Why One Dad’s Parenting Choice Sparked
Parenting quintuplets comes with unique challenges, and father Jordan Driskell turned to child safety leashes after a large stroller became too heavy and impractical.
A video of the family visiting an aquarium went viral, showing the five-year-olds on harness-style leashes.
Online reactions were intense: while some parents supported the safety measure,
critics labeled the leashes “demeaning” and even compared the children “to pets.”
Others questioned the family’s choices instead of offering understanding.
Child-development expert Dr. Deborah Gilboa explained that leashes can be useful for toddlers or neurodivergent children who struggle with impulse control.
She emphasized that the devices do not damage self-esteem and can prevent dangerous situations in crowded environments.
Gilboa noted that as kids grow, communication should gradually replace tools like these, though this takes time—especially with five young children at once.
The Driskell family’s experience shows that every parenting situation is different, and empathy is often more helpful than criticism.
