Raising children can be a challenging task, especially in today’s world, where parents not only have to navigate the opinions of their family members but also contend with the judgment and comments from random strangers on the internet regarding their parenting methods.
Meet Jordan Driskell, a 31-year-old father of five quintuplets who are all 5 years old. With five energetic children of the same age, taking care of them can feel overwhelming at times, especially when they are eager to explore their surroundings.
To address this challenge, Jordan came up with a creative solution – he decided to use leashes meant for children to help control and ensure the safety of his lively little ones when they are out in public. And it has been a game-changer for their family!
Previously, the Driskell family used a 6-seat stroller to accommodate their big family. However, this proved to be tiresome, as the children felt bothered by being confined to the stroller. Moreover, the stroller was cumbersome to take anywhere.
Using the leashes has allowed the kids to wander and explore their surroundings, while ensuring that their father doesn’t lose sight or control of them. It’s a practical solution that keeps the children safe and gives them the freedom to enjoy their outings.
A video of the family’s trip to the aquarium, where the children were on leashes, recently went viral, garnering over 3 million views. Unfortunately, the video also attracted negative feedback and criticism directed towards the parents. Some comments suggested that using leashes on children implied treating them like animals, while others offered unsolicited advice, suggesting better training for the kids.
However, Dr. Deborah Gilboa, an expert in parenting and adolescent development, disagrees with these notions. She believes that using a leash does not make a child think they are an animal. In fact, Dr. Gilboa argues that if the alternative to a leash is staying at home, then using a leash is a far better option.
She emphasizes that leashes can be a practical tool for younger children or those with neurodiverse needs to ensure their safety and manage their behavior in public spaces. However, for neurotypical children, it’s important to gradually phase out the use of leashes as they develop their listening skills and can be effectively communicated with verbally.
Parents should have the freedom to choose their own parenting methods without facing unnecessary judgment from society. What are your thoughts on children using leashes in public? Let us know in the comments below and feel free to share this article with friends and family to get their opinions too!
