but I’m never tired of protecting my girls. I look good as a crazy mother. As long as my babies are safe and thanks to everyone I love this thing,” she captioned the clip.

While Alexis noted that the leash was meant to keep her child “safe,” many social media users fired back at the mother for choosing to tie her child to her rather than “watch” her.

In an attempt to defend her position, the mother shared a follow-up video.

She explained that the leash can be a lifesaver for children if they are in danger or prone to running away.

She said, “I used to work with kids on the spectrum. I don’t often share this about myself, but I was an ABA therapist.

“Something that is very common in children with autism is that they have a tendency to run away. If you are unfamiliar with elopement, a child has a tendency to wander or run away from the parent or environment.

“This can be very traumatic for both the child and the parent. I know if I had this device when I worked with families it would have made life so much safer.”

Alexis went on to explain that while many people couldn’t comprehend her putting her child on a leash, she suggested her followers understand her point of view.

So if you’re one of those people who thinks “I’d never do it,” take a minute. Not everyone’s situation is the same.

“Maybe it won’t work for you. But it works for many people, including myself. Now I want to thank everyone who is super supportive in the comments. I used it today and I thought of you.

“If this isn’t for you and your family, that’s fine. However, I urge you to take a moment before judging others,” Alexis said.

Alexis also emphasized the idea that belts can help prevent life-threatening situations such as kidnapping and other dangerous situations.

Speak against Bored pandaAlexis revealed how she thought about keeping her child on a leash and why it became a necessity.

She revealed that she first heard about the wrist strap online and has been using it for a “few weeks” before adding that it gives her a sense of security, “especially with all the kidnappings going on around the world.”

She also noted that her kids don’t seem to mind the wrist strap and she only has them on a leash when the family is “shopping or going for a walk.”

Alexis has previously worked with children with autism and explained how helpful these wristbands can be for children “on the spectrum.”

“It’s very scary and dangerous, especially in public. I had one boy in particular who was very tall and strong. We would have physically tried to grab him to go out into the street. This wrist strap would allow kids to roam on the spectrum without having to be physically touched,” she explained.

The mother also said her own past prompted her to tie her child to her.

“I was sexually assaulted when I was eight years old, which forced me to grow up very quickly and become aware of the dangers all around me.

“I am constantly learning and evolving, so my question to the people who choose to judge is, if this device could save a child from trafficking and abuse, why does this upset you?

“Unfortunately, I got a lot of comments telling me to watch my kid and that this wasn’t going to happen. But the hard truth is you’re holding your baby and staring them right in the face, and someone can still come and get them,” Alexis explained.

According to Child Crime Prevention and Safety Centerevery 40 seconds a child is missing or abducted.

About 840,000 people are reported missing each year, with the FBI estimating that 85 to 90 percent of these cases involve children.

Despite her attempts to explain her reasoning, many social media users slammed the mother.

One user said, “Why don’t you just watch your kid.”

Another person wrote, “This is a bit much.”

“Lol, you really think you’re doing something that you’ve only made things easier for them. I’m sure they intend to take both of you,” said one user.

“It’s ridiculous that I don’t live like this,” one person commented.

And while some social media users were quick to criticize the mother, others came to her rescue and even commented 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 mother first,” said one person.

One user commented, “Moms get shamed for everything they do, no matter what. Do what you have to do to keep your kids safe in this crazy world.”

“Girl, do what you think is necessary for your babies’ safety and that’s all that matters,” one person wrote.

Another person added, “Not even a mom and I’m 100% behind this.”

‘You’re not crazy! This is an excellent idea and you are doing it for safety reasons,” another person commented.