A Kentucky dad, Jordan Driskell, faced harsh online criticism after sharing a video of him using leashes to manage his quintuplets during a family outing. While the tool helped keep his kids safe in crowded places, many online commenters were appalled, calling it disturbing and comparing it to treating children like pets.
Despite the backlash, Jordan defended the method, explaining that it allowed his kids to explore while giving him control for their safety. Some parents supported his decision, sharing similar experiences and praising his creativity in managing a challenging situation.
Experts in parenting had mixed views. Dr. Deborah Gilboa endorsed the technique as a clever solution, while some pediatricians worried about safety concerns, such as entanglement or choking hazards.
Ultimately, many believe parents should have the freedom to choose what works best for their family, as long as it doesn’t harm anyone. Alternative solutions, like getting extra help during outings, might be a potential option for parents in similar situations.