Meet Jordan Driskell, a 31-year-old dad caught in the whirlwind of online criticism.
His offense? He uses a leash to keep his energetic quintuplets in check during their public adventures.
Jordan and his wife, Briana, 34, are the proud parents of five-year-olds Zoey, Dakota, Hollyn, Asher, and Gavin.
Their choice to use a leash stems from a simple wish – to keep their kids safe while letting them satisfy their curiosity about the world around them.
The Driskells are firm believers in children’s natural curiosity and eagerness to explore.
They see the leash as a tool that gives them peace of mind and ensures their children’s safety.
It’s also a way for them to enjoy family outings without the constant worry or feeling of being rushed.
Before they turned to the leash, the family had a 6-seat stroller.
But for Jordan, a Kentucky native, it was just too cumbersome and impractical.
He observed that his kids loved to wander and explore, especially in crowded places.
The leash was the perfect solution, allowing the kids to roam while still under their parents’ watchful eyes.
And according to Jordan, the kids are all for it.
The storm of controversy kicked up when Jordan shared a video of his quintuplets on leashes during a trip to an aquarium.
The video, posted last year, recently went viral, racking up over three million views.
The reactions, however, were a mixed bag.
A number of comments on the video criticized the Driskells’ parenting choice.
Some argued that children aren’t pets to be leashed, while others suggested that parents should teach their children about the dangers of running off.
Some even questioned the couple’s decision to have so many children if they found managing them so difficult.
But not all the feedback was negative.
Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a specialist in parenting and adolescent development, offered a different take.
She commended the Driskells for their creative approach to problem-solving, arguing that using a leash doesn’t mean treating children like animals.
She suggested that the alternative – staying at home – would limit the children’s exposure to the world.
Dr. Gilboa called for less judgment, highlighting that leashes could be helpful for parents of neurodiverse children or those who haven’t yet mastered listening skills.
She reminded critics that most parents want what’s best for their children and are simply trying to solve a problem.
She also pointed out that by the age of eight or nine, children should be able to follow voice commands and no longer need a leash.
The debate over the use of child leashes is a tangled one.
Some see it as an infringement on a child’s freedom, while others view it as a practical way to ensure a child’s safety.
Like many parenting decisions, what works for one family may not work for another.
The real challenge is finding a balance that respects the child’s need for exploration and the parents’ need for peace of mind.
See the controversial video that started it all down below.
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