When 31-year-old Jordan Driskell took his five quintuplets on a family outing, he never expected his
parenting choice to go viral. To keep his energetic five-year-olds safe, he used child safety leashes.
For him, it was practical: the kids could walk freely, explore, and stay close without the chaos of a bulky six-seat stroller they disliked.
But when Jordan shared a video of their trip to the aquarium, it hit over three million views—and criticism poured in.
Commenters accused the parents of treating their children “like animals” and claimed they should “train” them better.
Others defended the choice, saying safety mattered most when managing multiple children in crowded spaces.
Parenting experts urged understanding rather than judgment. Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a child development specialist,
explained that leashes don’t harm children or make them feel dehumanized. Instead, they can be helpful for toddlers
or neurodiverse kids who struggle in busy environments. She emphasized that parents should gradually
shift toward verbal guidance as kids grow, but until then, tools like these can reduce stress and prevent danger.
For Jordan and his wife, the goal was simple: keep their five little explorers safe while still letting them experience the world.