Mom Uses Creative Solution to Stop Daughter from Crying at School Dropoff
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Lauren-Baltazar-102025-4a06cfa7ed6c4da6ab2e18e683e9604e.jpg)
Lauren Baltazar was facing a common parenting struggle when her daughter started crying every morning before school. The heart-wrenching scenes of her daughter clinging to her leg and pleading not to go to school were becoming a daily occurrence. As a parent juggling her own commitments and trying to soothe her distressed child, Lauren knew she had to find a way to make school mornings easier for both of them.
In a stroke of inspiration, Lauren came up with a simple yet effective solution. She decided to tell her daughter a little white lie that changed everything. She informed her daughter that she had been named the class “gate leader,” a fictitious role that immediately turned her tears into excitement. The transformation in her daughter’s mood was remarkable, and a video shared on TikTok captured the moment with the caption, “she’s been crying every morning for school sooo I lied.”
The viral video resonated with parents worldwide who understood the challenges of school drop-offs. Lauren revealed that the idea stemmed from sheer desperation, with the stress of balancing her own education and her older son’s schooling adding to the pressure. However, the simple act of designating her daughter as the “gate leader” had an instant positive impact.
The concept not only stopped her daughter’s tears but also instilled a sense of responsibility and belonging. Her daughter took her new role seriously, eagerly ushering classmates through the school gate and helping other children who were upset. The bond between her daughter and her teacher strengthened, with her daughter expressing a deep fondness for her teacher and school.
The small lie that Lauren told her daughter had a profound effect, shifting her daughter’s perspective on school from one of anxiety to one of enthusiasm and connection. Lauren observed a complete turnaround in her daughter’s behaviour and attitude towards school, noting how she became more sociable and confident. The sense of purpose bestowed upon her daughter through the “gate leader” role was transformative.
The experience also gave Lauren a new understanding of the importance of providing children with a sense of purpose and validation. She recognised that children, like her daughter, crave roles and responsibilities that make them feel valued and capable. Through a harmless fib, Lauren unlocked a newfound confidence in her daughter and reinforced the values of empathy and honesty.
Lauren’s story struck a chord with parents who shared their own strategies for smoother school mornings. The underlying beauty of a mother recognising and meeting her child’s emotional needs was evident in the way Lauren’s creative solution brought joy and purpose to her daughter’s daily routine. By acknowledging her daughter’s desire to help others and fostering a sense of pride in her actions, Lauren not only alleviated her daughter’s anxiety but also nurtured her innate kindness and compassion.
In a world where small gestures can have significant impacts, Lauren’s story serves as a reminder of the power of empathy and creativity in parenting. By prioritising her daughter’s emotional well-being and fostering a positive environment at school, she not only transformed her daughter’s mornings but also enriched her overall school experience. As Lauren reflects on the journey that began with a simple white lie, she acknowledges the profound shift it brought to their lives and the enduring lesson it taught her about the importance of nurturing children’s sense of purpose and belonging.