Raising children in today’s world is no easy task, especially when faced with the scrutiny and judgement of others. Alongside the opinions of family members, parents must now contend with comments from strangers on the internet criticizing their parenting methods.
One such father who has experienced this firsthand is Jordan Driskell, a 31-year-old dad of five quintuplets, all of whom are now 5 years old. Managing the needs and curiosity of five children of the same age can be quite overwhelming, particularly when out in public.
To address this challenge, Jordan came up with a creative solution: leashes. Not just any leashes, but ones specifically designed for children.
These leashes allowed him to maintain control over his rambunctious little ones while exploring the world together. Previously, the family relied on a 6-seat stroller, but it quickly became cumbersome and impractical.
The children disliked being confined within it, and it was inconvenient to transport. The leashes, on the other hand, enabled the kids to wander and explore their surroundings freely, all while ensuring their safety.
However, when Jordan posted a video of their family outing to the aquarium, he faced a barrage of negative feedback. The video, showcasing the children on leashes, went viral and garnered over 3 million views.
Many critics argued that children should not be leashed, stating that they are not animals. Some even went as far as suggesting that Jordan should not have had so many kids if he couldn’t handle the pressure. Others, masking their disdain as advice, condescendingly asked if he couldn’t simply train his children or explain the risks to them.
Dr. Deborah Gilboa, an expert in parenting and adolescent development, holds a different opinion. She believes that leashing a child does not make them think they are an animal.
Moreover, if the alternative is staying at home, then using a leash becomes a much better option. According to Dr. Gilboa, leashes can be a valuable tool for controlling younger or neuro-diverse children in public spaces.
However, she advises that neurotypical children should be off leashes by the age of eight or nine, once they have developed their listening skills and can be effectively communicated with verbally.
At the end of the day, parents should have the freedom to choose their own parenting methods without unnecessary judgment from society. It is essential to respect their decisions and understand that what works for one family might not work for another.
Rather than criticizing or shaming parents, we should encourage open-mindedness and empathy. After all, we are all just doing our best to raise happy and healthy children in a world filled with challenges and distractions.
What are your thoughts on children on leashes in public? Do you believe it is a practical solution or an unnecessary restriction? We would love to hear your opinions in the comments below. Feel free to share this article with friends and family and engage in meaningful conversations about parenting choices.
