Chelsea Lensing, an economics professor and mother, has gained attention with her TikTok parenting hack that shifts responsibility to children during car journeys, reducing complaints and teaching accountability—a method sparking both praise and debate online.
Chelsea Lensing, an economics professor and mother of two, has recently gained attention on social media for her unconventional parenting technique aimed at reducing complaints from her children during car journeys. In a viral TikTok video posted on April 26, Lensing shared her “crazy” hack to counteract the familiar cries of “Mom, I’m bored!” or “Mom, I’m hungry!” from her young ones.
Lensing suggested a unique approach: turning the responsibility back to her children. For instance, when her three-year-old daughter expresses hunger, Lensing replies, “Oh, did you bring a snack?” Similarly, if thirst is mentioned, she prompts, “Hmm, did you bring your water bottle with you?” Clarifying her intent, Lensing stated, “I promise I’m not letting my kids go hungry. They’re very hydrated, well-fed kids. This is used in very specific scenarios.”
Her strategy hinges on encouraging self-awareness and accountability in her children. Before leaving the house, Lensing often prompts her daughter with questions such as, “Do you want to bring a snack or a book for the car?” If her child does not take the initiative and later expresses regret during the journey, Lensing allows the natural consequences to provide a learning experience.
The results, she claims, have been fewer complaints and an increase in responsibility, sometimes leading to realisations from her daughter. Lensing recounted an instance where her daughter became upset for not bringing a doll along for a trip. When reminded of her oversight, the child concluded, “Next time, I’m going to bring a doll, too.”
Not all viewers are convinced by her approach. Some TikTok users commented that while they appreciate the strategy for older children, it may not be suitable for toddlers, with one user stating, “I love this concept at the age of 5. Three and under does seem a little insane.” Another added, “3? That’s a baby.”
In contrast, some educators have praised Lensing’s method, recognising its value in promoting accountability among young children. One teacher expressed gratitude for the approach, noting how it quickly becomes apparent when children lack responsibility in their lives.
Lensing’s technique is not the only innovative parenting hack to emerge recently. Deb Goddard, another mother of two, has also shared her method for getting her toddler to fold laundry. Goddard captured the attention of her followers with an Instagram post featuring a foldable board made from cardboard. The board, designed with numbered flaps, guides the child on how to fold various items, making the task seem more like a fun game.
While Goddard’s method has garnered significant likes—over 1.5 million—responses to her hack have been mixed. Some parents have commended the creativity, while others have derided it as akin to child labour, with one person commenting, “Seriously? The kids have their entire life to be folding laundry. Give them some toys, get down on the floor and play with them instead.” Another critic referred to it as “Temu factory training.”
As these innovative parenting techniques circulate in the public sphere, they highlight the diverse perspectives on child-rearing practices, sparking debate among parents and educators alike about the balance between fostering independence and nurturing playfulness in children.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/-tips-for-peaceful-road-trips-with-kids.html – This article discusses strategies for peaceful road trips with kids, including assigning responsibilities to children to promote independence and reduce complaints during car journeys.
- https://www.understood.org/en/articles/10-tips-to-help-kids-with-sensory-processing-issues-avoid-travel-meltdowns – This resource provides tips for parents to help children with sensory processing issues avoid travel meltdowns, emphasizing the importance of preparation and involving children in planning to reduce complaints during car trips.
- https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2021/11/7-tips-traveling-by-car – This article offers tips for traveling by car with children, including setting expectations and involving kids in planning to reduce complaints during car journeys.
- https://www.wendyperrin.com/family-road-trips-how-to-eliminate-stress-bickering/ – This article provides strategies for eliminating stress and bickering during family road trips, including involving children in planning and assigning responsibilities to promote independence and reduce complaints.
- https://www.newyorkfamily.com/10-tips-to-keep-kids-from-complaining-on-trips/ – This article offers tips to keep kids from complaining on trips, including involving children in planning and assigning responsibilities to promote independence and reduce complaints during car journeys.
- https://www.raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/safety/car-pedestrian-safety/going-out-independently-children – This resource discusses strategies for encouraging children to go out independently, including involving them in planning and assigning responsibilities to promote independence and reduce complaints during car journeys.
- https://nypost.com/2025/05/06/lifestyle/moms-controversial-hack-to-curb-kids-whining/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references a viral TikTok post from April 26, making the content recent. No obvious indications of old or recycled news. Claims about recent social media activity and current parenting discussions underscore relevance and timeliness.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
Direct quotes from Chelsea Lensing and social media users are attributed but not independently traced to their original posting context online. The narrative provides context but does not link to the earliest appearance of each quote, though the quoted sentiments appear plausible and are not recycled verbatim from older pieces.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from the NY Post, a well-known tabloid with broad circulation but mixed reputation for depth and neutrality. It is not an obscure outlet, but its reliability is considered moderate compared to more rigorous, fact-based publications.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
Claims and descriptions are plausible, align with common parenting strategies, and are supported by anecdotal evidence and social media engagement. The narrative does not make improbable claims, and the described techniques fit within current trends in parenting and child development.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is based on recent, plausible events and originates from a reputable, albeit tabloid, publication. Quotes are attributed but not traced to original sources. The story fits within current social trends and is not flagged as recycled, fabricated, or implausible.
