Staff Reports
There’s a new parenting trend making waves on social media, and it’s causing quite a stir among parents and non-parents alike. Known as FAFO parenting, which humorously stands for “F*** Around and Find Out,” this method shakes up traditional parenting approaches and leans heavily on tough love. One viral example involves a mother who went so far as to smash her child’s iPad after the little one was caught whining. While many might do a double-take at such behavior, proponents of this method assert that setting firm consequences is key to raising resilient kids.
In today’s parenting landscape, sometimes it feels like everyone is searching for the latest trend or the “right” way to raise their children. However, this pursuit often overlooks tried-and-true methods that have worked for generations. There was a time when parents enforced boundaries with a no-nonsense approach, and many believe we’ve lost a bit of that grit in favor of gentler, softer methods. It seems all this new-age parenting is making some nostalgic for the days when a child would be told to go outside and play, even if it meant getting a little scraped knee or a burn from touching something hot.
The discussion around FAFO parenting isn’t just a trend, it reflects a larger cultural commentary about how much or how little we coddle our children. Experts argue that children need to experience “gravity” in their lives, essentially the tough lessons that help them grow and learn to navigate the world independently. Without these real-life experiences, kids can end up feeling unprepared for the challenges of adulthood. The metaphorical “zero gravity” environment that some kids are raised in can make the transition to real-life challenges particularly difficult, leading to some rather clueless and emotionally fragile young adults.
Interestingly, numerous parents seem to be jumping on the TikTok bandwagon that champions FAFO parenting, perhaps thinking that smashing a toy or tablet for dramatic effect could be a miracle cure for all their child’s behavioral woes. Critics argue—a sentiment echoed by many viewers—that this is merely another case of parents looking for viral fame instead of focusing on creating a loving and stable environment at home. The reality is that learning to parent effectively often comes down to simple fundamentals and common sense rather than flashy internet trends.
At the end of the day, the underlying message is simple: instead of trying to emulate every viral trend on social media, perhaps parents would do better to focus on what works for their own family. Whether that means a little tough love or leaning into gentle parenting, the best approach is likely to be one grounded in love and understanding, sprinkled with a little common sense. So, as the saying goes, clean your room or FAFO—it seems like the choice is up to each parent to make!
