Raising children today comes with unique challenges. Modern parents often face not only the opinions of family and friends but also unsolicited criticism from strangers online regarding their parenting methods.
Jordan Driskell, a father of quintuplets, knows this all too well. His five children, all 5 years old, are curious and energetic, making the task of caring for them incredibly demanding. Driskell, 31, found a creative solution to manage his lively brood in public: child leashes.
Initially, Driskell used a 6-seat stroller for his family outings. However, the stroller soon became cumbersome and impractical, and the children grew restless being confined. Switching to leashes allowed the quintuplets to explore their surroundings safely, giving Driskell peace of mind.
Driskell shared a video of their visit to an aquarium, which quickly went viral, amassing over 3 million views. The video sparked a wave of negative comments, with many viewers criticizing the use of leashes, suggesting that children are not animals and should not be treated as such. Some harshly remarked, “If you can’t handle the responsibility, don’t have so many kids.” Others offered condescending advice, “Can’t you just teach your children to stay close? Explain the dangers of running off.”
Contrary to the backlash, parenting and adolescent development expert Dr. Deborah Gilboa offered a supportive perspective. She argued that leashes do not make children feel like animals and are a practical tool for ensuring safety, especially if the alternative is staying home. Dr. Gilboa noted that leashes are particularly useful for younger or neurodiverse children in public settings. However, she advised that by ages eight or nine, children should ideally develop listening skills sufficient to navigate public spaces without such aids.
Dr. Gilboa’s insights highlight the importance of practical solutions tailored to each family’s needs, emphasizing that parents should have the freedom to choose their parenting methods without facing undue judgment.
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