Parenting in today’s world can be quite a challenge. Young parents not only have to deal with feedback from family but also face unsolicited comments from strangers online regarding their parenting choices.
Jordan Driskell is a young dad to five quintuplets, all of whom are 5 years old. As you can imagine, caring for five children of the same age can be incredibly demanding. This is especially true at the age of 5, when children are naturally curious and eager to explore.
Jordan Driskell, a 31-year-old father, came up with a creative way to tackle his challenge. He purchased child leashes to help manage his energetic little ones when they are out in public together.
Previously, Driskell relied on a 6-seat stroller for his large family. However, that quickly became exhausting as the kids would get restless while sitting in it. Additionally, the stroller was quite cumbersome to transport anywhere.
This approach allows the little ones to roam and discover their environment when the family is out, all while ensuring their dad can keep an eye on them and maintain control, thus keeping them safe!
Driskell shared a video showcasing the family’s trip to the aquarium, which sparked significant backlash aimed at the parents. The footage of the children on leashes quickly went viral, amassing over 3 million views. Many viewers expressed their disapproval, stating that children are not animals and therefore should not be restrained with leashes.
Some people remarked, “If you can’t handle the stress, maybe you shouldn’t have so many kids.”
Others provided criticism disguised as suggestions, saying, “Why not just train your children properly? Talk to them about the dangers of running away.”
Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a specialist in parenting and adolescent development, holds a different view. She believes that using a leash won’t make your child feel like an animal. If the only alternative to a leash is staying home, then naturally, the leash is a far better choice!
Dr. Gilboa mentioned that a leash can be an excellent tool for younger or neuro-diverse children to help manage their behavior in public settings. However, she also pointed out that if a neurotypical child is still using a leash by the ages of eight or nine, and hasn’t developed their listening skills, that could be concerning.
At that stage, parents should be capable of communicating effectively with their children verbally, rather than depending on tools like leashes.
Parents ought to have the liberty to raise their children as they see fit, free from unwarranted criticism from society.
What are your thoughts on children being on leashes in public? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family to see what they think too!
