As a parent, your first priority is protecting your children and keeping them safe. But one woman has sparked debate online after she's taken things to another level to ensure the wellbeing of her daughter - by putting her on a 'leash'.
US-based Alexis, who posts on TikTok as @alexishealth, explained that she used it to keep her daughter safe and where she can see her.
She posted a video where she demonstrated her using the handy device, using the short clip as an opportunity to respond to a comment on another video where someone had written: "Are you not tired of living this way?"
Alexis defiantly captioned the video: "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", finishing off with a heart emoji.
The video showed the mum putting the contraption around her wrist, and then doing the same to her daughter so they were connected, meaning that if her daughter were to wander away or be snatched, the mum would still be tied to her.
In total, the video received 1.5 million likes from parents who felt like the idea was ingenious, and many parents defended her in the comments.
One wrote: "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."
"I don't care what anyone says I'm doing this. Call me crazy but I will always be a protective mom first", another agreed.
Someone shared a horror story of their own: "My mom had one of these straps in the 90s attached to my sister while she was in her stroller. Somewhere in a crowd at the fair, a lady unhooked them!"
A TikToker said: "I bought my little one a backpack with a 'leash' on it and got so many comments. But I'd rather him be safe the worry over what people think of me."
Would you use one of these to keep your child safe? Let us know in the comments.
