In a move that has sparked a lively debate on social media, Lauren Matthews, known for her appearances on the reality show Housewives of the Shore, recently shared a story that resonated with many parents. After her children neglected to thank a young waitress who served them ice cream, Matthews decided to take action that left her kids stunned.
In her Facebook post, Matthews details the incident at a local ice cream shop. “The girl, probably around 16, handed each of my kids their cones. Not one of them looked her in the eye or offered a thank you,” she recounted. After patiently waiting for her children to show some gratitude, Matthews followed them outside, collected their ice cream cones, and tossed them in the trash, all without a word.
Once the initial shock wore off, she explained her reasoning to them. “I told them that one day they might work in a similar position and that it’s crucial for people to be recognized and appreciated.” The post quickly gained traction, being shared over 10,000 times, but not without some criticism. Detractors argued that her response was excessive and even harmful to her children, but Matthews stood firm, confident that her lesson would leave a lasting impact. After all, no one has ever suffered from missing out on a scoop of ice cream, right?
Her children, ages 9, 8, and 6, may label her as the “strictest mom ever,” but Matthews believes that it’s necessary to hold kids accountable for their behavior. Following through on discipline can be tough, especially when you anticipate a meltdown, but she emphasized the importance of teaching children respect for others, particularly those in service jobs. This experience is intended to make sure her children understand the value of gratitude.
In a follow-up video addressing her critics, Matthews remarked that this wasn’t her first attempt at instilling respect in her kids. Past efforts to encourage them to appreciate store employees had fallen flat, leading her to take a more memorable approach this time. “If something were to happen to me, I want my children to contribute positively to the world,” she stated passionately.
Rejecting claims that her actions were overly harsh, Matthews compared her children receiving ice cream to how adults enjoy a drink. “It’s a treat, yes, but that doesn’t justify rudeness,” she pointed out. “I wouldn’t walk away from a bartender without acknowledging them, and believe me, I need that cocktail more than they need their cones.”
To learn more about parenting and to navigate the journey of self-insemination, check out this resource, and for insights into pregnancy, visit the CDC’s page on pregnancy.
In summary, Matthews’ bold decision to prioritize gratitude over dessert has sparked conversation around parenting styles and the importance of teaching respect. By taking a stand against ungratefulness, she aims to raise children who will appreciate the efforts of others in their future.