Raising kids these days can be a real challenge. Young parents not only have to deal with opinions from family members but also with random strangers on the internet commenting on their parenting choices.
Jordan Driskell is a young dad of five quintuplets, all of whom are 5 years old. As you can imagine, taking care of five kids who are the same age is no small feat, especially at 5 years old when kids are super curious and love to explore.
Jordan, who is 31, decided to get creative with his parenting. He bought child leashes to help control his energetic kids when they’re out in public. In the past, Jordan used a 6-seat stroller for his big family, but that quickly became a hassle. The kids didn’t like sitting in it, and it was super inconvenient to take anywhere.
These leashes allow the kids to wander and explore safely while keeping them under control and in sight. This way, Jordan can keep his children safe and make sure they don’t wander off.
Jordan posted a video of the family’s trip to the aquarium, and it quickly went viral, racking up over 3 million views. The video showed his kids on leashes, and it sparked a storm of negative comments. People were outraged, saying things like, “They’re not animals, so they shouldn’t be on leashes.”
Many others commented, “If you can’t handle the pressure, don’t have so many kids,” or offered advice disguised as criticism, saying, “Can’t you just train your children properly? Explain to them why running off is dangerous.”
Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a parenting and adolescent development expert, had a different take. She doesn’t believe using a leash will make kids think they are animals. “If the alternative is to stay at home, then a leash is definitely a better choice,” she said. Dr. Gilboa explained that leashes are a great tool for younger or neuro-diverse children in public spaces.
However, she added that by the age of eight or nine, parents should be able to communicate effectively with their children without relying on tools like leashes.
Parents should have the freedom to raise their children in the way they see fit without facing unnecessary judgment from society.
What do you think about kids on leashes in public? Let us know in the comments below! Share this article with friends and family to get their opinions too!
