Mom Gets Shamed For Dressing Kids In Walmart Clothes And Sets The Record Straight
One maverick mom defended herself against critics who accused her of cheaping out on her kids' clothes while rocking expensive threads.
A bad look
26-year-old Caitlin Fladager of Vancouver, B.C is no stranger to controversy.
The mother of two had the internet bad-buzzing when she admitted to smoking marijuana when her kids were awake, even crediting it with making her a better mother.
Recently, Fladager took to Facebook to address criticism around a topic that all parents can relate to: dressing their kids.
“Your kids only wear clothes from Walmart, while you get dressed up a lot. Not a good look for you as a mom...”
A different look
Fladager responded with a swift reality check.
“I am not constantly spilling food and dirt all over my brand new clothes."
"I am not outside running around in the dirt for hours on end."
“I am not tripping and ripping holes in brand new clothes."
And, as for her own dress code, she's quick to point out an important difference.
“I am not changing my mind daily about what color I have randomly decided I don’t want to wear ever again. I am not a kid.”
"I buy them cheaper clothes because I refuse to be the mom who yells at them for spilling a drop of ice cream on a brand new shirt."
- Caitlin Fladager
Warm response
Her post racked up more than 16,000 likes along with hundreds of comments, mostly from parents showing their support.
“I would rather buy Walmart clothes and be able to take them to do other things and make memories, because I don't remember what I wore everyday at 10," said one.
Another parent wrote, "I can’t believe that’s even a thing people come at you about. They obviously don’t have kids."
And another commenter perfectly captured the idea.
"You more than likely remember the memories made at the time, Not the clothes. So great job momma!"
- Facebook commenter
Let kids be kids
Fladager then mentioned the picture posted of her kids decked out in Walmart wardrobe.
"When I look at this picture, it reminds me why I do that," she said.
"The dirt, the smiles, and the ice cream makes me way [happier] than a photo of them dressed in clothes they hate, that they will outgrow in a week"
- Caitlin Fladager
Far from selfish, Fladager's bargain-hunting proved to be a selfless way for her kids to enjoy their short childhood.
Take every step to preserve your kids' childhood, they'll have plenty of time to stress about stains when they grow up.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.