Influencer Parents React to Criticism After Sharing ‘Strict’ Rules for Kids

Influencer parents Ssonia and Kevin Ong, who run the TikTok account Ong Squad, have reacted to criticism they’ve received online for their stern approach to parenting.

“We created these rules as guidelines based on what we know and what has worked well in our experience,” Ssonia, 43, said in a statement to People on Tuesday, September 2. “We are not authoritarians and recognize that every child is different, each with their own strengths and personality.”

Ssonia added that the “most important thing” for her family is making her children “feel confident and safe” while talking to her or their dad. (Ssonia and Kevin share five kids.)

“It is said that strict parents make sneaky kids. There is probably some truth to this,” she continued. “That’s why we ensure that our kids understand the reasoning behind the rules. If they internalize good values, they can make better choices in the future.”

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Ssonia and Kevin went viral after they posted a TikTok video in June, outlining the “five rules” they enforce on their kids. They shared that their kids are not allowed to date until college, wear crop tops, have a social media account until they turn 16 and attend sleepovers. Their children also must attend church every Sunday.

“Are we too strict?” the pair wrote in the caption.

The post received mixed reactions, with some social media users agreeing with the rules while others thought it might be too harsh.

“Guys, this is NOT strict it’s basic rules ,” one user wrote, while another replied, “No crop tops, no dating til college, no sleepover?! What?”

Another commenter suggested Ssonia and Kevin allow sleepovers at their own home, which the couple agreed was a good idea.

Three months later, Ssonia and Kevin made a new TikTok revealing their rules for their children when it comes to school. Their plan includes the expectation of straight As, reading for 30 minutes every day and attending college, which the parents agreed to fund. Ssonia and Kevin also offer “unlimited books” and their kids are only allowed screentime during the weekend.

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“May as well set the bar high ,” the duo captioned the TikTok which was uploaded on Tuesday.

The reaction to Ssonia and Kevin’s rules for school earned a lot more backlash than their first video.

“Getting straight A’s is too much pressure. both A’s and B’s are good. and you don’t have to go to college to be successful. should you graduate from high school, yes. but college should be a choice,” one user commented.

Another responded, “Pls don’t get mad at them if they get a bad grade .”