A mom has faced backlash on social media after revealing that she had left coal in her kids' stockings, along with a note from Santa issuing what the Mirror describes as an "ominous ultimatum".
The naughty list may be considered a valuable tool in the arsenal of any parent who is hoping to coax their kids into behaving in the lead up to Christmas. It ensures that with the promise of exciting presents to open on Christmas Day, children might be on their best behavior as the big day draws nearer and nearer.
This commercial showing Santa 'sick with COVID-19' was slammed for terrifying kids:The ominous note from Santa reads:
"Santa is very disappointed because you have not been good boys this year and you have made it onto my naughty list.
"So instead of treats and toys in your stocking, I have put coal.
"If you want to be on the good list next year, you need to: Listen to your mother and do what she tells you. Stop screaming and yelling. Be kind to each other. Stop telling lies to your mother.
"This is your last chance. Make sure you listen. From Santa."
However, thankfully there was another note that concluded things on a slightly more positive footing.
"I have bought you presents this year but you must promise to be good, because if you are on the naughty list next year you will get nothing.
"Your presents are out the back." It read.
According to the Mirror, the note was posted on Facebook by the mom, who said that she had become fed up with her children "not listening or doing the right thing".
"Does anyone ever not actually give presents? The whole 'Santa wont come' thing… pretty sure kids know we are full of cr**." She added.
However, the Mirror reports that some seemed less than impressed with the note, with commenters arguing that it was "mean". Another added, "This is why the magic of Christmas is slowly dying – don’t use Santa as your choice of punishment.
"It’s not fair. He comes once a year – I couldn’t imagine my kids reading something like that and seeing their faces."
However, others praised the mom for her actions. "Parents don’t follow through enough with the whole Santa and coal thing. Why tell them something will happen if they are naughty and then not follow through, that teaches them nothing." One commenter wrote, while a second added, "Bad behaviour doesn’t get rewarded. You did a good thing teaching lessons. If anyone reads the letter you can see the kids didn’t miss out on anything."
What do you think? Is it too mean, or a valuable parenting tool?
