A mother faced heavy criticism from social media when she posted a picture of her children posing next to a vending machine they received as a Christmas gift.
"Let's not handicap these kids making their lives easy. I'm not buying toys my kids most definitely will understand life is not easy and making the right choices with money," Ciearra Baker wrote.
Most social media users felt torn by Baker's entrepreneurial gesture, while others supported her cause. One social media user was in complete support.
"This is a dope ass gift. Honestly my daughters only 5 and I'm sick of buying toys. My house can't hold another toy I might be doin this soon," they wrote.
User @jhonniblazeduh chimed in and wrote that learning how to earn money at a young age is beneficial.
"Man I'm teaching my kids at a young age how to get to the money they can have their school have their vending machine or anywhere and make money why you think they smoking that smile wasn't forced ! And no it's hard for me to have children for those asking smh but I have kids everyday round me nieces and all . My children would def respect it and I stand on that," they wrote.
One user even noted that most parents have struggled, so if they can set up their kids to succeed, they should. Other social media users voiced their opinions about Baker's choice, saying her children should enjoy the holidays with actual presents.
One commentator said the mother should have given the vending machine to them on another day.
"I would've gifted this on New Year or something. I like to see kids be kids, especially on Christmas. I don't believe in rushing their childhood. It was a good idea though. I understand the message. It was just delivered on the wrong day but do whatever it is you like with yours," the person wrote.
One user thought the children were too young.
"I get it it's just they're a little too young in my opinion… I've would have did it when they are teenagers…..maybe between 14-16," the user wrote.
Baker's vending machine gift to her children caused an explosion of conversation, but by the looks on her children's gleaming faces, they seemed to appreciate the gift.
Baker is not the only Black parent seeking to teach their children about financial literacy, developing passive income and closing the generational-wealth gap.
The average white household had $188,200 in wealth, which is 7.8 times more than the $24,100 average for Black families, according to a report by Brookings based on 2019 data.
