Do you agree with this mum's Easter Bunny no-show note?
Not only what was in the note but also the way she left it for her chlidren has proven to be controversial...
A mum from Queensland, Australia, shared a Facebook post on a community page featuring a video showing the Easter Bunny's footprints, moving through her house, which led to a note explaining why her little ones wouldn't be getting any chocolate.
The note read:
"I am writing you this letter to let you know that this year I have decided you are on my 'naughty list' and I am not bringing you any Easter Eggs or gifts because I have been watching carefully and you have been naughty. Fighting, arguing and not doing as you were told.
"I have rung Santa and told him to keep a close eye out to see if you behaviour improves, then you still have time to make his good list.
"I hope next year you can do a better job of being good and I will bring you some yummy eggs and a nice new toy.
"Please behave for your mum and remember, I am always watching."
Blimey
Here at MFM HQ this tactic really got us talking - One team member couldn't imagine doing anything like this to her daughter, while another felt that if the kids had been asked to behave and kept playing up, then they shouldn't necessarily get chocolate.
However, we all agreed that the way she did it - especially planting the Easter Bunny's footprints leading up to the note (with not an egg in sight) - was a bit harsh.
The differences of opinion on this one have gone right across the internet, too.
"You did the correct thing. At least you know that this is the start of your kids' life education. Well done." said a fan.
"Good job, glad to see at least one mother doing some good parenting. I'm sure you warned them many times this would happen and i'm glad you went through with it," agreed another.
Though another said this:
"Treats are withheld in many homes for many reasons but I think it's the way this was done that I find so sad.
"I don't think it's as much about the children missing out on a treat so much as it's about the planning and preparation done here to deliberately raise their hopes with full intent to then hugely disappoint them, ensuring with a letter to them that on top of disappointment, they also feel regret for past actions, shame at not being good enough and additional concern they have been told on to Santa and may also miss out on Christmas gifts.
"All this said and done in the name of love, from the Easter Bunny. What a screwed up world we live in."
And another: "When your child misbehaves you deal with it right there and then. You don't drag it on and let the Easter Bunny deal with it. Don't use a moment of magic as your tool for parenting."
Ooh.
We have to admit we don't actually know what's gone on in the lead up to the note, as the mum didn't mention her reasons in her post.
One thing's for sure - it's certainly been a talker.
What do you think?
Would you ever do something like this is if your kids have misbehaved? Tell us in the comments below or over on Facebook
Photo: Sunny Coast Community Board
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Authors
Tara is mum to 1 daughter, Bodhi Rae, and has worked as Content Editor and Social Media Producer at MadeForMums since 2015
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