Raising children today comes with its own set of challenges, including constant judgment from others, both online and in person. Jordan Driskell, a father of five quintuplets, knows this well.
With his kids all being five years old, managing them can be overwhelming, especially given their curiosity and energy at this age.
To keep his active children safe in public, 31-year-old Driskell found a unique solution: child-sized leashes. He had previously used a six-seater stroller, but it quickly became impractical as the children grew restless and transporting it became difficult. The leashes allow the kids to walk and explore while staying safe and within their dad’s control.
However, when Driskell shared a video of their visit to an aquarium, where the kids were wearing leashes, it went viral with over 3 million views. The video sparked backlash, with critics saying the children shouldn’t be leashed like animals. Some even suggested he shouldn’t have had so many kids if he couldn’t manage them.
On the other hand, parenting expert Dr. Deborah Gilboa supports the use of leashes in certain situations, particularly for young children or those with neurodiversity.
She emphasizes that using a leash is a better alternative than staying home, but also notes that by the age of eight or nine, children should ideally be able to follow instructions without such tools.
Ultimately, parents should be able to raise their children in ways that work best for them without facing undue criticism from others.
