Internet fiercely divided over former teacher's 11 'non-negotiable rules' for her kids

Daily Mail​

24-05-2025

A former teacher has left the internet fiercely divided after she shared the 11 'non-negotiable' rules that she set for her kids.
Lizzie Gaines, from Texas, recently went viral after she opened up about the strict regulations that she and her husband had implemented for their three children: Jake, 13, Will, nine, and Birdie, six.
The ex-educator, who now works in real estate, explained in an Instagram clip that there are 11 things that she and her husband, Josh, 'expect' from their sons and daughter.
But the now-viral video launched a massive argument between viewers, as some people on the web felt her rules were a little too severe.
'POV: You and your husband are former public school teachers and you have 11 non-negotiables for your kids,' she began in the video.
Lizzie revealed that her first rule was that her kids must refer to 'any and all adults' as 'ma'am' and 'sir.'
Next, she said they must adhere to a strict 'backpack and shoes routine' so they don't have to 'search for them in the morning.'
She also said its her kids' responsibility to plug in their school devices when they get home, and remember to put them back in their backpacks before leaving each morning.
'It's not my job to tell you if you have homework,' she added. 'Your teacher had it on the board, your agenda, and reminded you in class five times.
'And if you get in trouble at school, we will support your teachers.'
Lizzie's next rule was that it's up to her kids to pack their own lunches and to remember to bring them in the morning.
In addition, she said they will 'eat what she serves' for dinner, and 'if they don't like it, they will sit with the rest of the family while they eat.'
The mom-of-three continued, 'Dinner time is a sacred, we're going to be pleasant, get along, and share about our day... it's some of our only uninterrupted family alone time with no distractions.'
Lizzie's other rules included picking up after yourself and not leaving dirty clothes on your floor.
'You get a phone because it's convenient, but it will go away if abused,' read another regulation. 'It charges in my room every night and I will check what's on it.'
Lastly, she wrote, 'Never get too big for your britches or my kisses.'
Many people rushed to the comment section to share their thoughts, and while some praised Lizzie's take, others were quick to slam her rules.
'Marriage and family therapist here who specializes in trauma and attachment. Please don't tell your children you will support/believe their teachers/another adult over them,' one person wrote.
'I work with adult survivors of sexual abuse, this is probably one of the number one causes, feeling like their parents wouldn't believe them/they will get in trouble if they tell.'
'Forcing your kid to sit hungry and watch everyone eat just because you made food you knew they wouldn't like is extremely messed up,' another added.
'No offense but I'm glad you're not my mom,' announced someone else.
'"I wonder why my kids hate me,"' read a fourth comment. A fifth said, 'This just made me realize maybe my mom isn't so bad.'
'Tell me this is satire. This is so concerning,' a different user scathed.
Despite the negativity, many viewers said they loved her rules.
'I smell stability, routine, respect, accountability... all the good things that PARENTS should be handling,' one user praised.
'These comments are blowing my mind. Kids need and crave boundaries and stability,' agreed another.
But the now-viral video launched a massive argument between viewers, as some people on the web felt her rules were a little too severe
'My husband was a teacher for almost a decade and left teaching because parents just don't teach their kids anything anymore.
'The disrespect and entitlement is unreal these days. Love these - we parent the same way at our house and have two strong, independent, respectful boys who love their momma/daddy!'
'As a fellow teacher, thank you for instilling boundaries, respect, and consistency into your children,' someone else gushed.
'And it is 100 percent OKAY to see what your children are doing on their devices! There are so many things kids get into online that they have no ability to understand.'
'And that's how you raise CAPABLE adults,' a different comment read. 'Good job mom!
'I'm a mom of teens and trust me this lays the ground for a strong foundation! You can tell by all the push back you're doing it right!'
Lizzie addressed some of the backlash to the Today show recently.
She said, 'No one in our house is being starved. Our kids know that they can eat what's offered. If they don't like it, which is very, very rare, they can grab some fruit from the fridge.
'We're not short-order cooks. I'm not making you chicken nuggets while the rest of us have a nice, healthy meal.'