Modern parenting comes with its share of challenges, especially for those with multiple young children. Jordan Driskell, a 31-year-old father of quintuplets, knows this all too well. Managing five curious and energetic 5-year-olds can be a daunting task, particularly when they want to explore their surroundings.
To tackle this issue, Jordan decided to use child leashes while out in public. He previously relied on a large stroller, but the kids found it uncomfortable and it became unwieldy for their outings. With the leashes, Jordan can allow his children the freedom to roam safely while keeping them under control.
However, when Jordan shared a video of their trip to the aquarium, it quickly went viral, garnering over 3 million views. The sight of his children on leashes sparked intense criticism online, with many commenters arguing that children shouldn’t be treated like animals. Some even suggested that if he couldn’t manage five kids, he shouldn’t have had so many.
Despite the backlash, Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a parenting expert, offered a different perspective. She emphasized that using a leash does not dehumanize children and can be a practical solution, especially if it means a family can enjoy outings together rather than staying home. Dr. Gilboa also noted that leashes could be helpful for younger or neuro-diverse children, but if a child is still using one at ages eight or nine, parents should focus more on communication and teaching listening skills.