Let me introduce you to Jordan Driskell, a 31-year-old dad with five kids who are all 5 years old! Imagine having five energetic kids all the same age—it’s a handful! Especially when they’re excited to explore everything around them. But Jordan is really smart and creative.
He found a simple but great idea to help keep track of his kids when they’re out in public—he uses child leashes. It’s made a big difference for their family. The kids can have fun, and Jordan can make sure they stay safe.
Before, the Driskell family used a big stroller that could fit all the kids. But the kids didn’t like it much—they felt stuck and couldn’t move around freely. And it was hard for Jordan to take the stroller everywhere because it was so big. But now, using leashes has changed everything.
With leashes, Jordan can keep an eye on his kids and make sure they stay safe without feeling stuck. The kids can wander around and see new things, which they love. It’s a simple solution that works well for everyone.
Recently, a video of the Driskell family at the aquarium, with the kids on leashes, got really popular online. It got over 3 million views! But sadly, not all the feedback was good. Some people said using leashes on kids was like treating them like animals. Others gave advice about training the kids better.
But Dr. Deborah Gilboa, who knows a lot about parenting and kids, disagrees with these ideas. She says using a leash doesn’t make a kid feel like an animal. In fact, she thinks if the choice is between using a leash or not going out, using a leash is much better.
Dr. Gilboa says leashes can be really helpful, especially for younger kids or those who need extra support, like kids with different ways of thinking. It helps keep them safe and helps manage their behavior when they’re out in public. But for kids who don’t need as much help, like most kids, it’s good to slowly stop using leashes as they learn to listen and talk.
Parents should be able to pick how they want to take care of their kids without people judging them. Using leashes for kids in public is something families should decide for themselves, and others should respect that choice.
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