What is a ‘boy mom’? TikTok trend sparks controversy

Mothers all over the globe have faced backlash in a recent TikTok controversy, as numerous viewers argue that mothers of boys exhibit a “toxic”approach to parenting.

Despite the majority of TikTok trends being positive and enjoyable, there are some that may be concerning, such as the chroming challenge and the smashing ice cubes trend.

The most recent trend to cause controversy on TikTok is the ‘boy moms’ phenomenon, where mothers share their reasons for teaching their sons how to cook. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

What is the controversial ‘boy moms’ TikTok trend?

The term ‘boy moms’ on TikTok typically describes mothers who treat their sons differently than their daughters, often leading to problematic behaviors.

The trend of ‘boy moms’ began when TikToker lauraelizabethgraham uploaded a video of her and her son cooking in the kitchen. In the video, she wrote, “Teaching my son how to cook so he can appreciate a home-cooked meal rather than your daughter’s [Stouffer’s] lasagna. Sorry, Felicia.”

@lauraelizabethgraham
He’s gonna need a home cooked meal Felicia 😬 #boymom #boymomlife #boymomsoftiktok #mamasboy #mommasboy #mamasboys #relatablemom #motherinlaw #motherinlawproblems #momsoftiktok IB: @brontevictoria.capowski

♬ original sound – Laura Elizabeth Graham

Before long, numerous ‘boy moms’ began sharing similar videos. In her post, content creator chezchanelle wrote, “I am teaching my son to cook so that he will not be impressed by your frozen pizza daughter.”

Sivanaylarichards captioned her clip, “Teaching my son how to cook so he won’t be impressed by your daughter’s takeout skills.”

Despite the backlash, numerous mothers criticized the trend, labeling the mothers as “toxic”for their questionable reasoning behind instructing their sons to cook. One individual shared a video of her son cooking, expressing, “I am teaching my son how to cook in case he ever needs to take care of himself. I refuse to perpetuate outdated gender roles.”

@craygardens
Dont put that #boymama energy on me. Im not trying to be cut off one day. #boymom #dustysons #dustydaughters #raisingkids #parentinghacks #mil #toxicmil

♬ original sound – Bryan

“I recently taught my 12-year-old son how to cook, so that your daughter won’t have to deal with a man who believes cooking is solely a woman’s responsibility,”another mother humorously commented in her video, poking fun at the popular ‘boy moms’ trend.

TikTok users expressed their disapproval of the trend in the comments, arguing that it is important for parents to teach their sons how to cook as it is a valuable life skill. They also pointed out that promoting the idea of women being limited to domestic roles in relationships is harmful and should not be encouraged.