A mother-of-two from the UK has hit back at fierce online criticism after a video showing her children paying for their own McDonald's meal with Christmas money went viral.
The Viral TikTok Video and Backlash
Katie King, 31, posted a clip on TikTok earlier this month featuring her two children, eight-year-old Louie and five-year-old Arna, enjoying a meal at the fast-food restaurant. In a text overlay on the video, which amassed over 1.2 million views, King wrote that she had 'made them pay for it' with cash they received over the holidays.
The post sparked an immediate and intense backlash from viewers. Many branded the act as 'disgusting' and 'so wrong', arguing that parents should provide food for their children. One critic commented, 'Girl you wanted them in this world but now you don't want to pay for their damn food?' while others called the situation 'heartbreaking' and a sad example for young kids.
A Teaching Moment in Money Management
In an exclusive response to the Daily Mail, Katie King firmly defended her actions as a calculated and valuable lesson in financial literacy. She explained that her family practices home education and strives to incorporate learning into everyday situations.
'Teaching value of money and money management is very important and this was one of those times,' King stated. She clarified that her children had each received $10 for Christmas, on top of numerous toys, Lego sets, and even a new laptop. The decision to spend some of that cash on McDonald's was entirely their own.
'It was their choice and they wanted to,' she added. 'They could have had a meal at home but they opted for a McDonald's instead.' King also noted that her children receive a weekly allowance for chores, making them accustomed to handling their own money.
Standing by the Parenting Decision
Despite finding some of the negative comments 'hard to see', King expressed no regrets. She emphasised the importance of respectful discourse, stating, 'It's okay to not agree and ask questions, but personally attacking someone and name calling will never be okay.'
She concluded by putting the spending into perspective for her fortunate children. 'They got most things on their Christmas lists, they are well traveled, very loved and very lucky children,' King said. 'Them spending $4 and $7 on a meal really isn't a big deal for them. They know that money will come again.'
