Parenting in today’s world can be quite challenging. Not only do young parents have to contend with the opinions of family members, but they also face criticism from random strangers on the internet regarding their parenting methods.
Meet Jordan Driskell, a 31-year-old father of five quintuplets, all of whom are five years old. Managing a group of five children of the same age can be incredibly demanding, particularly when children at that age are naturally curious and eager to explore their surroundings. To address this challenge, Jordan Driskell came up with an innovative solution. He decided to purchase leashes designed for children, which would help him keep his energetic kids under control when they are out in public.
Previously, the family relied on a six-seat stroller for their outings, but this proved to be tiresome and inconvenient. The children would often become restless while inside the stroller, and it was cumbersome to take it everywhere they went.
The use of leashes allows the young children to wander and explore their environment while ensuring their father can maintain sight of them and keep them safe. Jordan Driskell shared a video of their family outing to the aquarium, which unexpectedly garnered a lot of negative feedback from viewers who criticized the parents. The video, showing the children on leashes, went viral and amassed over 3 million views. Many people argued that children should not be treated like animals and should not be leashed.
Some comments suggested that if the parents couldn’t handle the pressure, they shouldn’t have had so many kids. Others, disguised as advice, recommended better training and discussing the risks of running away with the children. However, Dr. Deborah Gilboa, an expert in parenting and adolescent development, had a different perspective. She believed that using a leash does not make a child feel like an animal. Moreover, she argued that if the alternative to using a leash is to stay at home, then the leash becomes a much better option in terms of allowing the children to experience the world.
Dr. Gilboa supported the use of leashes as a practical tool for younger or neuro-diverse children in public environments. However, she also mentioned that if a neurotypical child hasn’t developed listening skills by the ages of eight or nine, relying solely on a leash might pose some challenges. At that point, parents should focus on effective verbal communication with their children rather than relying on tools like leashes.
Ultimately, parents should have the freedom to choose their own parenting methods without unnecessary judgment from society. It’s important to respect different parenting styles and understand that what works for one family may not work for another.
What are your thoughts on children using leashes in public? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments section below and discuss this article with friends and family to learn their perspectives as well!