A young mother from Essex has ignited a fierce national debate after declaring that people who cannot afford to buy their children Christmas presents "don't deserve" to have kids.
'No excuse' for empty stockings, says mum
Shannan Robertson, aged 24, shared her uncompromising views in a candid TikTok video that has since gone viral. She argued there is "no excuse" for children to wake up on Christmas morning without gifts, stating parents have a full calendar year to prepare.
"If you have a child in your care and you are still to this day saying, 'oh, I can't afford anything for Christmas', you don't deserve a kid," Robertson asserted. She emphasised that Christmas and birthdays fall on the same date annually, giving families 365 days to save.
Practical tips and personal sacrifice
Robertson offered practical advice, suggesting that during a monthly food shop, parents could buy one present. Over a year, this would accumulate to 12 gifts. She also pointed to local resources, mentioning a Facebook group in her area called "Precious Bundles" that gives away free second-hand items for children.
The Essex mum acknowledged unforeseen hardships, revealing her own family's recent struggles. Her partner lost his job five months ago, forcing them to live off £800 from selling their car for three months. Despite this, she insisted they prioritised their son's Christmas.
"We said no to buying stuff, we said no to doing stuff because we couldn't afford it," she explained. "But best you believe my child has two massive bags full of presents... My son will not go without just because we're struggling."
A divided public reaction
The video, viewed thousands of times, has drawn hundreds of comments with starkly contrasting opinions. Many viewers agreed with Robertson's sentiment.
"It's the same date every year. It never changes. 365 days to prepare. It baffles me," wrote one supporter. Another commented, "Totally agree with you. I'm sick of hearing 'I can't afford to get my kids presents'."
However, others pushed back, highlighting the severe realities of the ongoing cost of living crisis. One person responded, "You do know that there are genuinely families who are struggling to ensure their kids are fed and clothed. Struggling to pay for basics like electricity and gas."
Another offered a more measured perspective: "I agree with you... but there are families out there who can't afford bread and milk every day, so not everyone will have what you listed while they don't have Christmas presents."
Robertson clarified that her criticism was not aimed at children in care or those in drastically different circumstances, but at parents she believes could make more effort. The debate continues to rage online, putting a spotlight on parental responsibility, poverty, and the pressures of the festive season.
