Raising children in today’s world presents a series of its own challenges. Young parents not only struggle with judgments from family members, but also face unsolicited opinions from strangers on the Internet about their parenting styles.
Jordan Driskell, a 31-year-old father of five who are all five years old, found himself in a challenging situation. Managing five children of the same age can be extremely demanding, especially when they are curious and eager to explore.
To solve this challenge, Driskell decided to use child-sized leashes to keep his energetic children safe and under control during field trips. While he initially used a six-seater stroller, he found it unwieldy and impractical for their active lifestyle.
A video of the family’s trip to the aquarium, where the children were seen on leashes, went viral and garnered more than 3 million views. The response was mixed, with many criticizing the use of leashes, comparing it to treating children like animals. Critics suggested better training for children to prevent them from running away.
dr. Deborah Gilboa, an expert in parenting and child development, offered the opposite perspective. She defended the use of leashes as a practical tool for guiding young children, especially those with neurodiverse, in public settings. However, she acknowledged that it may not be appropriate for neurotypical children over the age of eight or nine who have developed listening skills.
dr. Gilboa emphasized that by the time children reach this age, parents should be able to communicate verbally and not rely on devices such as leashes.
In conclusion, Driskell’s experience highlights the ongoing debate about parenting methods and societal perception. Despite the criticism, parents should have the freedom to choose the methods that best suit their family’s needs without facing unnecessary scrutiny.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education