Becoming a parent changes everything—and raising five children at once brings even more challenges. For one Kentucky dad, fatherhood has been both a joyful adventure and a target for online criticism due to an unconventional but safety-focused choice.
A Family of Seven and a Life-Changing Journey
Jordan Driskell and his wife Briana are proud parents of quintuplets—Zoey, Dakota, Hollyn, Asher, and Gavin. With five energetic little ones, parenting was a full-time job that demanded creativity, teamwork, and a deep well of patience.
To manage outings safely, the couple initially used a six-seat stroller. Eventually, they opted for a solution that worked better for their growing family: child safety leashes.
“Kids are curious—they love to explore,” Jordan explained. “For our own peace of mind and sanity, we use a leash. It allows us to leave the house and enjoy activities without being overwhelmed or worried about safety.”
The Internet Reacts—And Not Everyone Is Kind
While the Driskells found the leashes practical and effective, not everyone approved. When Jordan shared a video of a family trip to the aquarium, showing the quintuplets on safety harnesses, the clip went viral—and so did the comments.
Critics didn’t hold back, with some users comparing the leashes to pet restraints and questioning the couple’s parenting:
- “This is deeply disturbing. Teach your kids to behave so you don’t have to use a dog leash. Not cool.”
– @maureenmurphygrzyb - “Leashes on kids should be illegal… even rabbits don’t go on leashes, why should children?”
– @..maybe
Others suggested that the number of children was the issue, implying that the parents had taken on more than they could handle.
Support from Fellow Parents
Thankfully, the comments weren’t all negative. Many parents jumped to Jordan’s defense, expressing admiration for his commitment to his children’s safety.
- “Anyone who disagrees with this method has never cared for five toddlers at once!”
– @graftymarie89 - “I said I’d never use a leash—until I had two energetic toddlers. You do what you have to do.”
– @authortraciejohnson
Supporters praised the Driskells for finding a solution that allowed them to continue enjoying life as a family—without risking their kids running off in public places.
What Experts Say
Parenting experts weighed in on the debate as well. Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a physician and youth development specialist, supported the Driskells’ choice, calling it a smart example of “creative problem-solving.”
“This isn’t treating kids like animals,” she said. “The alternative would be just staying home… Just because you can’t identify with the problem doesn’t mean it’s not there.”
However, not all professionals agreed. One pediatrician raised concerns about potential safety risks, such as entanglement or choking hazards, though he acknowledged the unpredictability of young children in busy environments.
Is There a Better Alternative?
While some critics suggested the use of leashes was “wrong,” few offered viable alternatives. For families with multiple young children, hiring a caregiver or asking for help from relatives or friends could ease the challenge. Still, such options aren’t always accessible.
The truth is, every family is different. What works for one parent might not work for another. As long as children are loved, cared for, and safe, perhaps there’s room for understanding—even if the method looks unconventional.
Final Thoughts
Jordan and Briana Driskell are doing their best—like so many parents—navigating the demands of raising a big family in the spotlight of social media. Their story is a reminder that parenting isn’t one-size-fits-all, and sometimes, unconventional solutions are exactly what a family needs.