Let’s be honest—raising kids is no walk in the park. Now, imagine raising five kids who are all the exact same age. That’s not just parenting—that’s Olympic-level multitasking. For 31-year-old Jordan Driskell, that’s life every single day with his energetic 5-year-old quintuplets. So when this dad chose to use leashes while taking his kids to public places, the internet exploded. But was it really so outrageous?

A Modern Dad’s Creative Solution

Jordan Driskell didn’t make his decision lightly. He used to cart his kids around in a six-seat stroller, but that became more of a hassle than a help. The kids would get fussy, the stroller was bulky, and maneuvering it felt like pushing a shopping cart through a jungle gym.

So what did he do? He swapped the stroller for child-friendly leashes—those backpack-style harnesses designed specifically for toddlers. The goal wasn’t control—it was safety and sanity. It allowed the kids to explore freely without running off, and it let Jordan keep all five of them in sight without losing his mind.

Video: Dad gets massively shamed for putting leashes on his 5 year old quintuplets

The Aquarium Outing That Sparked a Storm

Jordan shared a short video of a family outing to the aquarium, showing the quintuplets on their leashes, happily exploring. The clip went viral fast—racking up over 3 million views. But instead of applause, the comments section lit up with criticism.

Some viewers called it cruel. Others said the kids looked like “dogs on a leash.” Many people judged Jordan’s parenting style from a single video clip. There was no context, no backstory—just judgment.

Internet Shaming: Parenting in the Age of Opinions

We live in a time when everyone has an opinion—and a comment section to share it. The most common response Jordan received? “Train your children better.” As if teaching five five-year-olds to walk calmly in a crowded place is as easy as flipping a switch.

Let’s be real—kids that age have one speed: full throttle. They dart, they wander, they vanish behind displays. In busy public areas, especially places like aquariums or parks, one distracted moment can turn into a disaster. For Jordan, the leash wasn’t about embarrassment—it was about protection.

A Doctor Weighs In: Is the Leash a Bad Thing?

Dr. Deborah Gilboa, an expert in child development and parenting, has a refreshingly grounded take. Her verdict? Using a leash doesn’t turn a kid into an animal. And more importantly, if the alternative is staying home because it’s too risky to take all five kids out—then the leash is the smarter, safer choice.

She notes that these tools can be especially helpful for neuro-diverse children who may not respond well to verbal instructions or traditional safety boundaries. As for neurotypical kids, she adds that by around age 8 or 9, parents should begin relying more on verbal communication and less on physical tools like leashes.

Safety Isn’t Shameful—It’s Smart

We’ve all seen it—parents chasing toddlers through department stores, theme parks, and parking lots. In those moments, a harness could prevent a dangerous accident. Why then do we shame parents for choosing safety?

Jordan didn’t leash his kids out of laziness. He did it out of love—and the need to maintain some order when outnumbered five to one. Parenting isn’t one-size-fits-all. Sometimes it’s about finding a method that works for your family, not for the critics online.

What Really Matters: The Kids Are Happy and Safe

Video: LIKE IT OR NOT: Parents using child leashes

Here’s what most people missed: the quintuplets looked thrilled. They were smiling, walking, looking around wide-eyed at the aquarium. They weren’t being yanked or restrained—they were just tethered close enough to be safe.

This wasn’t a punishment. It wasn’t a leash in the traditional sense—it was a parenting tool. And if we can normalize baby gates, child-proof locks, and car seats, why can’t we accept toddler harnesses for what they really are? Another way to keep kids safe while giving them freedom.

Let Parents Parent Without Fear of Public Shaming

At the end of the day, Jordan Driskell is just doing his best—like every parent out there. He’s trying to balance safety, independence, and sanity while raising five little explorers who don’t yet understand danger the way adults do.

Parenting comes with enough pressure as it is. The last thing moms and dads need is public humiliation for choosing a path that looks different from someone else’s.

So maybe the better question isn’t, “Why would a dad leash his kids?”

Maybe it’s, “Why are we so quick to shame parents who are doing their best in a difficult situation?”

Conclusion: Judgement Doesn’t Make Anyone a Better Parent

Jordan’s story reminds us that parenting isn’t always pretty, and it’s rarely perfect. But when safety meets love—and a dad chooses what works for his family—that deserves understanding, not mockery.

Leashes, strollers, hand-holding, or baby-wearing—it’s all part of a bigger picture: keeping kids safe, supported, and happy. So before we judge another parent, maybe we should ask ourselves: what would we do if we had five five-year-olds in tow?