Dad Goes Viral for Leashing His Quintuplets and Fires Back at Critics

Parenting Quintuplets Is No Easy Feat – Just Ask Jordan Driskell

For most parents, managing one or two small children in crowded places can be a challenge. But for Jordan Driskell, who’s raising 5-year-old quintuplets, daily outings have turned into a viral parenting debate. Driskell, a social media influencer, recently reshared a video showing him using child leashes for his quintuplets during a trip to a local aquarium.

The video took the internet by storm, igniting fierce criticism and equally strong support.

But Driskell isn’t backing down. “Walk a mile in my shoes,” he captioned the video, addressing the critics head-on.

A Simple Aquarium Visit Becomes a Viral Sensation

The video, originally filmed in 2021, shows Driskell walking calmly with his quintuplets—Gavin, Asher, Zoey, Dakota, and Hollyn—all secured to individual harnesses. Driskell, holding the ends of five leashes, appeared relaxed and in control.

While some viewers praised his choice, others found it jarring. “They are humans, not dogs,” one comment read. Another bluntly added, “Don’t have that many kids if you can’t handle the pressure.”

Despite the online uproar, Driskell remains firm in his approach. For him, this method isn’t just practical; it’s essential for his children’s safety.

Responding to Backlash with Confidence and Clarity

As criticism mounted, Driskell addressed it during an interview with Today Parents, offering insight into his decision. “Kids are so curious—they want to run off and explore,” he explained. “For our own peace of mind and sanity, we use a leash. It also allows us to leave the house and do fun stuff as a family without being stressed.”

For Driskell and his wife Briana, child leashes offer a way to enjoy family outings without the fear of one of their quintuplets slipping away in a crowd.

Despite the backlash, Driskell remains unfazed. In his words, “It’s not hurting them in any way.”

Why Child Leashes? The Other Options Fell Short

Initially, the Driskells tried using a six-seat stroller to transport their kids, but it quickly became clear it wasn’t practical. “It was just too bulky and ridiculous to take anywhere,” Driskell shared. Maneuvering the massive stroller proved challenging, and it took away the kids’ desire to walk and explore on their own.

Instead, the harnesses give the quintuplets a sense of independence without sacrificing safety. “The other thing is, they want to walk when we go somewhere crowded,” Driskell added. “A leash gives them the opportunity to do that—but we’re still in control. They love it.”

A Community Divided: Some Applaud, Others Condemn

While detractors call the leashes dehumanizing, Driskell has received support from other parents, especially those with large families.

“With five kids, you need that,” one supporter commented. “Responsible parenting right here.” Another user added, “I bet the people complaining don’t have that many that young, let alone quintuplets. I’m all for safety.” For many, Driskell’s approach resonates as a realistic solution to a unique parenting challenge.

Driskell’s supporters argue that his method prioritizes safety and minimizes the risk of any one child wandering off, a genuine concern for parents in crowded environments.

“Keeping them safe is priority #1, so you’re all good,” one commenter wrote, highlighting the practicality of Driskell’s choice.

Driskell Takes the Criticism in Stride with Humor

Far from letting the backlash get under his skin, Driskell has leaned into the criticism with humor. In a video posted to Instagram, he captioned, “Don't mind me, just crate training my ‘DOGS,’” poking fun at those who compared his leashes to dog training.

He even used humor to remind people of more serious issues, asking, “Where was y'all at when they were putting babies in the trash?” alongside a humorous photo of a baby under a trash can. These light-hearted jabs reflect Driskell’s willingness to share his life with transparency and a touch of humor, even when facing intense scrutiny.

Sharing His Parenting Journey While Standing His Ground

Driskell’s videos offer a glimpse into the unique experience of raising quintuplets, and he doesn’t shy away from sharing both the highs and lows.

His candidness about his parenting choices aims to dispel misconceptions and provide a reality check to those unfamiliar with the challenges of raising multiple young children at once.

“You may not agree [with my parenting] and that's ok,” he shared in one Instagram post, addressing the online critics directly. “But don't tell me about something you have no clue about!”

What’s Your Take on the Child Leash Debate? Join the Conversation!

Do you think Driskell’s decision to use child leashes is practical or too extreme? Share your thoughts below—whether you’re pro-leash or not, this conversation highlights the challenges of parenting in today’s world and the unique ways parents tackle them.