Raising children in today’s world presents its own set of challenges. As young parents, not only do you have to contend with the opinions of family members, but you also have to deal with random strangers on the internet commenting on your parenting methods. It can be overwhelming, to say the least.
Meet Jordan Driskell, a 31-year-old father of five quintuplets who are now 5 years old. Imagine the adventure of looking after five children of the same age! At this stage, when kids are curious and full of energy, keeping a watchful eye on them can be quite a task.
Recognizing the need for a solution, Jordan decided to get creative. He purchased leashes designed specifically for children to help him keep his rambunctious little ones under control when they are out in public together.
A Practical Solution for a Big Family
In the past, the family used a 6-seat stroller to accommodate their big family. However, this proved to be tiresome as the kids would get bothered when confined to it. Additionally, the stroller was cumbersome and inconvenient to take anywhere.
With the use of the leashes, the children now get the freedom to explore their surroundings while Jordan ensures their safety. These leashes provide a practical way for the family to venture out without him losing sight or control of the quintuplets. It’s a win-win situation for everyone!
Recently, Jordan shared a video of the family’s outing to the aquarium, which unexpectedly garnered a lot of negative feedback. The video, showing the kids on leashes, went viral, accumulating over 3 million views. Unsurprisingly, this led to hundreds of comments criticizing the parents, arguing that children are not animals and shouldn’t be leashed.
Some comments even went so far as to suggest that if the pressure of managing so many kids is overwhelming, perhaps having fewer children is the solution. Others offered their disdain, disguised as advice, by implying that parents should be able to train their children better and teach them the risks of wandering off.
Expert Perspectives: Understanding the Benefits
However, not all experts agree with this backlash. Dr. Deborah Gilboa, an authority in parenting and adolescent development, offers a different perspective. She believes that using leashes does not make a child feel like an animal. In fact, if the alternative is not going out at all, then leashes offer a much better option.
According to Dr. Gilboa, leashes can be an excellent tool for younger or neurodiverse children to stay safe in a public environment. However, she does caution that if a neurotypical child has not developed their listening skills by the age of eight or nine, it may be more problematic. By then, parents should be able to effectively communicate with their children verbally and rely less on tools like leashes.
Ultimately, parenting should be a personal choice without the burden of unnecessary judgment from society. Every child and family is different, with unique circumstances and needs. As a parent, you should have the freedom to make the best decisions for your children based on those factors.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this topic! What do you think about children on leashes in public? Share your opinions, and feel free to share this article with friends and family to get their perspective as well!
