Kentucky Dad of Quintuplets Shamed for Walking His Kids on a Leash: ‘They Are Humans, Not Dogs’

A Kentucky dad’s life changed forever when he and his wife welcomed quintuplets into the world. However, he never anticipated the harsh critique and hate that would come as a result of his parenting choices.

Parenthood keeps moms and dads busier than full-time employment, and couples often have to learn new skills on the job. No matter how hard they try, they never get everything right, and the job becomes even more challenging when there is more than one child.

However, the joy of being a parent makes all the sleepless nights and sacrifices worthwhile. Sadly, people don’t see everything moms and dads do for their little ones, and onlookers can be brutal.

THE HAPPY FAMILY OF SEVEN

Jordan Driskell and his wife Briana adored their five beautiful children, Zoey, Dakota, Hollyn, Asher, and Gavin. Raising quintuplets was a significant life adjustment, but the couple enjoyed every minute.

Many online users weren’t impressed with Jordan’s parenting choices, and they made their opinions abundantly clear.

They had to come up with various creative parenting techniques to ensure their brood was taken care of and safe. Managing their household required full-time attention, and dad Jordan was always eager to spend time with his little ones.

STRUGGLES WHEN LEAVING THE HOUSE

Taking the children for an outing in the park or a fun day of entertainment might sound like a great idea, but Jordan knew it was never easy and always came with a few concerns.

Leaving the house with all five kids was a task worthy of a gold medal. Jordan and his wife initially used a six-seater stroller to help their brood get around. However, they changed their style and opted for something less bulky and ridiculous.

THEIR CHOSEN PARENTING STYLE

The loving parents started using a leash whenever they left the house with all five kids—and it worked for them! The proud dad shared:

“Kids are so curious — they want to run off and explore. 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.”

Jordan Driskell and his five kids. | Source: Tiktok.com/drixxleman

Jordan Driskell and his five kids. | Source: Tiktok.com/drixxleman

THE DAD’S REASON FOR USING A LEASH

Jordan provided another justification for using a leash, noting that his kids always wanted to walk when they were in crowded places. It was a safety concern, and the leash prevented any of the children from getting lost.

The simple tool allowed the kids much-desired freedom but also gave the parents a level of control. However, when Jordan shared a video in 2022, he quickly realized everyone didn’t approve of his parenting style.

The kids were enjoying a fun day at the aquarium with a twist—they were on a leash. The footage went viral, and netizens didn’t hold back.

Jordan Driskell and his five kids. | Source: Tiktok.com/drixxleman

Jordan Driskell and his five kids. | Source: Tiktok.com/drixxleman

CRITICAL COMMENTS

Many online users weren’t impressed with Jordan’s parenting choices, and they made their opinions abundantly clear. Commenters questioned his actions, and one person indicated he should have had fewer kids if he wasn’t up for the challenge:

“This is deeply disturbing. Teach your kids to behave so you don’t have to use a dog leash. Not cool.”

– (@maureenmurphygrzyb) August 2, 2022

“Bro they’re missing muzzles.”

– (@dtdjt091909) August 3, 2022

“They need to learn to listen to you and they need to learn to be independent. If you can’t control them them don’t have them.”

– (@Ada Hunter) August 3, 2022

“Leashes on kids should be illegal. You have your opinions but it’s just wrong, even rabbits don’t go on leashes, why should children?”

– (@_..maybe_) August 1, 2022

SUPPORTIVE COMMENTS

The comment section also featured positive feedback, with parents praising the dad’s actions. Moms and dads thanked him for putting the safety of his family first, while others stated it was a clever idea:

“I said, ‘I’ll NEVER put my kids on a leash!’ As a mother with two energetic toddlers at the same time, I grabbed the first monkey backpacks with leashes I could get my hands on!”

– (@authortraciejohnson) August 3, 2022

“Anyone who disagrees with his method has never taken care of five toddlers at one time! Even preschools use a rope system to walk to the playground.”

– (@graftymarie89) August 3, 2022

“I had one for my daughter – nothing wrong with it – she was able to run around but close enough to me in a crowd.”

– (@Ligita212) July 31, 2022

“If you are being judged for protecting your children, then the judgmental folks have no clue about the value of life on any level.”

– (mboyd1990) July 31, 2022

CONTRASTING PROFESSIONAL OPINIONS

Dr. Deborah Gilboa, an expert in the field of parenting and youth development, shared her thoughts about the use of a leash. She supported the technique and called it “creative problem-solving.” The doctor added:

“This isn’t treating kids like animals. The alternative would be just staying at home … Just because you can’t identify with the problem doesn’t mean it’s not there.”

CONCERNS ABOUT LEASH INJURIES

Another pediatrician had a different viewpoint. He noted that he didn’t support using leashes on kids because the method treated them like pets. The professional explained:

“As the father of three, I am well aware of how quick, impulsive, and unpredictable kids can be. But from an injury standpoint, I would worry about entanglement or choking.”

Questions To Ponder:

  • Is the father justified in using a leash to manage his kids?

Parents move heaven and earth to provide and care for their children. Moms and dads indeed know what is best for their little ones, and if it isn’t harming anyone, parents should be allowed to do whatever works for them.

  • What might be an alternative course of action for the father-of-five?

It is always easier to point fingers, but many people aren’t able to provide alternative solutions for struggling parents. For moms and dads having a tough time keeping an eye on all of their kids, it might be advisable to get additional help. Perhaps a family member or friend can come along while running errands, so a leash isn’t needed.

At 58, I rediscovered love, but his ex-wife was determined to destroy our joy

At 58, I thought love had passed me by until I met Oliver. Just as our happiness began to bloom, his ex-wife stormed back into his life, determined to tear us apart. What followed was a battle for peace and the strength to overcome the shadows of the past. Could love conquer all?

“Another quiet morning,” I whispered to myself, gazing out the window at the ocean. The waves rolled in gently, and the breeze carried that familiar, salty scent.

It had been years since my divorce, and I had gotten used to the solitude.

“I don’t need anyone,” I would often remind myself, my fingers tapping rhythmically on the keyboard.

My novels had taken off once I fully committed to writing. The quiet house, with only the sound of seagulls and the ocean, gave me the peace I thought I needed.

But every so often, I’d find myself staring out at the horizon, thinking.

Is this really enough?

It wasn’t until Oliver showed up that I realized the answer might be no.

One morning, as I sipped my coffee on the porch, I noticed him for the first time. A tall, charming man, maybe a few years younger than me, strolling along the beach with his golden retriever. I watched as they passed by my house.

“Morning,” he called out, tipping his head with a friendly smile.

“Good morning,” I replied, feeling a little shy.

Each day after that, I found myself looking out for him. I would watch as he walked along the beach, sometimes playing with his dog, sometimes just staring out at the sea. And each time, my heart would skip a beat.

“Why am I so nervous?” I muttered to myself, shaking my head. “It’s just a neighbor. Calm down.”

But I couldn’t. And my feelings grew stronger every time I saw him. Still, I hesitated.

Can I really open up to someone again?

One afternoon, while I was trimming my roses, I heard a rustling sound and a loud thud behind me.

Startled, I turned to see a golden blur darting into my garden.

“Charlie! Get back here!” I heard Oliver call, and seconds later, he appeared, breathless and apologetic.

“I’m so sorry! He just got away from me.”

I laughed, bending down to pet the dog.

“It’s alright, really. He’s cute.”

“He’s a handful, but I wouldn’t trade him for anything.”

“Do you… enjoy reading?” I asked, my voice tentative, hoping to keep the conversation alive.

Oliver chuckled. “I’m a writer. It kind of comes with the territory.”

“Really?” My eyes lit up. “I’m a novelist too.”

We talked about our favorite books, about writing, and soon enough, the conversation flowed easily.

“You know,” I said, taking a deep breath, “I don’t usually do this, but… would you like to have dinner sometime?”

Oliver raised an eyebrow, surprised but pleased.

“I’d love to.”

Just like that, the plan was set.

The next evening was perfect. We laughed and shared stories. Maybe this is what I’ve been missing all along. But just as I started to relax, a woman appeared at our table. Her eyes were hard, and she looked straight at Oliver.

“We need to talk. Now,” she demanded, completely ignoring me.

“Excuse me, we’re in the middle of…” I started.

“Not now,” she snapped, her eyes never even glancing in my direction. It was as if I didn’t exist.

I felt my face flush, my words stuck in my throat. Oliver looked flustered, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

“I’m sorry, Haley,” he muttered, standing up awkwardly. “I have to go.”

I watched, speechless, as he followed her out, leaving me sitting there, feeling invisible. The chatter of the restaurant buzzed around me, but I was numb, frozen in place.

The empty chair across from me seemed like a reflection of how abandoned I felt.

Two days had passed since that awkward dinner, and Oliver still hadn’t called. The silence weighed on me more than I wanted to admit. I felt hurt, confused, and, honestly, a little humiliated.

My mind kept replaying the scene, the way he left without a proper explanation, the way that woman had dismissed me as if I didn’t matter.

I sat at my desk, trying to focus on my writing, but it was no use. My thoughts kept drifting back to that night.

Had I made a mistake inviting him? Was he just playing with me? Who was that woman? And why did he leave with her without even a real explanation?

I was about to give up and close my laptop when I heard a knock at the door. My heart raced as I stood up, part of me hoping, and part of me dreading what might come next.

When I opened the door, Oliver was standing on my doorstep with flowers in his hand.

I stared at him, unsure of what to say.

“I’m sorry, Haley,” he began.

“That woman from the other night—she’s my ex-wife, Rebecca. She shows up like that sometimes, trying to stir things up and ruin my relationships. I didn’t want to make a scene in front of you, so I had to leave with her.”

I tried to mask my emotions. “Why didn’t you tell me that then?”

“I panicked. I should have explained. I’m sorry.”

He paused, offering the flowers.

“I want to make it up to you. I have a literary event coming up. Will you come? It’ll be quieter, and maybe we can spend some time together.”

I hesitated a bit but then nodded.I had dressed carefully, hoping for a peaceful evening, a chance to talk to Oliver without interruptions. Maybe, tonight will be different.

Oliver greeted me with a warm smile. “I’m glad you came.”

I smiled back, trying to push aside the unease I still felt.

The evening started well. Oliver’s presentation was engaging. For a while, I forgot about everything that had happened.

But just as I began to feel at ease, the mood in the room shifted.

I saw the same woman from that night at the restaurant. Rebecca. She strode in with a determined look on her face, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on Oliver. My stomach dropped.

Without hesitation, she marched over to where Oliver and I stood, her voice sharp and loud enough to silence the conversations around us.

“You really thought you could just move on, didn’t you, Oliver?” she spat, glaring at him.

The room grew quiet, and all eyes were on us.

“Rebecca, this isn’t the time or place.”

Oliver took a step toward her, trying to calm her down, but it only made things worse.

“Time or place? How dare you?” she snapped, her voice rising. “You’re a liar and a cheat! You think you can just forget about everything we had? You think you can walk away from me?”

People began to whisper, their curiosity piqued by the unfolding drama.

Rebecca’s eyes turned to me then.

“And you,” she said, her voice dripping with venom, “you’re just another one of his mistakes.”

Before I could even respond, she grabbed a glass of wine from a nearby table and threw it in my face. The cold liquid soaked my hair and dress.

Gasps filled the room. For a second, I just stood there, too humiliated to move. My cheeks burned with embarrassment, and all I wanted to do was disappear.

Security rushed in and quickly escorted Rebecca out, but the damage was already done.

I felt small and exposed. The warmth I had felt earlier was gone, replaced by a crushing sense of shame. I wiped my face and looked at Oliver, who stood there, silent and torn.

“What is going on, Oliver? Why is she doing this? And what aren’t you telling me?”

Oliver sighed, running a hand through his hair.

“I… I haven’t told you everything,” he admitted, his eyes full of regret.

“Rebecca and I have been separated for a while, but during that time, I had an affair. It was a mistake, and I’ve regretted it ever since. Then Rebecca came back into my life and took control. She managed everything. My finances. My schedule. She used my guilt to keep me trapped.”

I felt a heavy weight settle over me and realized how deep that mess went.

“I’ve been trying to leave her for good, but she refuses to let go,” he continued. “I didn’t want to drag you into all of this.”

“I don’t think I can do this, Oliver,” I whispered. “I’m not ready for this kind of drama in my life.”

Without waiting for his response, I turned and walked out, the cool evening air hitting my face as I stepped outside.Several days had passed since the disastrous evening at the literary event, and I couldn’t stop thinking about Oliver. Despite everything that had happened, I missed him.

I tried to push the feelings away, to convince myself that walking out had been the right choice, but the ache of missing him wouldn’t fade.

One afternoon, as I sat by the window, a flicker of movement caught my eye. It was at Oliver’s house. I watched as Rebecca hurried back and forth, swiftly loading boxes into a car.

Is he moving out? Why is she here?

I couldn’t ignore it any longer. I had to tell him that he needed to be stronger, to stand up for himself, and to stop letting people like Rebecca control his life.

Summoning my courage, I stepped outside and made my way toward his house.

But as I approached, something felt different. Oliver’s car pulled up, and when he stepped out, there was a calm, resolute look on his face—one I hadn’t seen before. I hesitated, keeping my distance, watching as he walked straight to Rebecca.

“It’s over, Rebecca,” I heard him say. “Take the money, take the house—whatever you want. But you will not interfere in my life anymore.”

Rebecca froze, staring at him in disbelief. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am,” he said, his voice unwavering. “If you don’t respect that, I’ll file a restraining order. This ends today.”

I stood there, shocked. That was a side of Oliver I had never seen.

At that moment, I knew. He had finally taken control of his life, and that was exactly what I needed to see.

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