Parenting is one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys life has to offer. But for Jordan Driskell, a father from Kentucky, parenting comes with a unique set of obstacles—especially when raising quintuplets. Recently, Jordan found himself at the center of a social media storm after sharing a video of his five young children attached to a leash during a family outing. The internet’s reaction? A mix of praise, harsh criticism, and plenty of heated debates.
The Reality of Parenting Quintuplets
Imagine raising one toddler. Now multiply that by five. That’s the everyday reality for Jordan Driskell and his wife, Briana. They are the proud parents of quintuplets—Zoey, Dakota, Hollyn, Asher, and Gavin. While having quintuplets is undoubtedly a blessing, it also comes with overwhelming responsibility.
Managing five energetic kids in public isn’t just a challenge—it’s a full-on logistical nightmare. Most parents struggle to keep track of one child at the grocery store. Now picture doing the same with five toddlers running in different directions. It’s a chaotic situation just waiting to happen.
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LIKE IT OR NOT: Parents using child leashes
Initially, the Driskells used a six-seater stroller to manage their little ones. However, as the kids grew more independent and curious, the stroller became cumbersome and impractical. Looking for a better solution, they turned to a child leash—a method that offered both freedom and safety for their active brood.
Why Did They Choose to Use a Leash?
Contrary to what some critics may think, the leash wasn’t about controlling the children—it was about keeping them safe. In crowded places like aquariums or shopping centers, kids can easily wander off, especially when they’re naturally curious. The leash gave Jordan and Briana peace of mind while allowing their children the freedom to walk and explore.
Jordan explained his reasoning quite simply: “For our own peace of mind and sanity, we use a leash. It also allows us to leave the house and do fun stuff as a family without being stressed.”
With the risk of child abduction and accidents in busy public areas, is it really so unreasonable for parents to take precautions? For Jordan, it was a practical choice rooted in love and safety—not control.
Backlash: The Internet’s Harsh Judgment
The video Jordan posted showed his quintuplets on leashes while visiting an aquarium. Almost immediately, the internet weighed in—with both support and backlash.
Critics were quick to label the practice as “inhumane,” accusing Jordan of treating his children like pets. One particularly harsh comment read:
“If you can’t handle five kids, maybe you shouldn’t have had them.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, questioning why anyone would leash their children. The comparison to walking dogs was a recurring theme among detractors who failed to see the practical side of the situation.
Support from Fellow Parents: A Practical Parenting Choice
Fortunately, not all responses were negative. Many fellow parents came to Jordan’s defense, pointing out that child leashes are not a new concept and are often used by families with multiple children.
One supportive parent commented:
“I’d rather have my kids on a leash than risk them running into traffic.”
Others pointed out that many parents use variations of child leashes, such as wrist harnesses or backpack leashes, to keep their kids safe in crowded areas. For families with more than one young child, these tools are not about control—they’re about preventing accidents.
The majority of supportive comments centered around the idea that every family has to make choices that work for them. No parent should be shamed for prioritizing safety, especially when handling five energetic toddlers.
Expert Opinions: Safety vs. Stigma
The debate over using child leashes is nothing new, and even experts have mixed opinions on the topic.
In Favor of Leashes: A Creative Problem-Solving Approach
Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a parenting and youth development expert, sees leashes as a creative and sensible solution. She believes that using a leash is far better than keeping children confined at home out of fear.
“This isn’t about treating kids like animals,” she explains. “It’s about giving parents a way to manage their kids safely in public. If it means parents can go out and enjoy family time without constant anxiety, it’s worth considering.”
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They don’t know the struggle!
Against Leashes: Potential Risks and Social Stigma
On the other hand, some pediatricians warn against the potential risks of using leashes, such as entanglement or causing a child to trip. One pediatrician stated:
“As a father of three, I understand the unpredictability of kids. But from a safety standpoint, a leash can create its own set of problems.”
Additionally, some believe that using a leash can negatively impact the parent-child dynamic, creating a sense of restriction rather than freedom. While these concerns are valid, the practicality of leashes in specific scenarios cannot be dismissed.
Alternative Solutions to Child Safety
For parents who feel uneasy about using leashes, there are alternative methods to keep children safe in public:
- Hand-Holding Chains: Brightly colored ropes with handles for each child to hold onto, keeping the group together.
- Buddy Systems: Pairing children up to stay close to one another.
- Stroller Wagons: Spacious alternatives to traditional strollers, keeping multiple children secure.
- Verbal Cues and Safety Drills: Teaching kids to stay close and respond to their names when called.
Every method has its advantages and drawbacks, but the key is finding what works for each unique family dynamic.
Why We Should Rethink Parental Judgment
It’s easy to judge from behind a screen, but no one truly knows what it’s like to walk in another parent’s shoes—especially when those shoes belong to the father of quintuplets. Instead of shaming parents for using safety tools like leashes, perhaps we should take a moment to consider their perspective.
Jordan Driskell and his wife chose the method that best suited their situation. Their decision wasn’t about treating their children like animals—it was about keeping them safe in a world where dangers are real and ever-present.
Final Thoughts: A Parent’s Responsibility Is Safety
Parenting is never one-size-fits-all. What works for one family might not work for another, and that’s okay. In the case of Jordan Driskell and his quintuplets, the leash was a means of ensuring that family outings were safe and manageable.
Rather than criticizing parents for their choices, let’s support them in doing what they believe is best for their children. After all, keeping kids safe is every parent’s top priority—whether that involves using a leash, a stroller, or simply holding their little hands tight.
Next time you see a parent doing something differently, remember that every family has its own challenges. Let’s choose empathy over judgment, especially when it comes to raising the next generation.
