Raising Children in a Modern World: The Power of Leashes

Parenting in the Modern Age: A Leash on Judgment?

Parenting today is no small feat, especially when every choice seems to come under public scrutiny. Balancing the safety, freedom, and development of young children often invites unsolicited opinions—from family members to strangers online.

Jordan Driskell’s Solution for Quintuplets

Meet Jordan Driskell, a 31-year-old father navigating life with quintuplets—all aged five. Managing five energetic and curious children is an extraordinary challenge, particularly in public spaces. To ensure their safety and ease his own stress, Jordan opted for a practical yet unconventional method: leashes designed for children.

Initially, the Driskell family relied on a six-seat stroller. While it kept the kids together, it was cumbersome and left the children feeling restricted. Switching to leashes revolutionized their outings, offering both safety and freedom. Now, the children can explore their surroundings within a safe radius, making family trips far more enjoyable.

A Viral Debate

A video of the Driskell family visiting an aquarium with the kids on leashes recently went viral, amassing over 3 million views. While many admired the ingenuity, others criticized the parents, equating the use of leashes to treating their children like pets. Comments ranged from accusations of lazy parenting to suggestions that better training could replace such tools.

Expert Perspective

Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a parenting and adolescent development expert, countered the criticism. According to her, leashes are a practical solution, particularly for large families or children with neurodiverse needs. “Using a leash doesn’t make a child think they’re an animal,” she clarified. For families like the Driskells, the alternative—staying home—would limit children’s experiences and development.

Dr. Gilboa also noted that as children grow and develop better listening and communication skills, the need for tools like leashes naturally diminishes. For now, they provide a way to keep young kids safe while allowing them to explore their world.

A Matter of Choice

Parenting decisions are deeply personal. What works for one family might not suit another, and that’s okay. Whether or not to use child leashes should be a judgment-free choice, focused on what’s best for the children and their parents.

What’s Your Take?

Do you think child leashes are a clever parenting tool or unnecessary? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to pass this article along to friends and family to hear their opinions!