Raising children these days can be a challenge on its own. Young parents not only hear opinions from family members but also have to deal with random strangers on the internet commenting on their parenting methods.
Jordan Driskell is a young father of five quintuplets — all 5 years old. As you can imagine, looking after five children the same age can be incredibly taxing, especially at an age when kids are curious and eager to explore.
So 31‑year‑old dad Jordan Driskell decided to find a creative solution. He bought child leashes to help manage his rambunctious little ones when they’re out in public together.
In the past, Driskell used a six‑seat stroller for their big family. But that quickly became exhausting because the kids would get restless inside it, and the stroller itself was extremely inconvenient to take anywhere.
Using the leashes allows the kids to wander and explore their surroundings safely when the family goes out, without their dad losing sight or control of them. Driskell posted a video of a family outing to the aquarium, which sparked a wave of negative feedback directed at the parents. The video of the kids on leashes went viral, gaining over 3 million views. Hundreds of people commented that the children were not animals and shouldn’t be leashed.
Others wrote, “If you can’t handle the pressure, don’t have so many kids.”
Some offered disdain disguised as advice: “Can’t you just properly train your children? Explain to them why running off is dangerous.”
But Dr. Deborah Gilboa, an expert in parenting and adolescent development, had a different perspective. She doesn’t believe a leash will make a child think they’re an animal. And if the alternative is staying home, then of course a leash is the better option.
Dr. Gilboa said a leash can be a great tool for younger children or neurodiverse children who need extra support in public spaces. However, she noted that if a neurotypical child is still on a leash at eight or nine years old and hasn’t developed listening skills, that could be a concern.
By that age, parents should be able to communicate effectively with their children verbally rather than relying on tools like leashes. Parents should have the freedom to raise their kids the way they choose without facing unnecessary judgment from society.
What do you think about children using leashes in public? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And share this article with friends and family to hear what they think as well!
