Dаd gеts mаssivеly shаmеd fоr рutting lеаshеs оn his 5-yеаr-оld quintuрlеts

The Controversy Over Using Leashes for Kids: A Parent’s Perspective

Parenting in today’s world can feel like navigating a minefield. Beyond the challenges of raising children, modern parents often have to contend with unsolicited advice—from well-meaning family members to strangers online who feel compelled to weigh in on how they raise their kids.

For Jordan Driskell, a 31-year-old father of five, the task of raising quintuplets has proven to be especially challenging. His five children, all 5 years old, are curious and full of energy, making outings a handful for him and his family. While many parents with young children struggle to manage their kids in public, Jordan faces the added challenge of keeping track of five children of the same age—all of them at an age where they love to explore and wander.

To address the difficulty of keeping them safe while out in public, Jordan came up with a creative solution: child leashes.

A Practical Solution for an Energetic Family

In the past, Jordan and his wife tried using a six-seat stroller to corral their large family. However, the stroller quickly became impractical. The kids, who were growing more independent and energetic, grew restless in the stroller, making outings less enjoyable. Moreover, the stroller was cumbersome and hard to maneuver, especially in crowded places.

To give his children the freedom to explore while maintaining control, Jordan decided to purchase child leashes. This allowed his children to walk around and discover their surroundings, without the fear of them running off or getting lost in busy public spaces.

Jordan filmed a trip to the aquarium with his quintuplets, showcasing how the leashes helped manage the kids during the outing. However, when he posted the video online, it quickly went viral, attracting significant backlash. The footage of his children on leashes garnered millions of views, with many viewers criticizing him for treating his children like animals.

The Backlash: Criticism from Strangers

The video sparked an emotional response from many who felt uncomfortable with the idea of children being on leashes. Some commenters argued, “Children aren’t pets! You shouldn’t treat them like animals.” Others took a more judgmental approach, saying things like, “If you can’t handle five kids, why did you have so many?”

Many of the criticisms disguised themselves as “advice” or “guidance,” with one person suggesting, “Why don’t you just teach your kids to behave and explain the dangers of running off?” The implication was clear: the use of leashes was unnecessary and a reflection of poor parenting.

A Different Perspective: Expert Opinion

While the online backlash was harsh, not all parenting experts agree with the criticism. Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a renowned pediatrician and parenting expert, offered a different perspective. She believes that using a leash doesn’t equate to treating a child like an animal. In fact, she suggests that, in certain circumstances, using a leash might be the best option for a parent trying to keep their child safe in public.

Dr. Gilboa emphasizes that for younger children or those with neurodiverse needs, a leash can be a helpful tool in public settings. It provides a way for children to explore their environment while ensuring that they’re not at risk of running off or getting lost. For parents of children who have trouble understanding safety in public spaces, a leash can offer peace of mind, allowing both parent and child to enjoy outings without constant stress.

However, Dr. Gilboa also points out that as children grow older, they should ideally be learning to listen to verbal commands rather than relying on physical restraints like leashes. If a child is still using a leash at ages 8 or 9, it could indicate that they haven’t fully developed the ability to listen or follow directions, which could signal deeper behavioral concerns.

The Freedom to Parent Without Judgment

Jordan’s decision to use child leashes sparked a larger debate about parenting choices. The controversy highlights a broader issue—parents should have the freedom to raise their children in a way that works for them, without facing unwarranted criticism from others. Parenting is a deeply personal journey, and what works for one family may not work for another. It’s important for society to respect different approaches and understand that there is no one-size-fits-all method.

In the case of Jordan and his quintuplets, using leashes provided a practical solution to an overwhelming situation. The alternative for him, as a father of five, might have been to avoid outings altogether, leaving his children without the opportunities to explore and learn in new environments.

Final Thoughts: What’s Your Take?

The debate over using leashes for children is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Some parents swear by them, while others strongly oppose the idea. Ultimately, it comes down to what works for each family, keeping in mind the safety and well-being of the children.

What do you think? Is using a leash on a child a helpful tool, or is it an unnecessary practice? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family to see what they think!