Raising young children in today’s world can be a daunting task. Alongside guidance from family members, new parents often face scrutiny from strangers online, who are quick to judge their parenting choices.
Jordan Driskell, a 31-year-old father, is raising quintuplets who just turned five. As anyone can imagine, managing five energetic children of the same age can be overwhelming, especially when their natural curiosity and boundless energy are at their peak.
To address the challenge of keeping his children safe in public, Driskell made a practical, if controversial, choice: he used child leashes. This approach allowed his quintuplets to explore and move freely while ensuring that he could maintain control and keep them secure.
Previously, the family relied on a six-seater stroller to transport the children. While it provided some convenience, it quickly became cumbersome as the children grew restless and distracted. Taking the stroller to outings became increasingly difficult. The leashes, in contrast, allow the children to walk, investigate their surroundings, and have fun, without the constant risk of wandering off.
Despite the practical benefits, Driskell faced significant backlash when he posted a video of a family trip to the aquarium online. The clip, which shows the quintuplets on leashes, went viral and has been viewed by over three million people. Many critics argued that leashing children is inappropriate, insisting that children are not animals. Some critics even told him, “If you can’t handle it, maybe you shouldn’t have so many kids,” while others questioned why he couldn’t simply train his children to behave and understand safety rules.
However, Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a specialist in child and adolescent development, offered a more supportive perspective. She disagreed with the notion that leashes make children feel like animals, emphasizing that they can be a safer alternative than limiting outdoor activities or staying at home.
Dr. Gilboa explained that leashes can be especially useful for young children or kids with neurological conditions who may have difficulty following directions in public. She did caution, however, that by ages eight or nine, most neurotypical children should be able to follow instructions without the need for such devices. At that stage, parents should ideally be able to guide their children through verbal communication rather than relying on external restraints.
Ultimately, the discussion highlights a larger point: parents should feel empowered to make the choices they believe are best for their children without fear of societal judgment.
What do you think about the use of leashes for young children in public? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and feel free to discuss it with friends and family to see how they feel about this controversial parenting strategy.
