Raising children in today’s world is no easy feat. Beyond the usual pressures from family, young parents often face unsolicited criticism from strangers on the internet regarding their parenting methods.

Jordan Driskell is a young father who has quintuplets—yes, five children of the same age! These energetic kids are now five years old. Taking care of five curious and adventurous children can be overwhelming, especially when they’re all at an age where exploring the world around them is their favorite activity.

Driskell, a 31-year-old father, found an innovative solution to keep his children safe and under control in public spaces. He decided to use child leashes. This decision came after experiencing the challenges of pushing a six-seater stroller, which was once their go-to option for family outings. However, the stroller was not only bulky but also became uncomfortable for the children, making it less ideal for regular use.

The use of child leashes offers the kids a bit more freedom to explore their surroundings safely while Driskell maintains control. It’s a compromise that allows them to enjoy outings without the risk of one of the quintuplets wandering off.

Despite his good intentions, Driskell faced significant backlash when he shared a video of a family trip to an aquarium, where the kids were on leashes. The video went viral, amassing over 3 million views, but it also attracted a wave of criticism. Many people expressed disapproval, stating that leashing children is demeaning and likened it to treating kids as animals.

Some critics were blunt, suggesting that parents like Driskell shouldn’t have so many children if they can’t manage them. Others framed their opinions as helpful advice, suggesting that Driskell should focus on properly training his children to understand the dangers of running off.

However, Dr. Deborah Gilboa, an expert in parenting and adolescent development, offers a different perspective. She asserts that using a child leash does not make children feel like animals. In fact, she believes it can be a more practical option than keeping children cooped up at home all the time. According to Dr. Gilboa, leashes can be particularly helpful for younger children or those with neurodiverse needs, as they offer a way to maintain safety in busy public areas. However, she notes that if a neurotypical child still needs a leash at eight or nine years old, it may indicate that they haven’t developed good listening skills, which could become problematic later on.

By that age, parents should ideally be able to communicate effectively with their children without relying on tools like leashes. Ultimately, Driskell believes parents should have the freedom to make the best decisions for their families without undue criticism from society.

What are your thoughts on using leashes for children in public? Share your opinion in the comments, and don’t forget to share this article with friends and family to hear their thoughts too!