In a viral video, a teacher ignites a discussion among parents by stating that cupcakes should not be brought to school for birthday celebrations because they are too messy.

An Illinois teacher's "unpopular opinion" on TikTok has garnered negative comments, indicating its unpopularity.

A kindergarten teacher, Ann Brackemyer, gained popularity on social media by requesting parents to refrain from bringing cupcakes to school for their children's birthdays.

In her video, which has received over 2.4 million views, Brackemyer stated that she loves celebrating birthdays in her classroom, but she believes it's an unpopular opinion and kindly requested that cupcakes not be brought.

Instead of cupcakes, Brackemyer advised parents to choose other sweet treats to avoid messiness.

"Parents often underestimate the classroom environment, so I proposed some alternative birthday treat ideas," she said to Planet Chronicle Digital. "There are more options than just cupcakes."

The kindergarten teacher stated online that cupcakes create a huge mess and the children do not consume them effectively.

"The kids are overwhelmed by the messy frosting that covers everything."

Parents can consider other viable options for birthday celebrations in the classroom, as shared by Brackemyer.

She proposed Lofthouse-style frosted cookies with sprinkles or Casey's General Store donuts as options.

The teacher can keep ice cream cups with sprinkles in her freezer, as suggested by her.

She recommended both Little Debbie snacks and brownies with colored candy-coated sprinkles due to their size, varying flavors, and appeal.

The Illinois teacher stated in her final video that these snacks are simple, easy, and not messy, and kids love them.

"There are many more options besides cupcakes."

Fellow parents and teachers provided the teacher with helpful suggestions, which they found very useful.

"I adore the videos you're creating," another social media user commented.

"Our teachers are devoted to nurturing and educating our children every day. I appreciate the convenience of having access to information that simplifies my life. Keep providing them!"

Last year, I was my kindergartener's room mom and assisted with all the holiday celebrations. During one party, I exclaimed, 'Reminder to self: avoid sending cupcakes,' as another TikTok user pointed out.

Cookies are the best choice because they are less messy and the kids usually eat them entirely, unlike cupcakes where they pick off the frosting and leave them half-eaten due to their sweetness.

The custodian who cleans the classrooms after the kids have dropped most of the cupcakes all over the floor thanks the ma'am for the video. It's a pain to clean up afterward.

Despite Brackemyer's stance, the majority of social media users disagreed with her and expressed their own opinions, with some even challenging her views.

"Whatever my child chooses is what I bring in for their birthday!" another TikTok parent remarked.

Another user stated, "I completely comprehend, but I am not bothered by the mess or if they do not consume them. As an educator, I am also bringing cupcakes for my birthday."

Cupcakes are cleaner than ice cream and I will bring my kids their cupcakes; I've never seen a child not eat their cupcake when brought in.

Every year, I asked my different teachers what to bring and not bring for my child's birthday, and they all suggested cupcakes.

Brackemyer aimed to provide parents with some simple suggestions, but the conversation turned out to be much more profound.

Numerous parents expressed their desire to provide their children with whatever brings them joy, including cookies, cake pops, rice puff treats, or cupcakes.

"Brackemyer expressed gratitude for the feedback on the video and acknowledged that everyone has their own perspective. He emphasized that diversity of opinion is what makes the world interesting."

I think it's great to read the diverse ideas and suggestions from parents and teachers on social media. I particularly like the idea of having French fries in the classroom for a birthday, as suggested by one comment. Social media is amazing because it allows us to access a wide range of perspectives and ideas that can enrich our lives.