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Mom is accused of ‘child abuse’ for the lunches she packs her 5-year-old: ‘Are these people crazy?’

A mom who documents her child’s school lunches has been accused of child abuse by a stranger online, and TikTok is dumbfounded.

TikToker Tara Clontz, a self-described “wife, mom, artist, and Instant Pot enthusiast,” gained over 6.8 million views and 33,000 comments when she responded to a TikToker who felt her 5-year-old’s diet was abusive.

“It’s actually considered child abuse because you’re overfeeding your children and not worrying about their health,” the comment read — the account for which has since been deleted.

“Another day of being accused of child abuse because I don’t want my almost-5-year-old to get hungry while she’s at school for 6 hours. Y’all are crazy. Crazy, I tell you,” Tara said in her now-viral response video.

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“Anyway! Today, I made something new,” Tara said, and then cheerfully goes on to pack the rest of her daughter’s lunch, walking her viewers through each of the snacks.

Tara’s TikTok account, which currently has more than 460,000 followers, largely focuses on the contents of her child’s lunchbox — whether it be the food Tara’s packing in her bento box or the food her daughter has left behind.

Often, Tara’s daughter leaves much of her lunch uneaten, eating the leftovers as a snack later in the day — proving that she can stop when she’s full, and doesn’t make a habit of overeating in a single sitting.

Many dietitians and nutritionists have responded to Tara’s video, stating that the foods she’s providing her daughter are healthy and balanced.

According to KidsHealth.org, children between the ages of 6 and 12 should be consuming around 1,600 to 2,200 calories each day, depending on their activity levels.

Experts also state that children should be provided with a healthy, balanced eating pattern that emphasizes fruits and vegetables rather than processed foods.

‘The amount of negative comments you get is outrageous to me!’

TikTokers rushed to Tara’s comment section to share their disbelief at the child abuse claim.

“Daycare teacher here!!! Sending children in with more food rather than less is GOOD!!! [It] gives them options to choose from instead of being forced to eat just one or two things. We (daycare teachers) love when we see a stuffed lunch box, and so do the kids,” one user wrote.

“Y’all. I have worked with young kids. Most of the time, they eat out of the box all day. Some of the food they use for snacks. It’s not too much food,” another user shared.

“The amount of negative comments you get is outrageous to me! Kiddos will stop when they are full! Keep doing you, momma!” commented another user.

“Are these people crazy?” asked one user.

When it comes to kids’ diets, every child is built differently and has unique needs — so be sure to ask your pediatrician exactly what and how your child should be eating.

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If you enjoyed this story, check out these 5 clever lunchbox hacks for busy mornings!

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The post Mom is accused of ‘child abuse’ for the lunches she packs her 5-year-old: ‘Are these people crazy?’ appeared first on In The Know.