CLEVELAND — A mom does it again and divides the internet all thanks to a 40-second TikTok post explaining why she packs her toddler a meal when they go out to dinner.
Karlie Smith is from the Akron area. She is the mom behind the video that has generated hundreds of thousands of views.
In today’s Mom Squad, 3News' Maureen Kyle sits down for a one-on-one conversation with Smith to talk about why she thinks this post went viral and garnered so much controversy.
“This is a lot more controversial than I was expecting, but I'm pretty used to hate on the internet,” says Smith.
She’s gotten comments from TikTok users across the globe. Her video has also been picked up by national online publications and sites.
In the video, Smith explains that she is sick of taking her 2-year-old son out to eat at a restaurant and ordering a meal that he never touches. She also points out that a packed lunch from home has healthier options than what is on the menu.
Supporters applauded her, saying they’ve experienced the same situation with their child. Critics say it’s rude to bring in outside food and some called her “cheap” and inconsiderate.
Even with all the controversy, she sees a positive out of the conversation surrounding this video.
“A big trend that I see in the comments is that they're only thinking about their child and their child is very able and typical, when other parents are coming out of the woodwork and saying, ‘Hey, my child has autism, and my child has an egg allergy, and my child has sensory issues'. And I think it's really opening people’s eyes to a diverse group of people that isn't just your child.”
To see more of the interview with Karlie Smith and what our own “Squad” had to say about it, catch Mom Squad on WKYC-plus which you can find on Roku and Fire TV. You can also see mom squad on the WKYC YouTube channel or watch in the player below.
