Navigating the challenges of parenthood in today’s world is no small feat. It’s not just family members, but also strangers on the internet, who offer their opinions on parenting styles.
Meet Jordan Driskell, a 31-year-old father of five-year-old quintuplets. Wrangling five children of the same age, especially at this curious and exploratory stage, is undeniably demanding.
To tackle this unique situation, Jordan got child-sized leashes. These leashes serve as a practical solution for keeping track of his lively little ones while out in public. Previously, the family used a six-seater stroller, but it proved unwieldy and uncomfortable for the kids.
The leashes allow the children to freely explore their surroundings while ensuring their father maintains visibility and control, ultimately prioritizing their safety.
When Driskell shared a video of their family outing to the aquarium, it garnered significant attention, with both praise and criticism coming their way.
The video, showing the kids on leashes, quickly went viral, amassing over 3 million views. Some voiced concerns, equating leashing to treating children like animals. Others suggested that managing a large family should be carefully considered.
Parenting and adolescent development expert, Dr. Deborah Gilboa, offered a different perspective. She emphasized that using a leash doesn’t make a child feel like an animal. Moreover, she argued that if the alternative is staying home, using a leash is a far better option.
According to Dr. Gilboa, leashes can be invaluable in ensuring the safety of younger or neuro-diverse children in public spaces. However, she pointed out that for neurotypical children who haven’t learned to listen and communicate effectively by ages eight or nine, over-reliance on leashes could be counterproductive.
By this stage, parents should have developed a verbal communication with their children that supersedes the need for tools like leashes.
Ultimately, parents should have the freedom to parent in the way they see fit, without facing unnecessary judgment from society.
