An online video of a father of quintuplets, all aged five, walking with him while attached to a leash has caused heated controversy. Jordan Driskell, 31, of Kentucky, just posted the video on Instagram, where he can be seen strolling with his wife, Briana, 34, and their five young children, Zoey, Dakota, Hollyn, Asher, and Gavin.
Many viewers, however, took exception to the fact that leashes restrained the children at all times so they couldn’t run off and get lost. A clip of him writing, “When people criticise me for utilising kid leashes,” with Doja Cat’s Vegas playing in the background, went viral. You are described as “a dog, player, ah, grab it” in the song.
During the footage, Jordan was shown calmly leading his family outside an aquarium while hanging on to five ropes, each attached to a harness worn by one of his children. With the text “Come walk a mile in my shoes,” he invited the viewer to do just that.
More than three million people have seen the popular Instagram video that sparked a debate between those who respected the father’s choice to put a leash on his children and others who criticised him for it, saying, “They’re humans, not dogs.” ‘I have nothing but respect for you, sir,’ commented one adoring fan.
‘Better safe than sorry,’ someone other chimed in. I suppose I would do the same if I had that many. Keep it up! Someone chimed up, “With five kids, you need that.” Here we have some responsible parents.
After reading a comment that stated, “Considering my two-year-old attempted to flee into the street, sure, we use leashes now too,” and another that added, “Keeping kids safe is priority number one, I decided to take a deep look at the topic of leashes. I see no reason for concern, sir. They are not being harmed by it.” “I don’t see any issues here; I think it’s wonderful. ‘I always used a baby harness with reigns on my two, so they were constantly beside me,’ said one parent.
Some children require leashes, and there’s nothing wrong with not wanting to risk losing your child every time you turn your back. One user said, “Don’t blame you,” and another agreed. Imagine if you had no leash at all. And you are going in all sorts of various instructions. Someone may be harmed.
Others, however, were not on board with the idea of child leashes and criticised the father of five for allegedly treating his children like “animals.” One commenter specifically inquired whether the dogs were rescued from a shelter. Someone person countered, “But instructors can watch after 30 kids without using leashes.” Another else chimed up with, “These are not dogs.” Why not show [them] the ropes?
Is teaching them to pull a sledge your next goal with them? Who’s the one with the bright red nose? Is there a chance that any of them can be saved? Try another remark out. Another user commented, “Those kids are far too old to be led on a leash like a d**n dog,” while a third user joked, “Don’t have too many kids.”
When discussing with the Today programme, Jordan revealed that his kids love to ‘go out and explore’ owing to their ‘curiosity,’ so he and his wife use leashes for their ‘own peace of mind and sanity.’ “Kids are naturally curious; they want to go out independently. We use a leash for our sanity,’ he told the media source.
It also allows us to go out and have fun as a family without worrying too much about getting everything done. He said they had a five-seater stroller before, but it was too “bulky” to be helpful. Saying that it was “simply too cumbersome and ludicrous to go anyplace,” he discarded the idea of ever using it again. When we go somewhere busy, kids also insist on walking.
A leash will allow them to do that, but we will still have complete command. “They think it’s great.” Previously, the doctor and current head of the AAP’s injury prevention committee, Benjamin Hoffman, advised against using kid leashes because of the danger of falling. He disapproved, saying, “As a doctor, I’m not thrilled to see youngsters leashed like dogs.” Being the proud parent of three young children, I can attest that children are difficult to anticipate.
“But from a safety sense, I would be concerned about entanglement or choking — we all know the hazards of other unsecured cables, such as those on window blinds. ‘I’ve seen parents yank back too hard on a leash, sending their children tumbling, usually backwards.
“I would be concerned about head and body trauma. To put it bluntly, as a doctor, I would never advise it. A youngster in a stroller is preferable to a child on a leash.” Another doctor, Deborah Gilboa, told Today that the leash was an example of “creative problem-solving.” She emphasized that “this isn’t treating kids like animals.” The ability to solve problems in novel ways. Just remaining at home is the other option.
“It’s a fantastic method for a parent of a neurotypical kid or a youngster who hasn’t mastered all the rudiments of listening. Most parents only act this way because they believe it is in their children’s best interests. If you can’t put your finger on the issue, that doesn’t imply it doesn’t exist.
In addition, she said that by the time your kid is eight or nine years old, you shouldn’t have to wear a leash. When I asked her to elaborate, she said, “At that time, you want to have another system in place to keep track of your kids in public.” “Being on a leash in seventh grade would be embarrassing.”
Arizona State University assistant professor of social work Paige Safyer advised parents to encourage their children’s curiosity to teach them about personal safety. This advice was published on the parenting website Family.com. She emphasized the importance of children knowing they can always return to a secure place, usually a parent or teacher.
Kids should be taught what is safe and what is not and should discuss these matters with an adult. These discussions can’t be replaced with a leash. Adults should take the time to explain how things function to youngsters since they can understand more than they can articulate at an early age.
In the same way, you would explain to a kid why you are holding their hand as you cross a busy street, I believe the same explanation should be provided if the child is placed on a leash.