Raising children today is inherently challenging. Young parents not only face judgment from relatives but also endure random remarks from strangers online about their parenting choices.

Jordan Driskell, a father of five quintuplets who are all five years old, exemplifies these challenges. Raising five children of the same age is incredibly demanding, especially at an age when they are curious and eager to explore.

To manage his energetic children in public, 31-year-old Jordan Driskell devised a creative solution: he bought child-sized leashes. Previously, he used a six-seat stroller for the family, but it quickly became impractical due to the children’s discomfort and the difficulty of transporting it.

The leashes allow the children to walk and explore their surroundings safely while Jordan keeps an eye on them, preventing them from wandering off.

A video that Driskell shared of a family outing to the aquarium, showing the children on leashes, went viral with over 3 million views and sparked significant criticism. Many viewers disapproved, arguing that children should not be treated like animals.

Comments included, “Don’t have so many kids if you can’t handle the pressure,” and sarcastic advice like, “Can’t you just properly train your children?”

However, Dr. Deborah Gilboa, an expert in parenting and adolescent development, offered a different perspective. She asserted that using a leash does not dehumanize children. For parents, leashes can be a practical tool for managing young or neurodiverse children in public settings.

Dr. Gilboa did note, though, that it could be concerning if a neurotypical child still requires a leash at eight or nine years old instead of relying on verbal communication.

Parents should be free to choose the parenting methods that work best for them without undue societal criticism.