A video featuring a father’s unique parenting tactic at the airport has sparked a viral debate, with viewers split on whether the approach is innovative or inconvenient.
Scott Donnell, an American author and entrepreneur, often shares parenting tips with his 128,000 Instagram followers. His latest video, which has garnered over 2.7 million views, showcases a method he uses with his four children at airports.
In the video, titled “Let Kids Lead the Way,” Donnell describes how he and his wife handle airport procedures by asking their children one question: “What’s next?”
Donnell recounts a recent experience with his five-year-old son, Sawyer. Upon arriving at the airport, they asked Sawyer what to do next. Initially unsure, Sawyer eventually asked which airline they were flying with. After learning it was Southwest, he approached an employee, introduced himself, and checked in with his father’s help.
Following check-in, the parents continued to let Sawyer take the lead. He guided the family to the TSA line, where they learned how to go through security. Once past security, Sawyer was tasked with finding their gate using the information on their boarding passes.
Donnell believes this approach fosters independence in children and reduces the burden on parents. “The more you do things with your kids instead of for them, the more they’re gonna learn these things on their own,” he said. This method, he adds, “frees you up as a parent.”
The video received a mixed response. Some viewers praised the method, calling it “active, involved parenting,” and encouraged others to ignore any complaints. One commenter highlighted the long-term benefits, suggesting it was better for children to learn these skills rather than being passive observers.
However, others were critical, arguing that this approach could be inconvenient for other travelers. “The people behind you must be thrilled!” one person joked, while another commented on the potential frustration for those around them.
Despite the mixed reactions, several people questioned how much extra time this method added to the airport process. Many agreed it likely only added a few minutes, as the parents were present to assist if necessary.
Some commenters suggested that children could learn just by watching their parents, but others countered that active participation was more effective. “You learn more by doing than by watching,” one person noted.
Southwest Airlines even joined the conversation, commenting, “We’re following Sawyer’s lead,” while another viewer humorously remarked that they should try this approach with their spouse.
