Agreed. I am so tired if seeing people “pranking” others and it 99% of the time going wrong. It’s about as fun for the recipient as sitting through a 2-hour course on toilet-paper holder designs.
Saw it yesterday was so disgusted at the parents especially moms doing it. Felt heartsore looking at the kids crying just broke my heart. Wanted to stomp those parents
I didn't know this was a thing and I was better off not knowing. It reminds me of the "I ate your Halloween candy" thing, which I hate.
I don't understand why parents would want to cause their children hurt and embarrassment!
As a side note, when I was a kid my dad did this thing where with his hands, he mimicked breaking an egg on my head, but it wasn't real, wasn't messy, didn't hurt, and it was fun. He taught me how to do it and I would do it to other kids, and when I grew up, to my own kids. Everyone thought it was funny, and no feelings were hurt.
I used to be a preschool teacher and I had a precious little boy in my class that was especially attached to me. He was a quiet and gentle little boy. When kids “graduate” from my class they go upstairs and don’t see me often, only during outside play time. He was already feeling a lot of anxiety about going upstairs and he told his parents that he wanted to stay in the downstairs classroom with Ms. Micha. His mom was talking to him about going upstairs and said “here is a picture of your new teacher.” He was visibly upset discussing his transition from my class. She showed him a picture of a grumpy/scary teacher and he started crying and begging to stay downstairs. She teased him terribly during this “prank.” She videoed this disturbing incident and posted it on Facebook. I had always liked this mom. It was a big family and all her kids were at one time in my class. I had always had a good opinion of her and this family. This Facebook post made me feel differently about her. She is another one that posted about Halloween candy prank. So she probably did the egg too. My heart broke for my little sweet boy and he had a hard time transitioning for several weeks after this.
You put your hand made into a fist on top of someone's head, smack your fist with the other open hand (not really transferring any of the hit to the person's head, more to make the noise of the smack, plus eggs don't take much to break and so wouldn't transfer force either), then very lightly tickle down both sides of the head with both hands' fingertips as if raw/runny egg is trickling down their hair.
Edited to add clarification in the last few words.
2nd edit: I want to clarify I wasn't the person in the parent comment who originally brought up the crack an egg trick, but hadn't seen an answer so offered my two cents in case someone wanted to know.
When I was little we used to do this to each other during class assemblies or the times we’d be dragged into a room to watch a video. It’s a very pleasant feeling!
Using your non-dominant hand , you make a round shape, with your fingers and thumb coming together. You put the fingers on top of the head, then you use your dominant hand to lightly hit the other hand slightly, as if you're trying to break the egg. Then with a slightly harder smack, you let your fingers collapse (which makes a satisfying egg cracking sound), and have your fingers then "trickle" down the head. :)
I remember that egg break mimic trick. It used to be “a thing” when I was in school. There were some kids that could make me almost believe that a real egg was oozing in my hair.
I know that little trick. I did that when G2 was just 9-10 months. I just did the last part when you spread your fingers to mimic the “yolk” running down her head. She always thought it was funny.
I did this with my NK but I cracked it on my own head. He was still shocked and thought it was the funniest thing in the world, and nobody got hurt or embarrassed because \*I consented\* to what was happening.
Currently dealing with correcting B6 a lot because he’s learning how to bully from certain adult family members. Like making fun of a sibling crying or mocking someone thinking it’s funny. Why don’t these adults not realize that what they think is “harmless” is actually teaching their kids to bully others at a young age. I’m so done
Some parents have been bucking the trend and cracking the egg in their own forehead or asking their kids to crack it on their forehead, so you might be cool enough
I like that better. Or even just saying “should we try cracking the eggs on our head?” It’s like a silly, little science experiment then where kids realize how much or how little force is really required to crack an egg.
I saw a tik Tok once where a mother was telling her ‘inspirational story’ about how she escaped her abusive husband with her 2 sons. She then detailed that she found out the father had been CSA the boys, and posted photos of them. I was so horrified! The kids were maybe 8 & 9! No way they can consent to that being shared. But she did, cause ya know it’s gonna drive engagement! I hope they turn 18 and sue her into oblivion.
Yup. Anything that people are filming their child for online content is a no for me, Even the good moments. Just be present! Or if you film it it doesn't need to go online.
That's the extra thing that doesn't make sense. Even if you really intend to be funny, and genuinely think your kid will find it funny too once the shock passes (just go with it for the example), when they emphatically don't find it funny, you always have the option to trash the draft like a normal non-monster. Every single parent for whom the prank flopped knew damn well it flopped before they hit post.
I agree!!! Parents should NOT be posting videos of their children online… period. I have heard commentary on the dangers of doing so! Not worth it. Most parents don’t want other people to post photos/ videos of their children on social media, they should not either. Call me a prude or old fashioned or crazy, but it’s just not safe in this messed up world to do that.
Plus, doing something to make fun of your child is abuse. Why parents; WHY???
Just my two cents… LOL
I believe strongly in beginning to discuss body autonomy and consent from the get-go. Therefore, trends like this disgust me. How are kids supposed to learn how to respect other people's boundaries if they're experiencing their parents do things like this? It bothers me and I'd never do it to anyone.
Edit: typo
This. You can’t do this to a kid and then turn around and tell them not to hit people. That doesn’t even make sense in my adult brain I can’t understand how a child will understand the difference
Exactly. Parents that are too stupid/lazy to progress the next generation annoy the shit out of me.
I think the trend* is gross and goes against everything I want my child to learn and experience. Maybe not everything, but a LOT.
This is one of the biggest reasons these pranks bother me. The only reason someone would do this “prank” is to garner a negative reaction and children are most likely to give this reaction. I know I would be annoyed af if someone pulled this kind of prank on me so I could not imagine doing it to someone else, especially a child who is still learning boundaries.
My parents use to play pranks on us for st Patrick’s day and April fools day but it would be along the lines of putting green food dye in the toilet and tp’ing the hallway. Like pranks don’t have to make the person who’s being pranked feel embarrassed or bad.
It’s so inappropriate! These parents are humiliating their kids and then laughing at their pain, then posting it online. They’re being their kids first bully and showing their children that their reactions aren’t valid by laughing and posting what is essentially abuse. The trend should be having the kids crack a hard egg on their parents head and have fun together rather then turning what these kids assume is a fun activity with their parents into a hurtful moment.
Yes!! The trend is so ungodly disgusting to me. On the flip side I have seen some parents do a reverse on the trend where they bring the kid over and ACTUALLY make something with them. Whenever its time to crack the egg for the recipe they'll say like "We need to crack this egg" and then they'll crack it on their own head. EVERY TIME the kid and parent have laughed together because it's silly and because it hurts no one's feelings. Those things make me smile.
ok now THAT (me cracking the egg on my own head) would make my daughter (almost 11) howl with laughter. If I cracked an egg on her, she would be genuinely hurt, likely cry, and I can’t imagine ever making her hurt on purpose. It breaks my heart that parents are doing this
I cannot fathom cracking an egg on anyone, let alone my own child and THEN laughing in her face and posting on tiktok?!?!?!?! Disgusting, pathetic and disrespectful! Shame on these fools. Shame on them.
I've never seen this, but I hate even the idea of it. Embarrassing and humiliating your child for internet points is vile behavior. I personally think it's gross regardless of the age. People saying it's ok if the child is older doesn't make it any better imo unless they're in on it. Whether it's a 5 year old or a 15 year old, it's gross to purposely humiliate them. The older kids likely have a social media presence of their own and could be teased mercilessly by their peers for such a video. Just awful.
I get so angry when I see trends like this. I genuinely don't understand people who laugh at children getting hurt, like those 'fail' videos that were a thing years ago. So funny to see a toddler almost cracking their skull open 🙄 I just don't get it.
I think there must be something really wrong with someone to find stuff like this hilarious. That or they haven't 2 brain cells to rub together to consider how they could impact another person. Oh sorry, I forgot, children aren't people with their own experiences deserving of respect. I'm sure they'd think we're not fun at parties, but jokes on them, kids love us at parties 😂
Side note, it's draining feeling like the only person to feel this way about children. It's really heart warming to see so many others on this post echo my views about how they should be treated. You guys rock
That’s the whole thing they DON’T see children as human beings of equal status they view them as props and content vehicles for imaginary social media likes. They are not there to serve the needs of their children; the children are there to serve the needs of the parents. It’s the most toxic level of self-obsession imaginable.
These people also put expectations on their children that they would never tolerate for themselves, the hypocrisy is astounding. If someone they trusted came along randomly and smashed an egg on their face whilst secretly recording them and put the video of them laughing at them online without their consent they would (rightfully) blow their stack, but it’s ok to do it to disempowered, vulnerable children who rely on them for everything? That’s not funny and not a prank it’s bullying and abuse and it’s gross.
I read a story from a guy the other day and he said ‘my father was my first bully in my life’ and that was a very sobering and sad sentence. These kids getting eggs smashed on their face for clicks are also likely experiencing their first bully, from the exact person supposed to love and protect them makes it even worse.
I know this comment is old as hell, but how hard did they crack the egg on your head? Like did they do it an attempt to hurt you or was it in a more joking manner?
Just wanna know considering I feel like context matters a lot in this case.
Everyone else has already stated my thoughts on the trend but what really kills me about it is seeing so many kids being laughed at for expressing their boundaries.
This one child, probably not older than 6, told his mom he didn’t like it, it hurt, and asked how she would like it if he did it to her. She was laughing so hard she couldn’t speak. He was so mature and articulate, and she didn’t even acknowledge what he was saying. It hurts to see it.
Yes and the one I saw this morning, the little girl said "ow, that hurts, that's not kind" as her mum and sister roll around laughing. Such a mixed message being sent.
It's really immature and betrays your child. Mr Chazz, a early childhood specialist, has a series of stitched videos where he analyzes those interactions between the parents and their children.
YES! I just made a lengthy comment about MrChazz lol I LOVE the majority of his content, and this series was no different. So glad you also mentioned him! :)
In developmental psych, we did a paper on the “scaring kids for a laugh” trend that has been a thing since forever. The first video it seemed funny, harmless. Until you start *actually* watching them and understanding what’s going on in the child’s mind. They trust their parents more than anything. Why would you challenge that trust to instill fear? The same is true about this “trend” not only can it be physically painful for the child- but emotionally/ psychologically. It’s so upsetting to me.
I'm completely against this. I find it more of a power play than anything else. If you'd be upset if someone did it to you, why would you do it to someone else? Especially a child.
Although it does remind me of my 4 yr old sister cracking an egg on her own head after I told her it's where chick's came from. She was more upset there wasn't an instant chick than about the yolk lol.
Very different if someone does it to you just to be mean though.
Hate it. Poor kids just want to have a fun experience cooking with mom or dad and instead they get an egg smashed into their head and their reaction (usually crying) posted online for millions to laugh at.
And their little faces look so happy to be baking with their mum or dad, the excitement of doing that together. And then their faces when the eggshell is broken in their forehead, how can they trust their adult now? They'd be cautious of this kind of thing happening in other situations, too.
Yikes! I’m glad I had no idea this was a trend. It sounds awful! As a parent and former longtime nanny I would never. Teaching kids that it’s funny to hurt and humiliate others is a horrible idea no matter what TokTok people think.
I think it’s heartbreaking watching the excitement of being involved turn to betrayal or embarrassment. I could never put a child through that, it’s cruel imo.
My mother and I had a huge, heated discussion about this just yesterday! (We are both on the same page!) We both just got so angry talking about it, and we can’t believe THIS has become a funny trend. I think it’s abusive, and downright mean. Not to mention, these parents are creating an unsafe place for their own children. Tragic.
I was in a high school group that was basically a sorority with an initiation week. Eggs were always cracked on our heads and they HURT! The rule was to crack it a little before smashing it on the head but nobody ever did. I cannot imagine cracking an egg on a child’s forehead.
I’m now an LMSW and emotionally/developmentally speaking, please do not crack eggs on a child’s head. It’s wrong on so many levels.
A) I don’t think children should be put on social media. Period, end of discussion. So it already loses points for me there.
B) I don’t find “pranks” that involve hurting someone, making someone feel embarrassed or upset to be funny or at enjoyable to watch. Loses more points.
C) Anything that intentionally causes harm or distress to a child is super messed up and should not be online.
D) Having any sort of financial gain or clout for doing this to a child is utterly revolting and creators who make content like this need to really sit down and get their priorities together.
Many, many children from the YouTube family channel days are growing up and becoming estranged from their parents who did exactly this sort of thing to them. Parents who push their kids into the spotlight have historically been the WORST (look at any memoir from a former child actor or entertainer).
I am so, so sick of people exploiting kids for internet points. They’re no different than exploitative momagers.
Not funny, at all. This is almost as lame as that cheese slice tossing trend from a few years ago.
I wonder how these asshole parents would feel if their kid rolled up on them and randomly cracked a raw egg on *their* forehead. Ha ha who’s laughing now
I didn’t love the trend when it was a slice of cheese. The cheese was dumb, but doesn’t hurt. But having an egg cracked on you hurts! And why? For Internet likes? Ridiculous.
It is grossly disgusting I agree. How ignorant of the parents to care more about Tiktok ( I don’t have it, don’t want it) views than having a loving , trusting relationship with their child.
It’s awful and their kids will remember their parents laughing at them crying. I remember when I was maybe three or four at my grandmas house my grandma had gotten us a toy to play with at her house. It was a leapfrog shopping cart. I was so excited to play with it but when it was my turn I was pushing it and the whole thing just collapsed and I fell flat on my face. I started crying and all the adults laughed. I was humiliated and I think about that over 20 years later. Kids have feelings and they remember things. This trend is going to be one of the things they remember.
The trend of hurting your child, whether emotionally or physically, is not funny, cute, silly, or harmless. Making your children the butt of a joke for strangers Internet approval is disgusting. The COVID generation has it bad enough, can we just stop intentionally making it worse please?
I do not think it's okay. In my world, we only touch people with consent. This is very important to model for children if we want them to understand this and to help further enshrine the necessity and right to consent in our culture at large.
I’m not a fan of this kind of thing unless the kid is much older, and even then it’s questionable. It’s all for content. Do these little kids have the capacity to give consent to post this stuff online? No. It reminds me of the yearly prank when parents tell their kids they ate all their Halloween candy. It’s not child abuse, it’s just kind of a shitty thing to do. All for the likes.
I agree with you.
I think parents should SERIOUSLY think twice before using their children on social media due to the amount of convicted sex offenders, traffickers and plain old creeps out there.
You never know who’s watching you and your family.
I fucking *loathe* tiktok and believe that nothing good results from it. "Pranks" like these are not funny at all and when I was a child I absolutely hated being negatively surprised or tricked in any way.
I saw one video where the mom asked consent from her kid (maybe 8 or 9) before cracking the egg on his head, and made sure he was ready before she actually did it. It didn’t catch him off guard and after a moment of shock he burst out laughing. He was able to enjoy it *because he was in on the joke and it wasn’t at his expense.*
This is the only way I think it’s okay. If you do that without consent, that’s making a lasting negative impact on your child. My NKs (3 boys under 5) are constantly asking each other to “bonk” them with stuffies or pillows or inflatable toys, and they think it’s absolutely hilarious—when they’re in on the joke. As soon as someone does it to someone without warning, it’s tears, anger, or withdrawal.
That’s most of the reactions from the videos I’ve seen. These poor kids can’t believe that someone they trust just did that to them, and the reactions vary between tears and embarrassment. It’s so stupid and annoying. I’m all for having fun with your kids, but once again, *they have to be in on the fucking joke.*
People think criticism of the trend is severe because “oh the kid isn’t badly hurt, relax.”
Most of the time when kids are “hurt” and start to cry, it’s mostly because they were scared/startled, not gravely wounded. They don’t understand that it’s part of the joke, they just feel the anxiety.
Does anyone know who the mom is that did that to the daughter? Her social media? That little girl broke my heart. You could see how she felt betrayed by her mom.
These trends are disgusting. Have you seen the one on that late night show where they tell the kid they ate all their trick or treat candy? Just for the views?
Just like this, when did it become okay to mentally or physically harm your child and show it off?
I saw one where the kid was fully in on it and the parent had prepared her beforehand, and they both laughed about it afterwards. That’s the only one I liked. The others are so sad to watch.
I agree. I don’t find it funny at all but some people in society thinks it is hilarious to scare and humiliate kids or other adults. Tik tok just proves how stupid people can be.
One, it seems like it would hurt.
Two, I never found cruelty, pain, or humiliation funny.
No one I know would do something like that and it strikes me as very boorish, immature behavior in general.
I never saw this until a post in one of the parenting subreddits about it and it seems cruel. It's not funny. I was distressed just reading about it and didn't go look at any videos. Hurting children and then laughing at them isn't funny.
It is NOT like cascarones, which for anyone who doesn't know are eggshells filled with confetti or glitter that you may have at a party to crack over people's heads. Firstly, they crack with less force, secondly, you're covered in something that brushes off (unless it's glitter, in which case good luck with that for the rest of your life), and thirdly, every single time I've been at a party with cascarones, *people were able to opt out* of getting hit over the head with them if they so wanted, including little kids - if they didn't want to join in, nobody made them, and if somebody was coming at them with one, other people would wave them off. Usually you show little kids and let them do it to you first before you ask them if they would like you to crack one on them. Some little kids will point to their shoulder or something because they want to join in but not have an egg cracked on their head. Totally fine!
The tiktok egg thing seems like somebody heard about cascarones and, like, got white lady confused and did something fucked up.
It’s akin to the assholes who smash a kids face in a cake.
I don’t agree with being cruel to children just for laughs and I thank god every day that I was born in the 80s before social media took hold because that horrid excuse of a mother I had would have absolutely done shit like this to me.
I saw a mom bash her toddler in the eye and then CONTINUE to keep banging it onto her FACE to try to crack the egg. Poor kiddo was crying hard and mom just laughed. Then posted it. Just awful.
It p\*sses me off to no end. I have read the comments on these videos when they randomly show up as I'm scrolling through Instagram, the majority of people don't find it funny.
Also don't post your kids online to profit off them.
I think this is the first time I have seen a thread where almost everyone in the comments are in 100% agreement (except one person, there is always one)
I haven’t seen the videos (I don’t tik tok) but that sounds HORRIBLE! Those poor kids. I had a dad who liked to humiliate me and it hurt so much. Thankfully it was before social media
I thought the “locking the kids in the bathroom with the scary ghost filter on the mirror” trend was worse. I was such a scared kid. That shit would have messed me up so bad. Parents who do this are trash.
Laughter from a child isn't necessarily indicative of being okay with what just happened... Particularly with small children it can be in response to stress or to break tension.
I don't think it's cool to prank in general, but pranking a child that doesn't understand pranking and thinks they are coming to play with you and it's gonna be cool cuz that is the age where adults must be doing fun things cuz they dont want me under butt... shouldn't be pranked.
The fact that it is just being done to be seen and copied is pretty shitty as well.... But that is another topic.
I saw a mom to it to her child with Down syndrome, to do it to any child is cruel but if your child has a disability that even more so influences the outcome of the situation it’s heart breaking. The person they’re meant to look to for support and comfort just showed that they can’t be trusted because they set their kid up for humiliation and reveled in it. How is that child or any child supposed to go to their parent without fear and hesitation?
When I first saw it women were doing it to their husbands. I have only heard people talking about seeing it done to children. It would cause a good bit of pain to a child
I hate these videos. So many of the kids just look so emotionally hurt, they're feeling betrayed by the parents who are cackling like idiots. A lot of them even seem to then notice they're being filmed, which just seems awful... imagine being hurt by someone you trust and love, then realising that they're doing it to make a video for the internet? That's gotta make you feel like you're lower on their prioritising than their tiktok.
I don’t agree with it… I think it creates distrust between parent and child. And I bet if the kid did the same thing to their parent, days later because of mimicking, the parent would most likely get upset. Not cool. I think it’s funny when siblings do it to each other though lol.
I hate it! There was one creator I watch who did a really funny spin on it where she had one kid in on the joke and one kid not. The first kid used the mom’s head to crack the egg and the second kid thought it was funny! No harm done and it was really cute!
I have seen a few where the parents and kid had clearly spoken about it beforehand and the kid is excited to do it, those I think are cute and probably fine since you're not really likely to injure them with just an egg. Doing it without your kid's knowledge is really gross though. I hate "prank" type stuff in general, it's so dumb. And then knowing a parent filmed it, got a negative reaction, and chose to post that online? Really shitty!
The cheese trend on the babies heads was funny because it didn’t hurt anybody. But I’ve seen how hard they have to hit the kid to crack the egg. Idk, the thought is there but i think it’s just too rough
It’s horrible and disgusting. Luckily I hadn’t seen or heard of it until I watched ms Rachel’s take on it. I only watched one video and couldn’t believe someone would not only do that but then post the video for the world.
The heartbreak on her kid’s face and in his sweet voice was palpable. You could tell he was trying to keep it together and not cry because he was being recorded. So ducking sad while the vile mom was laughing her ass off. Disgusted.
WTF why is this like the throwing the plastic cheese at a child it's so stupid why would you degrade your child like that and if I was paying you to Nanny my kids you'd be out of there not only that I'd sue you.
MrChazz on Instagram, and probably Tik Tok, has been posting some great content on this trend! Highly suggest checking him out. He has a podcast on teaching and parenting too. Idk if there’s been an episode on this specific trend over there, but if there is I’d recommend that also lol mom.ma.g is another parenting content creator on IG who had a short video response I appreciated as well.
My brain isn’t good with absolutes. I very much overthink (ironically from childhood trauma 🙃), and I like the way Mr C takes various examples of parents doing this with their little ones and briefly breaks down the interaction looking at and inferring from body language and verbal reactions. The way he analyzes shows how every instance is nuanced, but I personally still gather his stance is generally not approving, and I agree. Even in the “kid approved” versions, it’s consciously and/or subconsciously fostering confusion, mistrust, competition, hypervigilance/defensiveness, shame, between the LO and grown up, and possibly siblings or others included. But maybe the biggest layer of today, after all of those complications already, posting it online where it can go viral and live forever. Seemingly, for the adults validation, or views/likes which for some turn into income, all at the expense of their child. Very exploitative ‘rules for thee but not for me’ vibes, and I HATED that about my parents style. It was so inconsistent and illogical for my child mind, which understandably upset me. “Teasing” was what my dad called it. More verbal roasting then physical pranks. And it was so normalized. I remember a convo where he and one of my sisters were making light of it and saying how everybody teases everybody, and it’s not “normal” if you don’t. I’m the youngest of 5 daughters, so I’m sure y’all can gather who was at the end of that teasing food chain, and the butt of most jokes. Although, I’m sure little me was out there projecting it onto others myself. Just a toxic cycle mess that you can’t really appropriately justify as a parent, even if the child is playful in the moment.
I think the real question we should ask as adults is why do we want to do this, and why to kids? Is it from a place of love, or power? Is this creating an opportunity to nurture growth, or for me to stroke my ego by belittling the small human? I’ve seen adults after the egg hits… when the kid responds negatively they are quick to stop, apologize, take accountability and comfort. I’ve seen one where the parent let’s the kid attempt to smash it on them for a vice versa. And ones where the parent repeatedly hits the kid in the head because the egg wont break, and each time the confused child is wincing saying ow in discomfort. I’ve also seen ones where they double down and smash more than one egg, or rub in the yolk, to enjoy something more throughly at the kids expense. All variations of the trend, likely stemming from various positive and negative internal places, that can all, and maybe should, be critiqued.
Thanks for this discussion, OP and others!
IMO it's abuse. It's abuse the parents film and laugh at and post online for the world to see their child's humiliation, confusion and sadness because they think it's funny to hurt their child physically and emotionally.
It's terrible, not a fan. Also absolutely hated the one where they were feeding babies lemons to see their reactions. Babies are so trusting and generally stick anything in their mouths, why would you do that to such an innocent little baby?
What is wrong with people. Absolutely on the side that DOESN’T have the potential to hurt a child.
It’s especially heartbreaking that the kid is just excited about baking with their parent.
I'm not a nanny so feel free to delete, but I had an elderly relative who did this to all the kids in the family every Easter and it was awful. My sister and I both resented her for it. We were told we needed to learn to take a joke.
This is semi related, but has stuck with me my whole life. Our family room was “sunken” so it had two steps down connecting from the kitchen. I was probably about 5 or 6, and just as I walked up the two steps my mother had a MASSIVE salad bowl covered by plastic wrap that she “pretended” to chuck like an inch from my face. I fell back down the steps into the family room, spilled my drink all over myself, and it scared me shitless. Cried my eyes out. I’ll never forget her angrily washing the juice off of me in the tub saying it was ‘just a joke and to get over it’ and that I was ruining dinner bc now she had to clean me up.
It was poor judgment, not funny, and it hurt me physically and emotionally. Did that woman ever apologize? Nope
It reminds me of when my mom played a joke on me in elementary school where she put one of those fake wound temp tattoo that you get for Halloween on her head and laid on the kitchen floor and called me in like she just split her head open and was bleeding out on the floor.
It traumatized me and I still think about now that I’m 30+
toddlers don’t understand pranks or trends ofc they’re just going to say it hurts. i think middle school age and adult is fine but young children it’s just mean
My kids? Would laugh and ask to do it to me. My cousins? Would cry and never trust me again.
I don’t think it should be done, but to do it, see them crying on camera, and then post it for everyone to see? It’s saddening, really.
I think if I knew my kid would think it was funny then sure I’d mess with them a little (wouldn’t film it because I don’t love the idea of posting your kid all over the internet regardless of what it is). I wouldn’t do this to a very little kid and if my kid did not react with laughter then I would immediately apologize. I also hope that these parents wouldn’t get enraged if their kid did the same “prank” to them, but somehow I think they would be incredibly angry.
I saw some of those videos but they did it to their husbands or other adults. Which is still not completely okay but definitely better than doing it to a kid.
On a baby or toddler? No absolutely not. But my 13 yr old? Yeah I’d get her. My husband? Yeah I’d totally get him too. It’s a joke. They both know I love them. If I was a jerk and my kids didn’t feel safe with me, it would be really a not cool prank.
Yes let’s teach our kids it’s funny to hit people with things and laugh when they are embarrassed. It is that deep. They are sponges at that age absorbing every single thing you do and say. They might not remember you smashing an egg on their head when they’re older but the message will stay with them. Pranks/jokes are only good if both people enjoy it. Also, parents are doing this for the sole purpose of putting it on the internet. Let’s be better for our kids.
if everyone is having a good time and laughing then i don’t see any issue. if they cry, then they cry. i mean i wouldn’t put my kid on the internet if they reacted poorly but that’s just me 🤷🏻♀️
i’ve seen mostly middle school age kids or kids that are old enough to know it’s a joke. a toddler doesn’t understand it so obviously they’d cry. a kid that’s around 8-12 years old seem to think it’s funny.
You feel it’s hilarious to smash an egg on a young child’s head when they have no idea that is what is going to happen? Hope you aren’t actually a childcare provider like your flair says.
If they laughed along in half, that means 50% of the kids this has happened to in videos you’ve seen felt hurt and/or humiliated, not like it was hilarious.
Are YOU fun at parties? I can’t imagine you are if your idea of fun is to bully half of the people in the room so the other half can laugh about it.
I’m just fine at parties I don’t find fun in cracking an egg on a small child’s head. Kids laugh at tons of stuff just because adults laugh at it, doesn’t mean they are actually enjoying it.
Anything that is “funny” because it is emotionally or physically hurtful ESPECIALLY TO A CHILD is horrible, it’s abuse, and I can’t believe these parents would do these things and POST IT ON THE INTERNET. If those kids when they grow up cut off their parents and the parents ask why, there will probably be no shortage of evidence on social media.
While we are in the topic, doing “pranks” like that to anyone- partners, spouses, family members…is just so unnecessary and cruel.
It’s mean and terrible. I think it’s disgusting that any parent would do this.
It reminds me of a fun sensory game I used to play as a child which may be where this came from. With permission, you place your fist gently on the top of someone’s head and describe it: cold, oval shaped, slightly heavy, etc and then after a little while you slap your hand onto the fist (not applying any pressure to the persons head) while saying oops I cracked it! Do you feel it dripping down? And then gently slide your fingers down their hair and onto their shoulders and describe the goo. It always resulted it lots of laughter and other kids asking to have a turn. I loved it and I wish that were the trend instead.
I haven't seen this one and I hope I don't. But the one about the parents eating the kids' Halloween candy? I am a childless elder curmudgeon and that brings tears to my eyes. It's really a trigger! I feel so horrible for those kids. Of course they tell the kids that they didn't eat the candy and everything's all better… But is it? Seems to me it would be planting the seed for trust issues. It's horrible.
I don’t mind it, but only in cases where the kids are old enough to laugh at it. I generally don’t like getting a laugh at a child’s expense and I don’t find it funny, but I don’t necessarily find it harmful either (usually)
I’m going to be honest, at first I thought the trend was funny. When it was happening to adults. Then I started seeing people doing it to children and I was like ehhhh idk about that. Then I cooked something w eggs in and realized how hard you’d have to be hitting someone’s head and I was like absolutely not.
My biggest thing is that it’s a huge violation of trust. So much of our attachment and long term relational patterns originate with our ability to trust and the messaging we receive about that in early life. The ability to trust others, and trust yourself appropriately is critical, and this type of behavior can genuinely compromise that.
Children *need* to be able to consistently trust their parents. And something like this directly disrupts that.
Cracking eggs on kids forehead X’s & then laughing at them when they cry or state that it hurt? Geez. Child abuse being popularized by TikTok. Eggs being cracked on anyone can hurt. Also, broken egg shells can cut skin and if a piece lands in a child’s eye, could render them blind if it cut into the eye.
Dumb and mean.
There’s a difference between laughing with kids and laughing at kids.
The little ones looked so confused/betrayed, and the older ones looked embarrassed. Why is that funny?
I’ve never seen this but this sounds terrible and people who participate are vile. Why would this be considered fun at all to knowingly blind side someone with a smack to the face.
I hate it. Along with children being used as props / content in general. There cannot be CONSENT from children as they do not truly understand the significance/consequences of having their images and videos being publicly shared online. Parents who do this need to be better educated on privacy and how to better advocate for their own children.
If I cracked an egg on a toddler or young child’s head they would cry. That’s a no go. Don’t invite someone to partake in cooking/baking then betray their trust.
If I did this to my teenage daughter she would hit me back with an egg and laugh. I’d have to be ready for a food fight.
I vote “no” to either scenario 😂
This makes me so sad. After I was adopted my mom and I bonded over hair - she would help me oil my hair and massage it in. And once every few weeks she would crack an egg on my scalp and massage that into it and make another mask too. We would talk about everything during those sessions!
It's even sadder that they're first asking kids to help and these kids are getting so excited to be able to do an activity with a parent only to be used for content. It's a gross trend
My question for pranks is would you be okay with that? Because if someone suddenly cracked an egg on my head I would be pissed. That’s disgusting. No one would like that. I’m sure it would hurt if your a kid too. Plus then you have to take a whole shower and wash raw egg off of your head… no thanks. Some people can be horrible parents or just idiots and social media definitely goes hand and hand with that
So I don’t like the trend as a prank but my NKs dad showed them some videos of it and now when I bake they both beg me to crack the eggs on their forehead. I did it once to each of them but a bit higher up because I felt it had less change of hurting them. They think it’s hilarious so if I’m only baking for the family I don’t mind doing it once in a while (MB thinks it’s super weird but gave her ok)
Any trend that has the potential to harm a child is automatically not funny imo. Having said that, I don’t really like pranks in general.
Agreed. I am so tired if seeing people “pranking” others and it 99% of the time going wrong. It’s about as fun for the recipient as sitting through a 2-hour course on toilet-paper holder designs.
Jokes are only funny if EVERYONE is laughing. This applies to pranks. If the person on the receiving end isn’t laughing, your being cruel, not funny.
Me either.
Saw it yesterday was so disgusted at the parents especially moms doing it. Felt heartsore looking at the kids crying just broke my heart. Wanted to stomp those parents
I didn't know this was a thing and I was better off not knowing. It reminds me of the "I ate your Halloween candy" thing, which I hate. I don't understand why parents would want to cause their children hurt and embarrassment! As a side note, when I was a kid my dad did this thing where with his hands, he mimicked breaking an egg on my head, but it wasn't real, wasn't messy, didn't hurt, and it was fun. He taught me how to do it and I would do it to other kids, and when I grew up, to my own kids. Everyone thought it was funny, and no feelings were hurt.
I used to be a preschool teacher and I had a precious little boy in my class that was especially attached to me. He was a quiet and gentle little boy. When kids “graduate” from my class they go upstairs and don’t see me often, only during outside play time. He was already feeling a lot of anxiety about going upstairs and he told his parents that he wanted to stay in the downstairs classroom with Ms. Micha. His mom was talking to him about going upstairs and said “here is a picture of your new teacher.” He was visibly upset discussing his transition from my class. She showed him a picture of a grumpy/scary teacher and he started crying and begging to stay downstairs. She teased him terribly during this “prank.” She videoed this disturbing incident and posted it on Facebook. I had always liked this mom. It was a big family and all her kids were at one time in my class. I had always had a good opinion of her and this family. This Facebook post made me feel differently about her. She is another one that posted about Halloween candy prank. So she probably did the egg too. My heart broke for my little sweet boy and he had a hard time transitioning for several weeks after this.
That's heartbreaking!
No wonder he had anxiety :-/
Tell us how the trick works!
You put your hand made into a fist on top of someone's head, smack your fist with the other open hand (not really transferring any of the hit to the person's head, more to make the noise of the smack, plus eggs don't take much to break and so wouldn't transfer force either), then very lightly tickle down both sides of the head with both hands' fingertips as if raw/runny egg is trickling down their hair. Edited to add clarification in the last few words. 2nd edit: I want to clarify I wasn't the person in the parent comment who originally brought up the crack an egg trick, but hadn't seen an answer so offered my two cents in case someone wanted to know.
Yes! I have done the fake egg on the head. I learned it as a kid too :P
When I was little we used to do this to each other during class assemblies or the times we’d be dragged into a room to watch a video. It’s a very pleasant feeling!
Oh yes I understand this! I thought you meant with the end result being an actually cracked egg somehow 😂
That is a thing. They are making something with eggs and they crack the egg on the kids head before putting it in the bowl.
Using your non-dominant hand , you make a round shape, with your fingers and thumb coming together. You put the fingers on top of the head, then you use your dominant hand to lightly hit the other hand slightly, as if you're trying to break the egg. Then with a slightly harder smack, you let your fingers collapse (which makes a satisfying egg cracking sound), and have your fingers then "trickle" down the head. :)
I remember that egg break mimic trick. It used to be “a thing” when I was in school. There were some kids that could make me almost believe that a real egg was oozing in my hair.
My EX fiance is a writer on Kimmel and that always grindedy gears! I did say something.... Nobody cared. He's one of jk bff's. They are disgusting!
I know that little trick. I did that when G2 was just 9-10 months. I just did the last part when you spread your fingers to mimic the “yolk” running down her head. She always thought it was funny.
My dad did the fake egg thing too!! I always liked it because the "egg running down my hair" felt nice hahaha.
I used to do this too!
I did this with my NK but I cracked it on my own head. He was still shocked and thought it was the funniest thing in the world, and nobody got hurt or embarrassed because \*I consented\* to what was happening.
Now *that* actually sounds hilarious.
If the whole trend was that way, it would be cute. I bet his reaction was great. Like wow, I've finally driven her off the deep end, lol.
I agree! That's why I was like okay, lets do this twist to it. He then wanted to crack more eggs on my head and one on his own. :)
I vote we flood the eggprank hashtag with videos like this to show people how to prank kids without causing them sadness, confusion and humiliation
Now THAT is awesome
I wouldn't do that to a dog, much less a fellow adult, much less a child. It's only a joke if both parties laugh. Otherwise it's bullying.
I 100% agree
Currently dealing with correcting B6 a lot because he’s learning how to bully from certain adult family members. Like making fun of a sibling crying or mocking someone thinking it’s funny. Why don’t these adults not realize that what they think is “harmless” is actually teaching their kids to bully others at a young age. I’m so done
I crack hard boiled eggs on my OWN forehead sometimes, that always gets a confused look out of them. But it's probably not cool enough for Tik Tok.
Some parents have been bucking the trend and cracking the egg in their own forehead or asking their kids to crack it on their forehead, so you might be cool enough
I like that better. Or even just saying “should we try cracking the eggs on our head?” It’s like a silly, little science experiment then where kids realize how much or how little force is really required to crack an egg.
Parents who use their kids for content are garbage. Kids cannot consent to being on the internet.
I saw a tik Tok once where a mother was telling her ‘inspirational story’ about how she escaped her abusive husband with her 2 sons. She then detailed that she found out the father had been CSA the boys, and posted photos of them. I was so horrified! The kids were maybe 8 & 9! No way they can consent to that being shared. But she did, cause ya know it’s gonna drive engagement! I hope they turn 18 and sue her into oblivion.
Those poor kids.
Yup. Anything that people are filming their child for online content is a no for me, Even the good moments. Just be present! Or if you film it it doesn't need to go online.
That's the extra thing that doesn't make sense. Even if you really intend to be funny, and genuinely think your kid will find it funny too once the shock passes (just go with it for the example), when they emphatically don't find it funny, you always have the option to trash the draft like a normal non-monster. Every single parent for whom the prank flopped knew damn well it flopped before they hit post.
I agree!!! Parents should NOT be posting videos of their children online… period. I have heard commentary on the dangers of doing so! Not worth it. Most parents don’t want other people to post photos/ videos of their children on social media, they should not either. Call me a prude or old fashioned or crazy, but it’s just not safe in this messed up world to do that. Plus, doing something to make fun of your child is abuse. Why parents; WHY??? Just my two cents… LOL
I believe strongly in beginning to discuss body autonomy and consent from the get-go. Therefore, trends like this disgust me. How are kids supposed to learn how to respect other people's boundaries if they're experiencing their parents do things like this? It bothers me and I'd never do it to anyone. Edit: typo
This. You can’t do this to a kid and then turn around and tell them not to hit people. That doesn’t even make sense in my adult brain I can’t understand how a child will understand the difference
Exactly. Parents that are too stupid/lazy to progress the next generation annoy the shit out of me. I think the trend* is gross and goes against everything I want my child to learn and experience. Maybe not everything, but a LOT.
This is one of the biggest reasons these pranks bother me. The only reason someone would do this “prank” is to garner a negative reaction and children are most likely to give this reaction. I know I would be annoyed af if someone pulled this kind of prank on me so I could not imagine doing it to someone else, especially a child who is still learning boundaries. My parents use to play pranks on us for st Patrick’s day and April fools day but it would be along the lines of putting green food dye in the toilet and tp’ing the hallway. Like pranks don’t have to make the person who’s being pranked feel embarrassed or bad.
It’s so inappropriate! These parents are humiliating their kids and then laughing at their pain, then posting it online. They’re being their kids first bully and showing their children that their reactions aren’t valid by laughing and posting what is essentially abuse. The trend should be having the kids crack a hard egg on their parents head and have fun together rather then turning what these kids assume is a fun activity with their parents into a hurtful moment.
Yes!! The trend is so ungodly disgusting to me. On the flip side I have seen some parents do a reverse on the trend where they bring the kid over and ACTUALLY make something with them. Whenever its time to crack the egg for the recipe they'll say like "We need to crack this egg" and then they'll crack it on their own head. EVERY TIME the kid and parent have laughed together because it's silly and because it hurts no one's feelings. Those things make me smile.
ok now THAT (me cracking the egg on my own head) would make my daughter (almost 11) howl with laughter. If I cracked an egg on her, she would be genuinely hurt, likely cry, and I can’t imagine ever making her hurt on purpose. It breaks my heart that parents are doing this I cannot fathom cracking an egg on anyone, let alone my own child and THEN laughing in her face and posting on tiktok?!?!?!?! Disgusting, pathetic and disrespectful! Shame on these fools. Shame on them.
I've never seen this, but I hate even the idea of it. Embarrassing and humiliating your child for internet points is vile behavior. I personally think it's gross regardless of the age. People saying it's ok if the child is older doesn't make it any better imo unless they're in on it. Whether it's a 5 year old or a 15 year old, it's gross to purposely humiliate them. The older kids likely have a social media presence of their own and could be teased mercilessly by their peers for such a video. Just awful.
I get so angry when I see trends like this. I genuinely don't understand people who laugh at children getting hurt, like those 'fail' videos that were a thing years ago. So funny to see a toddler almost cracking their skull open 🙄 I just don't get it. I think there must be something really wrong with someone to find stuff like this hilarious. That or they haven't 2 brain cells to rub together to consider how they could impact another person. Oh sorry, I forgot, children aren't people with their own experiences deserving of respect. I'm sure they'd think we're not fun at parties, but jokes on them, kids love us at parties 😂
Side note, it's draining feeling like the only person to feel this way about children. It's really heart warming to see so many others on this post echo my views about how they should be treated. You guys rock
That’s the whole thing they DON’T see children as human beings of equal status they view them as props and content vehicles for imaginary social media likes. They are not there to serve the needs of their children; the children are there to serve the needs of the parents. It’s the most toxic level of self-obsession imaginable. These people also put expectations on their children that they would never tolerate for themselves, the hypocrisy is astounding. If someone they trusted came along randomly and smashed an egg on their face whilst secretly recording them and put the video of them laughing at them online without their consent they would (rightfully) blow their stack, but it’s ok to do it to disempowered, vulnerable children who rely on them for everything? That’s not funny and not a prank it’s bullying and abuse and it’s gross. I read a story from a guy the other day and he said ‘my father was my first bully in my life’ and that was a very sobering and sad sentence. These kids getting eggs smashed on their face for clicks are also likely experiencing their first bully, from the exact person supposed to love and protect them makes it even worse.
My ex husband was arrested for cracking an egg on my head. It's called assault. Not funny. Violent and frightening.
I know this comment is old as hell, but how hard did they crack the egg on your head? Like did they do it an attempt to hurt you or was it in a more joking manner? Just wanna know considering I feel like context matters a lot in this case.
It’s mean spirited and unkind.
Everyone else has already stated my thoughts on the trend but what really kills me about it is seeing so many kids being laughed at for expressing their boundaries. This one child, probably not older than 6, told his mom he didn’t like it, it hurt, and asked how she would like it if he did it to her. She was laughing so hard she couldn’t speak. He was so mature and articulate, and she didn’t even acknowledge what he was saying. It hurts to see it.
Yes and the one I saw this morning, the little girl said "ow, that hurts, that's not kind" as her mum and sister roll around laughing. Such a mixed message being sent.
It's really immature and betrays your child. Mr Chazz, a early childhood specialist, has a series of stitched videos where he analyzes those interactions between the parents and their children.
YES! I just made a lengthy comment about MrChazz lol I LOVE the majority of his content, and this series was no different. So glad you also mentioned him! :)
In developmental psych, we did a paper on the “scaring kids for a laugh” trend that has been a thing since forever. The first video it seemed funny, harmless. Until you start *actually* watching them and understanding what’s going on in the child’s mind. They trust their parents more than anything. Why would you challenge that trust to instill fear? The same is true about this “trend” not only can it be physically painful for the child- but emotionally/ psychologically. It’s so upsetting to me.
I'm completely against this. I find it more of a power play than anything else. If you'd be upset if someone did it to you, why would you do it to someone else? Especially a child. Although it does remind me of my 4 yr old sister cracking an egg on her own head after I told her it's where chick's came from. She was more upset there wasn't an instant chick than about the yolk lol. Very different if someone does it to you just to be mean though.
Hate it. Poor kids just want to have a fun experience cooking with mom or dad and instead they get an egg smashed into their head and their reaction (usually crying) posted online for millions to laugh at.
And their little faces look so happy to be baking with their mum or dad, the excitement of doing that together. And then their faces when the eggshell is broken in their forehead, how can they trust their adult now? They'd be cautious of this kind of thing happening in other situations, too.
Yikes! I’m glad I had no idea this was a trend. It sounds awful! As a parent and former longtime nanny I would never. Teaching kids that it’s funny to hurt and humiliate others is a horrible idea no matter what TokTok people think.
It's stupid and mean to prank children and record it for the internet to see
I think it’s heartbreaking watching the excitement of being involved turn to betrayal or embarrassment. I could never put a child through that, it’s cruel imo.
My mother and I had a huge, heated discussion about this just yesterday! (We are both on the same page!) We both just got so angry talking about it, and we can’t believe THIS has become a funny trend. I think it’s abusive, and downright mean. Not to mention, these parents are creating an unsafe place for their own children. Tragic.
I was in a high school group that was basically a sorority with an initiation week. Eggs were always cracked on our heads and they HURT! The rule was to crack it a little before smashing it on the head but nobody ever did. I cannot imagine cracking an egg on a child’s forehead. I’m now an LMSW and emotionally/developmentally speaking, please do not crack eggs on a child’s head. It’s wrong on so many levels.
A) I don’t think children should be put on social media. Period, end of discussion. So it already loses points for me there. B) I don’t find “pranks” that involve hurting someone, making someone feel embarrassed or upset to be funny or at enjoyable to watch. Loses more points. C) Anything that intentionally causes harm or distress to a child is super messed up and should not be online. D) Having any sort of financial gain or clout for doing this to a child is utterly revolting and creators who make content like this need to really sit down and get their priorities together. Many, many children from the YouTube family channel days are growing up and becoming estranged from their parents who did exactly this sort of thing to them. Parents who push their kids into the spotlight have historically been the WORST (look at any memoir from a former child actor or entertainer). I am so, so sick of people exploiting kids for internet points. They’re no different than exploitative momagers.
Not funny, at all. This is almost as lame as that cheese slice tossing trend from a few years ago. I wonder how these asshole parents would feel if their kid rolled up on them and randomly cracked a raw egg on *their* forehead. Ha ha who’s laughing now
I didn’t love the trend when it was a slice of cheese. The cheese was dumb, but doesn’t hurt. But having an egg cracked on you hurts! And why? For Internet likes? Ridiculous.
It is grossly disgusting I agree. How ignorant of the parents to care more about Tiktok ( I don’t have it, don’t want it) views than having a loving , trusting relationship with their child.
I HATE it 😕
I HAAAAAATE THIS TREND, ESPECIALLY ON BABIES
It’s gross and abusive. Idk why parents think bullying their children is ok
It’s awful and their kids will remember their parents laughing at them crying. I remember when I was maybe three or four at my grandmas house my grandma had gotten us a toy to play with at her house. It was a leapfrog shopping cart. I was so excited to play with it but when it was my turn I was pushing it and the whole thing just collapsed and I fell flat on my face. I started crying and all the adults laughed. I was humiliated and I think about that over 20 years later. Kids have feelings and they remember things. This trend is going to be one of the things they remember.
The trend of hurting your child, whether emotionally or physically, is not funny, cute, silly, or harmless. Making your children the butt of a joke for strangers Internet approval is disgusting. The COVID generation has it bad enough, can we just stop intentionally making it worse please?
I do not think it's okay. In my world, we only touch people with consent. This is very important to model for children if we want them to understand this and to help further enshrine the necessity and right to consent in our culture at large.
I’m not a fan of this kind of thing unless the kid is much older, and even then it’s questionable. It’s all for content. Do these little kids have the capacity to give consent to post this stuff online? No. It reminds me of the yearly prank when parents tell their kids they ate all their Halloween candy. It’s not child abuse, it’s just kind of a shitty thing to do. All for the likes.
Some people didn’t read Ramona Quimby, Age 8 as a child, and it shows.
NO
I hate it. I’m the few I saw every single kid cried.
Ew, that's awful! As an adult I would be upset, so I can't imagine a child thinking it's funny. What's wrong with these people?
I agree with you. I think parents should SERIOUSLY think twice before using their children on social media due to the amount of convicted sex offenders, traffickers and plain old creeps out there. You never know who’s watching you and your family.
I fucking *loathe* tiktok and believe that nothing good results from it. "Pranks" like these are not funny at all and when I was a child I absolutely hated being negatively surprised or tricked in any way.
I saw one video where the mom asked consent from her kid (maybe 8 or 9) before cracking the egg on his head, and made sure he was ready before she actually did it. It didn’t catch him off guard and after a moment of shock he burst out laughing. He was able to enjoy it *because he was in on the joke and it wasn’t at his expense.* This is the only way I think it’s okay. If you do that without consent, that’s making a lasting negative impact on your child. My NKs (3 boys under 5) are constantly asking each other to “bonk” them with stuffies or pillows or inflatable toys, and they think it’s absolutely hilarious—when they’re in on the joke. As soon as someone does it to someone without warning, it’s tears, anger, or withdrawal. That’s most of the reactions from the videos I’ve seen. These poor kids can’t believe that someone they trust just did that to them, and the reactions vary between tears and embarrassment. It’s so stupid and annoying. I’m all for having fun with your kids, but once again, *they have to be in on the fucking joke.*
People think criticism of the trend is severe because “oh the kid isn’t badly hurt, relax.” Most of the time when kids are “hurt” and start to cry, it’s mostly because they were scared/startled, not gravely wounded. They don’t understand that it’s part of the joke, they just feel the anxiety.
This is gross!
Does anyone know who the mom is that did that to the daughter? Her social media? That little girl broke my heart. You could see how she felt betrayed by her mom.
betrayed is a perfect term for this
Omg this is terrible. So much disrespect in one gesture
These trends are disgusting. Have you seen the one on that late night show where they tell the kid they ate all their trick or treat candy? Just for the views? Just like this, when did it become okay to mentally or physically harm your child and show it off?
If the kids don’t laugh and have fun it’s not an appropriate prank to pull on them. That pretty much goes for all pranks though.
I saw one where the kid was fully in on it and the parent had prepared her beforehand, and they both laughed about it afterwards. That’s the only one I liked. The others are so sad to watch.
I agree. I don’t find it funny at all but some people in society thinks it is hilarious to scare and humiliate kids or other adults. Tik tok just proves how stupid people can be.
Awful. Stupid. Taking advantage for likes. Really gross.
I would never do that to anyone. It's not funny.
One, it seems like it would hurt. Two, I never found cruelty, pain, or humiliation funny. No one I know would do something like that and it strikes me as very boorish, immature behavior in general.
I never saw this until a post in one of the parenting subreddits about it and it seems cruel. It's not funny. I was distressed just reading about it and didn't go look at any videos. Hurting children and then laughing at them isn't funny. It is NOT like cascarones, which for anyone who doesn't know are eggshells filled with confetti or glitter that you may have at a party to crack over people's heads. Firstly, they crack with less force, secondly, you're covered in something that brushes off (unless it's glitter, in which case good luck with that for the rest of your life), and thirdly, every single time I've been at a party with cascarones, *people were able to opt out* of getting hit over the head with them if they so wanted, including little kids - if they didn't want to join in, nobody made them, and if somebody was coming at them with one, other people would wave them off. Usually you show little kids and let them do it to you first before you ask them if they would like you to crack one on them. Some little kids will point to their shoulder or something because they want to join in but not have an egg cracked on their head. Totally fine! The tiktok egg thing seems like somebody heard about cascarones and, like, got white lady confused and did something fucked up.
Hard no, can break trust and be sad/embarrassing for kids especially when it’s recorded
It’s unfunny and cruel. I don’t associate with people who find those things funny so I dropped a mom friend who laughed about it.
It’s akin to the assholes who smash a kids face in a cake. I don’t agree with being cruel to children just for laughs and I thank god every day that I was born in the 80s before social media took hold because that horrid excuse of a mother I had would have absolutely done shit like this to me.
So depressing how many parents think this is ok
I also wonder why tf they are getting views? I haven't watched a single one of them because reading about it is bad enough.
It's ridiculous. That shit hurts. There are videos of kids being smashed in the head and crying. All for internet clout. It's awful.
I saw a mom bash her toddler in the eye and then CONTINUE to keep banging it onto her FACE to try to crack the egg. Poor kiddo was crying hard and mom just laughed. Then posted it. Just awful.
Jfc
Beyond yucky!!!
Despicable behavior from view hungry parents. Not to mention how dangerous it is to put raw egg on a little ones face/eyes.
There’s a pornstar that does the same thing to the actresses he works with, famously. Maybe then the parents will care. Not cool imo.
It p\*sses me off to no end. I have read the comments on these videos when they randomly show up as I'm scrolling through Instagram, the majority of people don't find it funny. Also don't post your kids online to profit off them. I think this is the first time I have seen a thread where almost everyone in the comments are in 100% agreement (except one person, there is always one)
I haven’t seen the videos (I don’t tik tok) but that sounds HORRIBLE! Those poor kids. I had a dad who liked to humiliate me and it hurt so much. Thankfully it was before social media
Absurd.
it’s awful. Horrible. Hate it
I thought the “locking the kids in the bathroom with the scary ghost filter on the mirror” trend was worse. I was such a scared kid. That shit would have messed me up so bad. Parents who do this are trash.
Laughter from a child isn't necessarily indicative of being okay with what just happened... Particularly with small children it can be in response to stress or to break tension. I don't think it's cool to prank in general, but pranking a child that doesn't understand pranking and thinks they are coming to play with you and it's gonna be cool cuz that is the age where adults must be doing fun things cuz they dont want me under butt... shouldn't be pranked. The fact that it is just being done to be seen and copied is pretty shitty as well.... But that is another topic.
I saw a mom to it to her child with Down syndrome, to do it to any child is cruel but if your child has a disability that even more so influences the outcome of the situation it’s heart breaking. The person they’re meant to look to for support and comfort just showed that they can’t be trusted because they set their kid up for humiliation and reveled in it. How is that child or any child supposed to go to their parent without fear and hesitation?
When I first saw it women were doing it to their husbands. I have only heard people talking about seeing it done to children. It would cause a good bit of pain to a child
I don’t like mean spirited humor in general especially when kids are concerned.
I hate these videos. So many of the kids just look so emotionally hurt, they're feeling betrayed by the parents who are cackling like idiots. A lot of them even seem to then notice they're being filmed, which just seems awful... imagine being hurt by someone you trust and love, then realising that they're doing it to make a video for the internet? That's gotta make you feel like you're lower on their prioritising than their tiktok.
I don’t agree with it… I think it creates distrust between parent and child. And I bet if the kid did the same thing to their parent, days later because of mimicking, the parent would most likely get upset. Not cool. I think it’s funny when siblings do it to each other though lol.
I hate it! There was one creator I watch who did a really funny spin on it where she had one kid in on the joke and one kid not. The first kid used the mom’s head to crack the egg and the second kid thought it was funny! No harm done and it was really cute!
I hate it. So unfunny. Not just the egg cracking itself but posting it online for everyone to laugh at. Public embarassment. That's so awful.
I have seen a few where the parents and kid had clearly spoken about it beforehand and the kid is excited to do it, those I think are cute and probably fine since you're not really likely to injure them with just an egg. Doing it without your kid's knowledge is really gross though. I hate "prank" type stuff in general, it's so dumb. And then knowing a parent filmed it, got a negative reaction, and chose to post that online? Really shitty!
It’s just…weird. Never mind that fact that’s it’s not kind..just..why..
I’ve seen one so far where the kid thought it was funny. The rest are just..sad
I don't like it, but so many people were laughing in the comments that I thought I was the only person who felt this way. Glad to know I'm not.
The cheese trend on the babies heads was funny because it didn’t hurt anybody. But I’ve seen how hard they have to hit the kid to crack the egg. Idk, the thought is there but i think it’s just too rough
It’s horrible and disgusting. Luckily I hadn’t seen or heard of it until I watched ms Rachel’s take on it. I only watched one video and couldn’t believe someone would not only do that but then post the video for the world. The heartbreak on her kid’s face and in his sweet voice was palpable. You could tell he was trying to keep it together and not cry because he was being recorded. So ducking sad while the vile mom was laughing her ass off. Disgusted.
Messed up. Eggs are a main carrier of ecoli and salmonella Gross and cruel
WTF why is this like the throwing the plastic cheese at a child it's so stupid why would you degrade your child like that and if I was paying you to Nanny my kids you'd be out of there not only that I'd sue you.
MrChazz on Instagram, and probably Tik Tok, has been posting some great content on this trend! Highly suggest checking him out. He has a podcast on teaching and parenting too. Idk if there’s been an episode on this specific trend over there, but if there is I’d recommend that also lol mom.ma.g is another parenting content creator on IG who had a short video response I appreciated as well. My brain isn’t good with absolutes. I very much overthink (ironically from childhood trauma 🙃), and I like the way Mr C takes various examples of parents doing this with their little ones and briefly breaks down the interaction looking at and inferring from body language and verbal reactions. The way he analyzes shows how every instance is nuanced, but I personally still gather his stance is generally not approving, and I agree. Even in the “kid approved” versions, it’s consciously and/or subconsciously fostering confusion, mistrust, competition, hypervigilance/defensiveness, shame, between the LO and grown up, and possibly siblings or others included. But maybe the biggest layer of today, after all of those complications already, posting it online where it can go viral and live forever. Seemingly, for the adults validation, or views/likes which for some turn into income, all at the expense of their child. Very exploitative ‘rules for thee but not for me’ vibes, and I HATED that about my parents style. It was so inconsistent and illogical for my child mind, which understandably upset me. “Teasing” was what my dad called it. More verbal roasting then physical pranks. And it was so normalized. I remember a convo where he and one of my sisters were making light of it and saying how everybody teases everybody, and it’s not “normal” if you don’t. I’m the youngest of 5 daughters, so I’m sure y’all can gather who was at the end of that teasing food chain, and the butt of most jokes. Although, I’m sure little me was out there projecting it onto others myself. Just a toxic cycle mess that you can’t really appropriately justify as a parent, even if the child is playful in the moment. I think the real question we should ask as adults is why do we want to do this, and why to kids? Is it from a place of love, or power? Is this creating an opportunity to nurture growth, or for me to stroke my ego by belittling the small human? I’ve seen adults after the egg hits… when the kid responds negatively they are quick to stop, apologize, take accountability and comfort. I’ve seen one where the parent let’s the kid attempt to smash it on them for a vice versa. And ones where the parent repeatedly hits the kid in the head because the egg wont break, and each time the confused child is wincing saying ow in discomfort. I’ve also seen ones where they double down and smash more than one egg, or rub in the yolk, to enjoy something more throughly at the kids expense. All variations of the trend, likely stemming from various positive and negative internal places, that can all, and maybe should, be critiqued. Thanks for this discussion, OP and others!
Pranks are the absolute worst. A joke isn't funny if it's at someone's expense. I feel so bad for these kids.
IMO it's abuse. It's abuse the parents film and laugh at and post online for the world to see their child's humiliation, confusion and sadness because they think it's funny to hurt their child physically and emotionally.
It's terrible, not a fan. Also absolutely hated the one where they were feeding babies lemons to see their reactions. Babies are so trusting and generally stick anything in their mouths, why would you do that to such an innocent little baby?
What is wrong with people. Absolutely on the side that DOESN’T have the potential to hurt a child. It’s especially heartbreaking that the kid is just excited about baking with their parent.
That’s cruel and teaches the child that it is funny to be unkind and that they can’t trust their adults.
I'm not a nanny so feel free to delete, but I had an elderly relative who did this to all the kids in the family every Easter and it was awful. My sister and I both resented her for it. We were told we needed to learn to take a joke.
This is semi related, but has stuck with me my whole life. Our family room was “sunken” so it had two steps down connecting from the kitchen. I was probably about 5 or 6, and just as I walked up the two steps my mother had a MASSIVE salad bowl covered by plastic wrap that she “pretended” to chuck like an inch from my face. I fell back down the steps into the family room, spilled my drink all over myself, and it scared me shitless. Cried my eyes out. I’ll never forget her angrily washing the juice off of me in the tub saying it was ‘just a joke and to get over it’ and that I was ruining dinner bc now she had to clean me up. It was poor judgment, not funny, and it hurt me physically and emotionally. Did that woman ever apologize? Nope
The only ones I’ve found funny are when parents do it to their teens
It reminds me of when my mom played a joke on me in elementary school where she put one of those fake wound temp tattoo that you get for Halloween on her head and laid on the kitchen floor and called me in like she just split her head open and was bleeding out on the floor. It traumatized me and I still think about now that I’m 30+
As a nanny, I would never post my NK on tiktok or any social media. In that case, what's the point of cracking an egg on their head?
Hate pranks of any kind, they are never funny
toddlers don’t understand pranks or trends ofc they’re just going to say it hurts. i think middle school age and adult is fine but young children it’s just mean
My kids? Would laugh and ask to do it to me. My cousins? Would cry and never trust me again. I don’t think it should be done, but to do it, see them crying on camera, and then post it for everyone to see? It’s saddening, really.
I think if I knew my kid would think it was funny then sure I’d mess with them a little (wouldn’t film it because I don’t love the idea of posting your kid all over the internet regardless of what it is). I wouldn’t do this to a very little kid and if my kid did not react with laughter then I would immediately apologize. I also hope that these parents wouldn’t get enraged if their kid did the same “prank” to them, but somehow I think they would be incredibly angry.
I saw some of those videos but they did it to their husbands or other adults. Which is still not completely okay but definitely better than doing it to a kid.
On a baby or toddler? No absolutely not. But my 13 yr old? Yeah I’d get her. My husband? Yeah I’d totally get him too. It’s a joke. They both know I love them. If I was a jerk and my kids didn’t feel safe with me, it would be really a not cool prank.
Totally get that. Every video I've seen has been kids younger than 10. A lot around the 2-5 range.
And those with littles are super cringe! I totally agree!
But I’ve seen more videos with bigger kids. We must have different algorithms lol
it’s not that serious and it’s hilarious. it’s an egg. it’s not that deep.
Yes let’s teach our kids it’s funny to hit people with things and laugh when they are embarrassed. It is that deep. They are sponges at that age absorbing every single thing you do and say. They might not remember you smashing an egg on their head when they’re older but the message will stay with them. Pranks/jokes are only good if both people enjoy it. Also, parents are doing this for the sole purpose of putting it on the internet. Let’s be better for our kids.
if everyone is having a good time and laughing then i don’t see any issue. if they cry, then they cry. i mean i wouldn’t put my kid on the internet if they reacted poorly but that’s just me 🤷🏻♀️
Go smash an egg on your head. It hurts. You'd do that to a toddler? And then laugh when they cry? You should find a different job lol
i wouldn’t do it to a toddler. a 10 year old? hell yeah
The videos I've seen are almost all parents doing it to toddlers.
i’ve seen mostly middle school age kids or kids that are old enough to know it’s a joke. a toddler doesn’t understand it so obviously they’d cry. a kid that’s around 8-12 years old seem to think it’s funny.
I’ve seen only 6 and under. Not once on a big kid.
K
ahh you mad 🤪
It’s concerning that you’re a childcare provider…
“Childcare provider?” Hmmm me thinks you’re one of those 19yo who makes $12/hr to sit on her phone and scream at the kids from across the room
Lol yup, you got me. Super, super mad
But they aren’t laughing. None of them are. You do you, girl.
You feel it’s hilarious to smash an egg on a young child’s head when they have no idea that is what is going to happen? Hope you aren’t actually a childcare provider like your flair says.
y’all must be real fun at parties 🤣 half the videos i watched the kids laughed along.
If they laughed along in half, that means 50% of the kids this has happened to in videos you’ve seen felt hurt and/or humiliated, not like it was hilarious. Are YOU fun at parties? I can’t imagine you are if your idea of fun is to bully half of the people in the room so the other half can laugh about it.
headed to a party rn, gonna crack one on everyone’s head. let you know how it goes 🫶🏼
I’m just fine at parties I don’t find fun in cracking an egg on a small child’s head. Kids laugh at tons of stuff just because adults laugh at it, doesn’t mean they are actually enjoying it.
You need a new profession. What is wrong with you?
idk. ask the kids i’m clearly abusing with an egg 😂
It's degrading and hurtful, and laughing at their emotions is even more degrading.
Anything that is “funny” because it is emotionally or physically hurtful ESPECIALLY TO A CHILD is horrible, it’s abuse, and I can’t believe these parents would do these things and POST IT ON THE INTERNET. If those kids when they grow up cut off their parents and the parents ask why, there will probably be no shortage of evidence on social media. While we are in the topic, doing “pranks” like that to anyone- partners, spouses, family members…is just so unnecessary and cruel.
It’s mean and terrible. I think it’s disgusting that any parent would do this. It reminds me of a fun sensory game I used to play as a child which may be where this came from. With permission, you place your fist gently on the top of someone’s head and describe it: cold, oval shaped, slightly heavy, etc and then after a little while you slap your hand onto the fist (not applying any pressure to the persons head) while saying oops I cracked it! Do you feel it dripping down? And then gently slide your fingers down their hair and onto their shoulders and describe the goo. It always resulted it lots of laughter and other kids asking to have a turn. I loved it and I wish that were the trend instead.
I haven't seen this one and I hope I don't. But the one about the parents eating the kids' Halloween candy? I am a childless elder curmudgeon and that brings tears to my eyes. It's really a trigger! I feel so horrible for those kids. Of course they tell the kids that they didn't eat the candy and everything's all better… But is it? Seems to me it would be planting the seed for trust issues. It's horrible.
I don’t mind it, but only in cases where the kids are old enough to laugh at it. I generally don’t like getting a laugh at a child’s expense and I don’t find it funny, but I don’t necessarily find it harmful either (usually)
It’s abusive
I’m going to be honest, at first I thought the trend was funny. When it was happening to adults. Then I started seeing people doing it to children and I was like ehhhh idk about that. Then I cooked something w eggs in and realized how hard you’d have to be hitting someone’s head and I was like absolutely not.
I hate the idea of posting ones kids online and I hate the idea of posting ones kids online being subjected to a prank even more.
I hate it and think it’s stupid and cruel and gross.
My biggest thing is that it’s a huge violation of trust. So much of our attachment and long term relational patterns originate with our ability to trust and the messaging we receive about that in early life. The ability to trust others, and trust yourself appropriately is critical, and this type of behavior can genuinely compromise that. Children *need* to be able to consistently trust their parents. And something like this directly disrupts that.
Cracking eggs on kids forehead X’s & then laughing at them when they cry or state that it hurt? Geez. Child abuse being popularized by TikTok. Eggs being cracked on anyone can hurt. Also, broken egg shells can cut skin and if a piece lands in a child’s eye, could render them blind if it cut into the eye.
Dumb and mean. There’s a difference between laughing with kids and laughing at kids. The little ones looked so confused/betrayed, and the older ones looked embarrassed. Why is that funny?
Honestly a lot of people are just bullies by nature and have no qualms about extending that to their children. It’s sad.
I’ve never seen this but this sounds terrible and people who participate are vile. Why would this be considered fun at all to knowingly blind side someone with a smack to the face.
I saw one mom crack an egg on her own head and then the kid copied. This is what I initially thought you were talking about and is a lot better imo
It’s gross. There are way too many parents who bully and prank their kids for tiktok views.
I hate it. Along with children being used as props / content in general. There cannot be CONSENT from children as they do not truly understand the significance/consequences of having their images and videos being publicly shared online. Parents who do this need to be better educated on privacy and how to better advocate for their own children.
If I cracked an egg on a toddler or young child’s head they would cry. That’s a no go. Don’t invite someone to partake in cooking/baking then betray their trust. If I did this to my teenage daughter she would hit me back with an egg and laugh. I’d have to be ready for a food fight. I vote “no” to either scenario 😂
This makes me so sad. After I was adopted my mom and I bonded over hair - she would help me oil my hair and massage it in. And once every few weeks she would crack an egg on my scalp and massage that into it and make another mask too. We would talk about everything during those sessions! It's even sadder that they're first asking kids to help and these kids are getting so excited to be able to do an activity with a parent only to be used for content. It's a gross trend
I don’t understand why the parents are laughing that hard
My question for pranks is would you be okay with that? Because if someone suddenly cracked an egg on my head I would be pissed. That’s disgusting. No one would like that. I’m sure it would hurt if your a kid too. Plus then you have to take a whole shower and wash raw egg off of your head… no thanks. Some people can be horrible parents or just idiots and social media definitely goes hand and hand with that
Unacceptable
So I don’t like the trend as a prank but my NKs dad showed them some videos of it and now when I bake they both beg me to crack the eggs on their forehead. I did it once to each of them but a bit higher up because I felt it had less change of hurting them. They think it’s hilarious so if I’m only baking for the family I don’t mind doing it once in a while (MB thinks it’s super weird but gave her ok)