ALDI worker calls out parents for 'mean' school holiday habit

"Instantly, the smile on the kid's face disappears. They heard you. They know it's not funny."

For parents to 'joke' about dreading the school holidays can be a knee-jerk reaction, and a unifying one - depending on their audience.

But a young Aussie supermarket worker has now called out the "at least 20" parents he witnessed doing this in one day - in front of their kids. 

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"You're not funny"

Victorian man Perry Ironstone, wearing an ALDI supermarket uniform, begins his clip: 

"To all the parents out there, who act like the start of the school holidays is the end of the world because they think it's funny, you're not funny."

Ironstone explains that he needed to call out parents after his nine-hour shift.

"You ask a parent and kid 'Are you excited for the school holidays?' The kid will smile, but before the kid can even respond, the parent interjects with 'Yeah, so excited', being sarcastic.

"Or they will straight up say no. And literally instantly, that smile on the kid's face disappears. Gone. They heard it. They know what's going on.

"It's not funny. Stop doing it."

The clip is captioned: "Most of these people are purely joking and are rapt to have the kids home, I'm sure... but if you're a parent, make sure to let your kids know you're excited to spend more time with them. It'll go a long way."

Image: TikTok

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"Don't take time with your kids for granted"

Many parents in the 1200-strong comments section loved Ironstone's advice.

"This is a good reminder for us not to take time with our children for granted, thank you," read one post.

Others agreed, for example this mum who wrote, " Ok point made thank you. I'm the grown up I need to adjust my attitude and will. Appreciate the reminder sincerely."

This viewer added, "I work full time and I have three kids and being busy is not my kids' fault. I always make them know that I'm excited about their school holidays. It’s not their issue we have too much on our plate."

The video prompted one to ask, "Why is it normalised as a society not loving time with our children?"

Some supermarket workers shared a similar experience to Ironstone's: "I work at a supermarket, I have a lot of mums come in complaining that their kids are gonna be home for the school holidays, like why are you guys parents?"

Sadly, there were also those who related as the children.

"Hearing your parent is annoyed you’ll be home makes you feel like a burden. It’s leads to withdrawal from parents and emotional neglect. Make your kids feel wanted," one shared.

Another added, "My family used to do this all the time. Maybe I’m too sensitive but I remember how much it hurt. And the lasting effect it’s had on me, even now!"

"School holidays makes things worse"

Not everyone agreed with Ironstone's perspective and explained exactly why school holidays can be so challenging.

"I hear you, now picture this, you're a MOTHER that works full time and then has to juggle school holidays with work and household duties that are assumed to be your sole responsibility," a viewer told the TikToker, who replied, "I understand what you mean completely but imagine hearing this as a child and knowing that your presence at home is annoying your parents basically being a burden with them. It hurts."

Others also tried to define the nuances of school holidays, especially for working parents.

"We love our kids, some of us just get overwhelmed easily and school holidays makes that worse," admitted one mum.

"I straight up tell my kids I love them, but I'm overwhelmed at the moment and communicate with them it's mostly because we have to work and pay on average 800$ for their care over that time, or take leave to care for them. Also add the CHAOS that comes with the routine change."

On the other side were parents who agreed with Ironstone because they enjoyed the school holidays.

"I love the school holidays, sleep ins, movie days, having enough energy to go to the playground, no tantrums about not wanting to go to school. Good old family time," one mum wrote enthusiastically.

Another agreed, adding, "Love this! That’s what some parents don’t understand. I try to save my leave and take random days off to take them out or just be home with them."

Finally, new-ish mum shared her hopes for the future: "I can’t wait for my son to be old enough for school holidays. By then I’ll be a primary teacher and be on holidays with him!

"I can’t stand parents like this!"

Originally published as ALDI worker calls out parents for 'mean' school holiday habit