Raising kids today is challenging with everyone having an opinion, including strangers online. Jordan Driskell, a father to five-year-old quintuplets, knows this all too well. Managing five curious kids of the same age is no easy task.
Jordan Driskell, then-31-year-old father of quintuplets, came up with an inventive way to manage his lively kids in public: he used child leashes. Previously, he used a 6-seat stroller, but it was bulky and the kids didn’t like being confined. The leashes offered a more practical solution.
Jordan Driskell’s use of child leashes allowed his quintuplets to explore when they’re out, while he could still keep an eye on them. It’s a practical solution to ensure their safety and freedom at the same time.
Jordan Driskell shared a video of his family’s trip to the aquarium with his quintuplets on leashes, which quickly went viral, garnering over 3 million views. However, the video attracted significant criticism. Many viewers felt that children shouldn’t be on leashes like animals. Some even said, “If you can’t manage the pressure, don’t have so many kids.”
Amid the backlash, some provided scornful suggestions like, “Can’t you just properly train your children?” Discuss to them why fleeing is risky.”
Yet, Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a specialist in parenting and adolescent development, offered a contrasting viewpoint. She believes that using a leash won’t make children feel like animals. She suggests that if the choice is between using a leash or staying home, the leash is clearly the preferable option!
Dr. Gilboa views a leash as a useful tool for younger or neuro-diverse children in public settings. Yet, she expressed concern about neurotypical children still on leashes by ages eight or nine. If they haven’t developed listening skills by then, it could indicate potential issues.
By the time children reach a certain age, verbal communication between parents and kids should be effective without the need for tools like leashes. Every parent’s approach is unique, and they should be free to make decisions without facing undue criticism.
What’s your take on kids using leashes in public? Share your thoughts in the comments. And don’t forget to share this discussion with friends and family to get their opinions too!