Raising children these days is challenging enough without the constant opinions from family members and random strangers online critiquing parenting methods.

Jordan Driskell, a 31-year-old father of five-year-old quintuplets, knows this all too well. Managing five children of the same age is incredibly taxing, especially when they’re curious and eager to explore.

To handle this, Jordan came up with a creative solution: child leashes. Previously, the family used a six-seat stroller, but it quickly became impractical and uncomfortable for the kids. The leashes allow the children to safely wander and explore their surroundings without Jordan losing sight of them.

However, when Jordan posted a video of a family outing to the aquarium, it sparked a wave of negative feedback. The video, which went viral with over 3 million views, received comments accusing the parents of treating their children like animals. Some suggested that if they couldn’t handle the pressure, they shouldn’t have so many kids. Others offered disdainful advice, suggesting better training and communication with the children.

Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a parenting and adolescent development expert, offered a different perspective. She believes that using a leash does not make a child feel like an animal and is a better alternative than staying home. Leashes can be particularly useful for younger children or neurodiverse children in public settings. However, she noted that by ages eight or nine, neurotypical children should ideally be off leashes and able to respond to verbal communication.

Parents should have the freedom to raise their children without unnecessary judgment from society.

What do you think about children on leashes in public? Share your thoughts in the comments below and share this article with friends and family to hear their opinions too!