A viral TikTok of a toddler innocently “hitting” a woman on an airplane is splitting opinions online.
The brief clip, shared by TikToker @kara.bouu, shows an interaction between Kara Saba, her partner, and a curious toddler seated behind the couple who taps Saba’s arm repeatedly. By the end of the clip, the couple is giggling helplessly, and their reaction is dividing viewers.
According to Saba, the incident took place last September when she and her partner were on a Delta flight between Detroit and Charleston for their honeymoon. In the video, a tiny arm can be seen reaching from behind Saba’s seat. A little hand taps and rubs Saba’s arm curiously, occasionally giving her a gentle smack and sending the couple into quiet hysterics.
The caption for the video reads, “Her name was Adeline and I hope her mom sees this.”
The charming toddler continues to caress and examine Saba’s arm, leaving the couple in stitches.
Most commenters commended the duo for their tolerant, sweet reaction.
“THANK YOU on behalf of mamas everywhere for being able to find the joy in a situation like this,” one commenter wrote. “The world needs more of y’all.”
“So many people hate on parents with kids on planes,” one commenter pointed out. “I love that you just let her be a child.”
Not everyone agreed with this sentiment, however. Some commenters criticized the couple for neglecting to inform Adeline’s mother about her behavior. When one parent said they could see their child behaving in a similar manner, another commenter replied with a spectacular reach.
“Touching strangers without their permission,” they wrote. “Growing up to assault people. Ok.”
A few people expressed initial confusion at the video, thinking that Saba was actually seated on top of the toddler. They were relieved when they realized she was reaching around the back of the seat, rather than being squished beneath an adult.
A few sour commenters said that if they were in Saba’s shoes, they would have “pinched,” “flicked,” or “scratched” the little hand, rather than giggle at Adeline’s antics. Others would have given in to their darker impulses, grabbing her hand like a monster and purposefully scaring the toddler.
Thankfully, Saba and her partner were far kinder in their reactions.
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