Is she the "meanest mom in the world?"

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Mom took kids' ice cream away when they didn't thank server

New Jersey mom teaches a lesson using tough love

For one day, she was the ‘meanest mom in the world’ (her words, not ours!). Parenting blogger and former reality TV star Jaime Primak Sullivan was slammed on Facebook for taking away her young kids’ ice cream after they ignored the server and didn’t say thank you. Primak Sullivan said those aren’t the manners she’s taught her children and used the moment to teach them.  She writes:

“I counted to 10 in my head as they dug into their ice cream and the young lady just looked at me (probably because she thought I was hearing voices) and I watched as my children strolled out the door. I followed them outside where I calmly collected their ice creams and my kids watched in horror as I deposited them into the nearby garbage can. All 3 launched into mass hysteria. I waited. Quiet. Calm. When they realized I had something to say, they quieted down.”

While she was praised by many parents, and equal amount said she was out of line.

One commenter said: “Wow. I would never do that to my children. It's not like they were intentionally disrespectful, they just forgot to say thank you. Little kids forget things like that and it's totally okay to have to remind them until it becomes a habit. If anything, I would have taken the ice cream until they went back and thanked the cashier, then gave it back. I'm sorry but you get respect by earning it and doing something that cruel when the children had no ill intentions is just downright mean.”

Another added: “I know you are their mother, but in my opinion, I thought that was a bit over the top!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would have made them go back in the ice cream place and apologize for not saying thank you. They are great kids, and this was quite harsh and this memory will really stay with them, even though I know you were trying to make a point.”

Despite the hate, Primak Sullivan stands by her choice telling FOX & Friends, “It is not my job to be their friend or to be cool. It is my job to teach them how to be positive, contributing members of society. …It is crucial that we stop, that we show them a better way and lead by example.”

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