‘A little harsh’: Mum swears by controversial parenting technique for whingey kids

“This might sound a little crazy or a little crude."

When you welcome your baby into the world you think that crying and tantrums is about as bad as it can get. 

Then you unlock whinging.  

Mum Chelsea thinks she’s recently found a solution and she’s taken to TikTok to share it with other parents.   

“This might sound a little crazy or a little crude but I promise, if you listen, I will explain how this has added so much value ,” she began.  

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"So this is my parenting technique"

When it comes to responsibility, the mum-of-two believes it's a shared load. 

The other day while driving in the car her three-year-old daughter complained that she was hungry from the backseat. 

“I said 'oh, did you bring a snack?’ So this is my parenting technique,” she explained. 

The same method applies when her child complains she's bored or thirsty . 

“I know this sounds a little harsh. I promise I’m not letting my kids go hungry. I am not letting them go thirsty. They’re very hydrated, well-fed kids,” she added as a disclaimer. 

Her goal is one thing: responsibility. It puts just a fraction of ownership onto her toddler. It’s something that she implemented  as soon as the youngster could understand. 

She says the habit has “does so many things."

“It helps her understand that she has to take some responsibility in bringing something,” the mother said. 

It's a point that becomes even more important when she reminds the child to pack something before they leave the house. 

“I’m trying to help her, but I’m also teaching her a little bit of a natural consequence,” the mother reasoned.  

If she forgets to bring along a snack, she doesn’t get one. Chelsea stresses she limits the practice to short trips and after they've had a meal.  

This mum says her parenting technique teaches responsibility. Image: TikTok/sunny_acres_regen_farm

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"I am responsible for every single thing" 

Chelsea has also noticed a change in how her daughter responds. 

“She’s say ‘oh shoot, I forgot my water.’ She’s three and she is now putting that ownership on herself,” the mother revealed. 

She's also noticed a more thankful attitude when Chelsea does have to come to the rescue when she’s forgotten. 

“The default is not that I am responsible for every single thing. Yes, I am responsible for keeping her healthy and hydrated. But for those extra things she’s responsible and she knows it,” the mother insists. 

The technique was met with mixed reviews in the comment section of the clip. 

“A more age appropriate way would be have her help you pack her bag,” one person suggested. 

“I’m a kindergarten teacher and I approve this message,” a second agreed. 

A third joked: “I’m going to try this—with my husband.” 

“I don't like this at all! Why should a THREE year old need to be concerned with bringing her own water?” a fourth person added, not quite sold.

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Originally published as ‘A little harsh’: Mum swears by controversial parenting technique for whingey kids