An Illinois kindergarten teacher has sharply criticized parents who gave their children birthday cupcakes to serve at school.
Ann Brackemyer posted a TikTok explaining why she thinks it’s a bad idea for kids to bring candy to their classmates.
In the video, which received more than 2,400,000 views and 138,900 likes, Ann warned parents that cupcakes “make a huge mess.”
She also noted that “the kids honestly don’t like eating them that much,” which results in “the frosting smearing all over the classroom.”
The mother of four continued to offer tasty alternatives that she believes “kids love” and that she claimed don’t require a lot of cleanup at school.
An Illinois kindergarten teacher has sharply criticized parents who gave their children birthday cupcakes to take to school
Ann Brackemyer posted a TikTok explaining why she thinks it’s not a good idea for kids to bring candy to their classmates
The mother of four continued to offer tasty alternatives that she believes “kids love” and which she claims do not cause a lot of cleanup at school.
Ann began the video by saying, “Good afternoon parents, on your child’s birthday… I love celebrating birthdays in my classroom, but I know this opinion will be unpopular, but please do not bring cupcakes.”
“It’s just a mess – the icing runs everywhere and the kids don’t know what to do.”
“It’s just too much and too chaotic for them.”
She also offered alternatives for dessert, explaining, “Now bring in these cookies. That’s a great suggestion. The kids love them. They have sprinkles. They love them, and they eat them, and they’re not a huge mess.”
“Donuts are great too. They’re also very small, which is also great, but Casey’s General Stores – they have great donuts that you can order and the kids love them.”
“Another great idea is that I asked someone to bring these ice cream sundaes.
“All the kids love them and they just had sprinkles and you put little sprinkles on them – they loved it.”
“They had so much fun and ate everything without making a mess.”
She continued with her suggestions, adding, “Your teacher may have a freezer in their classroom or break room. Just ask them and say, ‘Can I bring these ice cream cups?’ I’m sure they would be happy.”
“Another great (tip). Go to the Little Debbie section. Get one of those Little Debbie snacks, okay?
“Cosmic brownies are always a favorite in my room too. So these are really easy, no-fuss snacks that you can bring into the classroom for your child that don’t make as much of a mess and that the kids love too.”
She captioned the video, “Let’s talk about birthdays in the classroom! These are some great options for birthday gifts. Keep it simple.”
The video received more than 4,349 mixed comments.
Many users defended the birthday children’s decision about what dessert to bring to class.
One person sarcastically wrote: “Is it your birthday or hers?”
A second person commented: “I’ll bring what my child chooses! It’s his birthday so he gets to choose.”
A third person added: “As a teacher, I literally bring cupcakes for my kids to have fun. They’re kids. Relax lol.”
A fourth person wrote: “As a teacher, you send your child what he or she wants.”
Other users defended the teacher.
The video received more than 4,349 mixed comments, with many users defending the birthday girls’ decision on what dessert to bring to class, while others supported the teacher.
Ann added in the comments: “Baby wipes are appreciated and the mini cupcakes are much more popular with smaller children.”
One person wrote: “She makes suggestions. They all seem helpful. I don’t understand why you all are so upset.”
A second person added: “People in the comments are so stubborn. You have a great point about the cupcakes. My son literally licks up a few frostings and moves on. Love the ideas.”
A third person commented: “I love these ideas. I wish people would respect teachers more.”
One person wrote: “I love that you make these videos. Our teachers are true angels because they care for and teach our children day in and day out. I love knowing how I can make your life one percent easier. Keep up the good work!”
Ann replied: “I am happy about these kind words.”
Some users made alternative dessert suggestions.
One person wrote: “I always sent Rice Krispies treats – they are easy to make and don’t make too much of a mess for the kids.”
A second person added: “We made individually wrapped glazed animal cookies. As a mom and a teacher, I love the unusual suggestions!”
A third person wrote: “I always brought the mini cupcakes and a small amount of baby wipes.”
Ann replied, “Wet wipes are welcome and the mini cupcakes are much more popular with younger children.”
