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.

I Opened My Mother-in-Law’s Christmas Gift & My Husband Kicked Her Out Because of It

Hosting Christmas for my in-laws was supposed to be a joyous affair, but the evening took a shocking turn when my mother-in-law gifted me something that left the entire room speechless. What started as festive cheer quickly spiraled into an unforgettable family showdown.

Christmas is supposed to be magical, right? A season of love, family, and giving. Well, this year, it turned into a drama-filled spectacle, starring none other than my mother-in-law, Judith. But before I get to the moment she completely blindsided me, let me give you some context about our… complicated relationship.

A thoughtful woman looking out the window | Source: Midjourney

A thoughtful woman looking out the window | Source: Midjourney

I met my husband, Trent, three years ago, and we hit it off instantly. By then, he’d already been divorced from Rose, his ex-wife, for two years. Rose and I couldn’t be more different — she’s the elegant, always-poised type, and I’m more of the “let’s wear fuzzy socks to dinner” kind of girl. Trent said he loved that about me. I thought Judith, his mom, did too. At least, at first.

When I met Judith, she was warm and polite. I even thought we could be close someday.

A polite and warm-looking senior woman | Source: Midjourney

A polite and warm-looking senior woman | Source: Midjourney

But as time passed, cracks began to show. Subtle, at first, things like “accidentally” calling me Rose.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Elle, I meant you! It’s just… you remind me so much of her,” she’d say with an apologetic smile that never quite reached her eyes.

“It’s okay,” I’d reply awkwardly, not sure how to take it.

Then the comments escalated.

“She always kept her house spotless,” Judith mentioned once during a visit, her gaze sweeping over my lived-in living room. “Rose used to say, ‘A tidy house is a tidy mind.’ You might want to try it—helps with stress.”

A woman smiles slyly while looking at someone | Source: Midjourney

A woman smiles slyly while looking at someone | Source: Midjourney

I bit my tongue, smiling stiffly. What could I even say? Judith’s tone was sweet, but the words stung. I told myself she just needed time to adjust. After all, I wasn’t the first daughter-in-law she’d had.

But her digs weren’t always so subtle. At one family dinner, she casually brought up a photo album of Trent and Rose’s wedding.

“I found this the other day,” she said, sliding it across the table. “Wasn’t she stunning? It’s no wonder the whole town thought they were the perfect couple.”

A photo album, wedding photos, and a camera lying on a white surface | Source: Pexels

A photo album, wedding photos, and a camera lying on a white surface | Source: Pexels

“Mom,” Trent said sharply, his jaw tightening. “Why are you showing us this?”

Judith blinked innocently. “Oh, I just thought Elle would enjoy seeing it. She could get some inspiration for family photos.”

I didn’t even get the chance to respond. Trent grabbed the album and shut it. I thought that would be the end of it, but it wasn’t. Judith’s comparisons kept coming, like a slow drip meant to wear me down.

One night, after a particularly exhausting day, I brought it up to Trent.

“Does she… hate me?” I blurted, not meeting his eyes.

He frowned. “Who?”

A man slightly frowning while looking at someone | Source: Midjourney

A man slightly frowning while looking at someone | Source: Midjourney

“Your mom. I mean, she’s so sweet in front of everyone, but behind closed doors…” I hesitated, trying to find the right words. “She’s different. She talks about Rose constantly—like I’m some second-place replacement.”

Trent sighed. “Elle, she hated Rose. Trust me, she’s told me that for years.”

I shook my head. “Then why does she keep comparing us? Why bring her up at all?”

“I don’t know,” he said softly, rubbing his temple. “But I’ll talk to her.”

He tried, but Judith brushed it off. “I’m just teasing,” she’d told him with a laugh. “Elle’s so sensitive. She’ll toughen up.”

A senior woman laughs slyly while looking at someone | Source: Midjourney

A senior woman laughs slyly while looking at someone | Source: Midjourney

Fast-forward to Christmas Eve. I’d gone all out, decorating the house, cooking, and hosting the entire family. I wanted everything to be perfect. For a while, it was. There were carols, laughter, and the warmth of togetherness.

And then came the gifts.

Judith handed me hers with a wide smile. “This is for you, Elle,” she said. “I think you’ll find it… meaningful.”

“Thank you,” I replied, smiling cautiously as I unwrapped the box.

A closeup shot of a woman's hands about to unwrap a Christmas present | Source: Pexels

A closeup shot of a woman’s hands about to unwrap a Christmas present | Source: Pexels

The room fell silent as I pulled out the gift, a pair of stunning earrings. Gasps echoed around as my non-existent moment of joy turned into absolute shock. My cheeks burned as I stared at it, unable to process what I was holding.

Judith’s grin widened like she had just pulled off the prank of the century. My mouth went dry as I realized the earrings were Rose’s. I’d seen them in that photo before — Rose beaming beside Trent and Judith, all of them looking so picture-perfect. This wasn’t just a careless mistake. It was deliberate.

A woman in a white dress wearing matching earrings | Source: Pexels

A woman in a white dress wearing matching earrings | Source: Pexels

Judith clasped her hands together. “Do you like them, Elle? They’re very… sentimental.”

I stared at her, my words caught somewhere between fury and disbelief. “These—these were Rose’s, weren’t they?”

Her face didn’t flinch. “Oh, were they? I hadn’t noticed. I thought they’d suit you better. She didn’t really appreciate them, you know.” She turned to the rest of the family with a sugary smile, like this was all perfectly normal.

A senior woman with a sugary smile | Source: Midjourney

A senior woman with a sugary smile | Source: Midjourney

The gasps from the room morphed into uncomfortable murmurs. Trent’s jaw tightened, and he shot me a look of silent outrage. His voice cut through the noise like steel. “Mom, what is wrong with you?”

Judith’s grin faltered slightly. “Oh, come on. It’s just a pair of earrings! I thought Elle would appreciate something elegant for once.”

I stood up, my legs feeling wobbly. “Elegant?” My voice came out sharper than I intended. “This isn’t a thoughtful gift. It’s… it’s cruel. You’ve spent years comparing me to Rose, and now this?”

An upset woman | Source: Midjourney

An upset woman | Source: Midjourney

Judith leaned back in her chair with an air of mock innocence. “Cruel? Elle, don’t be so dramatic. It’s Christmas. Let’s not ruin the mood.”

“No, you ruined the mood,” Trent snapped, his voice rising. “Mom, you’ve crossed the line too many times, and I’m done pretending this is okay.”

Judith’s face darkened. “Excuse me? I’m your mother.”

“And I’m his wife,” I interrupted, my voice steady now. “And you’ve disrespected me for the last time.”

Trent didn’t hesitate. “Mom, I think you should leave.”

An angry man | Source: Midjourney

An angry man | Source: Midjourney

The room collectively held its breath. Judith’s face turned a deep shade of red, and for a moment, she looked genuinely stunned. Then, she laughed bitterly, shaking her head. “Leave? You’re kicking me out? On Christmas?”

“Yes,” Trent said firmly. “Because your behavior is unacceptable.”

Her voice rose in a panicked crescendo. “Unacceptable? After everything I’ve done for you? For this family?”

I stepped forward, still clutching the earrings. “Wait.” Everyone turned to me. “I’ll be right back.”

A woman with a determined look | Source: Midjourney

A woman with a determined look | Source: Midjourney

I rushed upstairs, my heart pounding in my chest. I rifled through an old drawer until I found the photo: Judith, Trent, and Rose, all smiles. The very picture that had haunted me for months. Wrapping it hastily in leftover paper, I returned to the living room.

“Here,” I said, handing the awkwardly wrapped gift to Judith. “Merry Christmas.”

She frowned but tore off the paper. When the picture emerged, her face twisted with confusion before morphing into something more vulnerable — embarrassment, maybe even shame.

“What is this supposed to mean?” she asked, her voice trembling.

A surprised and upset senior woman | Source: Midjourney

A surprised and upset senior woman | Source: Midjourney

“It’s a picture of you, Trent, and Rose,” I explained, keeping my tone calm despite the storm inside me. “You’ve spent years reminding me I’m not her. I thought you’d appreciate a keepsake of the person you clearly wish was still here.”

The silence was suffocating. Judith stared at the picture, her hands shaking. For the first time, she looked small, cornered.

Trent stepped closer, his voice low but firm. “Mom, you need to leave. Now.”

A man looks angry and serious | Source: Midjourney

A man looks angry and serious | Source: Midjourney

Judith’s tantrum came swiftly. She slammed the picture onto the table. “You’re both so ungrateful! I’ve only ever tried to help you. And this is how you repay me? Kicking me out of my own son’s house?”

“Mother,” Trent said, his patience hanging by a thread, “this is my house, and you’ve overstayed your welcome. Please leave.”

She grabbed her coat in a huff, muttering under her breath as she stormed out. “I hope you both enjoy your little perfect life. Don’t come crying to me when it all falls apart.”

A very angry and upset senior woman | Source: Midjourney

A very angry and upset senior woman | Source: Midjourney

The door slammed behind her, and the room was eerily quiet.

Later that night, Trent and I sat by the fireplace, the glow of the flames casting shadows across the room. I was still clutching the earrings, unable to decide what to do with them.

“I’m sorry, Elle,” Trent said softly. “I should’ve stood up to her sooner.”

I shook my head. “It’s not your fault. She just… she couldn’t let go of the past. And maybe she didn’t know how to move forward.”

A woman looking at someone | Source: Midjourney

A woman looking at someone | Source: Midjourney

He took my hand. “Yeah, maybe. Anyway, let’s just forget about everything and not ruin our mood. Are you in the mood for some holiday cheer?”

“Of course,” I whispered.

Over the next year, something surprising happened. Judith reached out — not with snide remarks or manipulative apologies, but with genuine remorse. It started with a simple message.

“Elle,” it read, “I realize I’ve hurt you deeply, and I’m ashamed. I don’t expect forgiveness, but I want to try to earn your trust.”

An apologetic senior woman holding her phone | Source: Midjourney

An apologetic senior woman holding her phone | Source: Midjourney

It wasn’t easy at first. Trust is a fragile thing, especially when it’s been shattered. But Judith kept showing up: calling to check in, inviting me to lunch, even asking for my advice on little things. Slowly, my walls came down.

By the time Christmas rolled around again, I felt a tentative warmth toward her. When she handed me a small box during our holiday gathering, I braced myself. But inside was a knitted muffler, hat, and gloves — all in my favorite colors.

A gift box containing a knitted muffler, cap, and gloves | Source: Midjourney

A gift box containing a knitted muffler, cap, and gloves | Source: Midjourney

“I made these for you,” she said quietly. “I wanted to give you something from the heart this year.”

Tears stung my eyes as I pulled out the soft wool. “Thank you,” I whispered. “They’re perfect.”

This time, the warmth of Christmas wasn’t marred by tension or rivalry. It was just… peaceful. Judith and I weren’t perfect, but we were trying. And that, I realized, was the best gift of all.

A woman bonding with her mother-in-law during Christmastime | Source: Midjourney

A woman bonding with her mother-in-law during Christmastime | Source: Midjourney

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