Jordan Driskell, a 31-year-old father of five from Kentucky, sparked an online debate after he was seen walking his quintuplets while wearing leashes. Jordan expertly controlled the five-year-old siblings – Zoey, Dakota, Hollyn, Asher, and Gavin – in a video he posted on Instagram.
Jordan is shown in the viral video expertly gripping ropes tied to each youngster, allowing him to guide all five with just one hand. This novel method to kid supervision elicited both positive and negative responses.
The Instagram video garnered a staggering 70,000 views and nearly 600 comments, revealing a range of perspectives. Critics of the use of leashes on young children voiced their concerns, likening such measures to those used on pets.
Jordan expertly walks all five of his children while carrying ropes connected to each of them with one hand in the video
“They are not dogs. How about teaching [them] what to do?” wrote a commentator, while another retorted, “But teachers can look after 30 kids without using leashes.”
Some took a humorous spin, asking whether the quintuplets would be trained to pull a sleigh next, and whether any of them were “rescued.”
While opinions varied, several comments stood in support of Jordan’s decision. Many lauded his dedication to ensuring his children’s safety and applauded his responsible parenting.
“Better safe than sorry. If I had that many, I would do the same. Rock on!” one commenter expressed. Another chimed in, noting, “With five kids you need that… Responsible parenting right here.”
The consensus among those in favor of leashes was that child safety trumps any potential stigma or concerns about appearance.
In light of the social media frenzy, Jordan appeared on the Today Show to provide insight into his decision. He and his wife, Brianna, grappled with the challenge of keeping their active quintuplets close while outdoors. Their choice to use leashes stemmed from a mutual understanding of their children’s curiosity and propensity to wander.
“Kids are so curious – they want to run off and explore. For our peace of mind and sanity, we use a leash. It allows us to leave the house and do fun as a family without being stressed,” Jordan explained.
Initially relying on strollers, the logistics of handling five strollers or a cumbersome multi-seat stroller proved unwieldy. The decision to use leashes offered a practical solution that allowed their children more freedom while maintaining control.
While pediatric experts hold differing viewpoints on child leashes, Jordan’s creative approach resonated with many parents seeking solutions for their unique parenting challenges. Dr. Deborah Gilboa expressed support for such measures, considering them a form of creative problem-solving.
As debates continue to swirl around the use of child leashes, it’s evident that parents’ priority remains the safety and well-being of their children, regardless of the methods employed. The conversation serves as a reminder that parenting, like children themselves, is multi-faceted and diverse, with solutions tailored to each family’s unique needs.