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
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
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.
Rich Man Sees His Former School Teacher as a Homeless Man – ‘I’m Here Because of Your Mother,’ Says Teacher
I was on my way to close another deal when a familiar face stopped me in my tracks. It was a man I never expected to see again, especially not like this. What he told me next changed everything I thought I knew about my past.
The wind whipped through the bustling city street, sending shivers down my spine despite the expensive coat I wore. I was focused on the upcoming business meeting, my mind running through figures and projections, when something—or rather, someone—caught my eye.
A businessman in a car | Source: Midjourney
A figure slumped against the side of a building, covered in a tattered coat. At first, I tried to look away, but something about him seemed familiar.
Then it hit me.
“Mr. Williams?” I stopped, disbelief coating my words. “Mr. Williams, is that really you?”
The man lifted his head slowly, and my heart sank. It was him, no doubt about it. His once bright eyes, now dull and tired, met mine, and I could see the recognition flicker in them.
An elderly homeless man | Source: Midjourney
“Arthur,” he rasped, his voice rough from the cold or maybe from something deeper, something more painful.
“My dear Arthur… I’m so ashamed that you are seeing me like this.”
“Mr. Williams,” I repeated, stepping closer. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from the man who had once been my rock.
“What happened? How did you… end up like this?”
He gave a bitter chuckle, the sound harsh and dry.
A homeless man talking to a successful business man | Source: Midjourney
“Life has a way of throwing curveballs, doesn’t it?” He looked down, pulling the ragged coat tighter around his frail body.
“But you, Arthur… you’ve done well for yourself. Just like your parents.”
“You taught me everything,” I blurted out, a mix of admiration and sadness swelling in my chest.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for you. You were more than just a teacher to me. You were… you were like a father.”
He looked up at me then, his eyes softening. “I did what I could, Arthur. But your success… that’s your own doing.”
A succesful business man talking to a homeless man on the streets | Source: Midjourney
“No,” I insisted, shaking my head.
“You don’t understand. It wasn’t my mother or the money. It was you. You taught me discipline, how to think critically, how to never give up.”
Mr. Williams sighed deeply, his breath visible in the cold air. “You give me too much credit, Arthur.”
I crouched down beside him, desperation creeping into my voice. “Please, Mr. Williams, let me help you. This isn’t right. You don’t deserve this.”
He hesitated, the silence between us stretching out uncomfortably. Finally, he spoke, his voice tinged with sorrow.
An elderly homeless man | Source: Midjourney
“Arthur, I’m here because of your mother.”
I froze, the words hanging in the air like a bad dream.
“What do you mean? My mother? What does she have to do with this?”
He nodded slowly, his eyes filled with a sadness I’d never seen before.
“Your mother… she had a way of getting what she wanted. And when she didn’t get it…”
“What happened?” I asked, the urgency in my voice clear. “Please, Mr. Williams, tell me.”
Men talking in the streets | Source: Midjourney
He looked away, his hands trembling slightly as he clutched the edges of his coat.
“It all started when I gave you a lower grade on an exam. You remember? It wasn’t to punish you, but to push you, to make you reach your potential.”
“I remember,” I said quietly. “You always said I could do better.”
“I believed in you, Arthur. But your mother… she didn’t see it that way.” He paused, collecting his thoughts.
“She came to see me and demanded that I change your grade. I refused. I told her it wasn’t about grades, but about the lessons you’d learn from failure.”
A homeless elderly man | Source: Midjourney
I could feel my heart racing, dread pooling in my stomach. “And then?”
“She wasn’t happy,” Mr. Williams continued, his voice heavy with regret. “She threatened to ruin me if I didn’t comply. But I stood my ground.”
I clenched my fists, anger simmering beneath the surface. “I can’t believe this… I had no idea.”
“She came back a few days later, acting like she wanted to make amends,” he said, a bitter smile playing on his lips.
A man and a woman having a meeting | Source: Midjourney
“Invited me to a café, said she wanted to understand my perspective. I thought… maybe we could work something out.”
I could see where this was going, but I needed to hear it. “And?”
“When I got there, she wasn’t alone,” he said, his voice breaking slightly.
“The school principal was with her. She accused me of improper conduct, said I’d demanded the meeting to secure your grades. The principal believed her—after all, she was on the school board.”
People having a meeting in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
The pieces started falling into place, and I felt sick to my stomach. “They fired you.”
“Not just fired,” he corrected, his eyes darkening.
“I was blacklisted. No school would touch me. And then… I got sick. Spent everything I had on treatment, and… well, here I am.”
I stared at him, the weight of his words pressing down on me like a ton of bricks.
“Mr. Williams… I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”
“It wasn’t your fault, Arthur,” he said gently, placing a hand on my shoulder. “But now you know the truth.”
Two men walking down the street | Source: Midjourney
I swallowed hard, my mind racing. “Let me help you. I can’t just walk away from this. You’re the reason I am who I am. Let me do something—anything—to make it right.”
As we walked toward my car, Mr. Williams leaned on me for support. Each step seemed to take a toll on him, and I couldn’t help but wonder how much more this man had suffered. But I knew one thing for sure—I wasn’t going to let him walk away from this, not again.
“Arthur,” he began, his voice hesitant, “you don’t have to do this. I’ve managed this far… barely, but I’ve managed. I don’t want to be a burden.”
Two men talking on the streets | Source: Midjourney
“Burden?” I stopped and looked at him, incredulous.
“Mr. Williams, you were never a burden. You gave me everything I needed to succeed. The least I can do is offer you a little help in return. Besides, I’ve been thinking… I could really use someone like you.”
He raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled. “What do you mean?”
“Well,” I said, choosing my words carefully, “I’ve got two kids of my own now, Mr. Williams. They’re smart, but they need someone who can push them, someone who won’t just give them the easy answers. Someone like you.”
A rich man helping a homeless man | Source: Midjourney
His expression shifted from confusion to something I hadn’t seen in his eyes for a long time—hope. “Arthur… are you asking me to…?”
“Yes,” I nodded, unable to contain my excitement.
“I want you to come work for me as a private tutor for my children. I trust you with their education more than anyone else. They need someone who will teach them not just how to solve equations, but how to think, how to be disciplined,just like you did with me.”
For a moment, he was silent, his eyes glistening with unspoken emotions.
An elderly man and rich man talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney
“Arthur,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, “I don’t know what to say. After everything that’s happened… I didn’t think I’d ever teach again. I thought that part of my life was over.”
I squeezed his shoulder, trying to convey just how much this meant to me.
“It’s not over, Mr. Williams. You’ve got so much left to give. And my kids… they’re going to be lucky to have you. Just think of it as a new beginning.”
He blinked back tears, his voice trembling as he spoke. “I don’t deserve this, Arthur. Not after all the mistakes I’ve made.”
An emotional elderly man | Source: Midjourney
“Mistakes?” I shook my head. “The only mistake was letting someone like you fall through the cracks. You didn’t fail me, Mr. Williams. You saved me. And now, I want to help you do the same for my children.”
He looked at me with a mixture of gratitude and disbelief. “I don’t know how I can ever repay you.”
“You’ve already repaid me a thousand times over,” I said softly, guiding him toward the car.
“Just come home with me. Let’s get you settled in, and we’ll figure everything else out from there.”
A young man helping an elderly man get inside his car | Source: Midjourney
As we drove through the city, the silence between us was comfortable, filled with unspoken understanding. Finally, as we pulled up to my house, Mr. Williams turned to me, his voice filled with resolve.
“Arthur,” he said, with a strength I hadn’t heard in years, “I won’t let you down. I’ll give your children everything I gave you, and more. They’ll grow up to be just as strong, just as capable as you are.”
I smiled, feeling a warmth in my chest that I hadn’t felt in a long time.
A young business man smiling while talking to an elderly man | Source: Midjourney
“I know you will, Mr. Williams. And this time, no one’s going to take that away from you.”
He nodded, and as we stepped out of the car, he paused, looking up at the house—a symbol of the life he once had, and the new one he was about to begin. He turned to me, his eyes shining with determination.
“Let’s get to work,” he said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
A young man and an elderly man looking at a beautiful house | Source: Midjourney
Leave a Reply