“They Are Humans, Not Dogs”: Dad Faces Backlash Over Leash System for Quintuplets
What Happened
Jordan Driskell, 31, a father from Kentucky, is receiving criticism online after a video resurfaced showing his 5-year-old quintuplets using a leash system during a family trip to an aquarium. The video, originally posted last year, recently went viral again, reaching more than three million views.
Who Is in the Family
Jordan and his wife, Briana, 34, share five children:
- Zoey
- Dakota
- Hollyn
- Asher
- Gavin
Why He Says They Use a Leash System
Jordan says the leash helps the family safely enjoy public outings without constant fear of the kids running off. His key points:
- Kids are naturally curious and may quickly dart away in crowded places.
- The leash provides peace of mind and reduces stress during outings.
- It allows the children to walk independently while parents maintain control and safety.
- The kids reportedly “love it” because they get freedom to move rather than being confined.
Why They Stopped Using a Large Stroller
The family previously used a 6-seat stroller, but Jordan said it became impractical:
- It was too bulky to bring to many places.
- It limited the children’s ability to walk, especially in crowded areas where they wanted more independence.
The Main Criticisms Online
After the video went viral, Jordan received harsh comments such as:
- “They are humans not dogs.”
- “Can’t you just train your children well?”
- “Don’t have that many kids if you can’t handle the pressure.”
- “If you can’t handle that many children don’t get them in the first place.”
Expert Perspective: “Creative Problem Solving”
Parenting and youth development expert Dr. Deborah Gilboa offered a different view, arguing that:
- This approach can be a practical safety tool, not a sign of disrespect.
- It may help families who would otherwise feel forced to stay home.
- Public judgment often ignores the reality that parents are trying to solve a real problem, even if others can’t see it.
- A leash system can be especially useful for:
- Parents managing multiple young children at once
- A neurodiverse child who may wander or bolt
- A child who hasn’t fully developed listening and impulse control skills yet
When Should Kids No Longer Need a Leash?
Dr. Gilboa noted that for neurotypical children, the goal is to transition away from leash systems by about age 8 or 9, replacing it with other methods such as:
- Voice control and consistent listening skills
- Strong routines for staying close in public
- Alternative safety strategies for tracking children in crowds
She added that continuing a leash system into older childhood would become socially uncomfortable—“It would be awkward to be on a leash in seventh grade.”
The Bigger Question: Safety vs. Stigma
This situation highlights a broader parenting tension:
- Some people see leashes as humiliating or unnecessary.
- Others view them as a safety device that helps families function in public—especially with multiple young children—without fear or chaos.
In the end, the debate often comes down to one issue: Is the priority public appearance—or preventing a dangerous moment in a crowded place?