When a young dad took his five energetic quintuplets on a family outing, he never expected the internet to explode with opinions about his parenting choice. Jordan Driskell, a 31-year-old father of five, knew firsthand the challenges of raising multiple children of the same age—especially at five years old, when curiosity runs wild.
To keep his kids safe while still letting them explore, he used child safety leashes. What seemed like a practical solution for his family quickly sparked a heated debate once his video went viral.
Jordan explained that he had once relied on a massive six-seat stroller, but it became more of a burden than a help. His kids hated being confined, and maneuvering the stroller in public was nearly impossible. With the leashes, however, the children could walk freely, enjoy their surroundings, and still stay close enough to avoid any danger. For Jordan and his wife, it felt like the best way to balance safety and independence for five adventurous kids.
But not everyone agreed. After Jordan posted a video of their trip to the aquarium, it spread across social media, reaching more than three million views. Hundreds of commenters criticized the parents, saying children “aren’t animals” and accusing the couple of being unable to handle the responsibility of a large family. Some even suggested they should simply “train” their kids to listen better, sparking an even bigger wave of debate between parents who supported the idea and those who were strongly against it.
Parenting experts, however, urged people to take a different perspective. Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a well-known specialist in child development, explained that using leashes does not harm children or make them feel like pets. In fact, she argued they can be a valuable tool for young kids—or for neurodiverse children—who may struggle in busy public spaces. According to Dr. Gilboa, what matters is that parents eventually shift toward verbal communication and guidance as children grow older. Until then, she believes parents like Jordan should be free to make safe choices for their families without facing unnecessary shaming from strangers online.
