Internet users have been left cracking up after hearing about the antics of Lucy Brazier, a mum who used a very unique way to teach her internet-addicted kids a lesson.
Lucy had planned for an action-packed family day out at Tenby's Manor Wildlife Park, with kids Tiana, 14, and Tristian, 11, and her fiance Mike Newman, 40.
However, her kids told her that they would rather just stay indoors on their phones than join in with the fun.
Determined to show them the importance of not being too reliant on smartphones, Lucy disconnected the WIFI, before bringing the Skybox out with her on the intended day trip, leaving her children behind without any internet.
She and Mike then spent a good three and a half hours treating the modem to a day filled with indoor play, slides, rock climbing, and zoo animals.
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Lucy, who runs children's wellbeing company My E-motion, said: "It was childish on our part but immensely satisfying, to be honest. We had a lovely afternoon and a right laugh in taking the pictures and videos".
"What was a bonus was when we got home the kids were obviously desperate to get their precious WiFi back and had actually started their chores. And they carried on until they had finished them all with very little backchat. Result. We actually saved money as the WiFi modem didn't ask for snacks every 20 minutes".
She continued: "I was about to pick them up from their dad's for the trip out but they were refusing to come. They have been too focused on their phones as it had been an issue while they were on holiday in Lanzarote. So we decided to teach them a lesson".
"We did get a few parents asking what we were doing. But when we told them it was always met with laughter. Someone said it was genius parenting. I obviously missed the kids all afternoon as I know they would have enjoyed themselves if they had come as well as having much-needed fresh air, exercise, and vitamin D. But I think the point was made".
Lucy later shared photos and videos of the modem's big day out on Facebook, writing the following caption: "The kids CBA to do anything today – despite the sun shining & it being a beautiful day so we took the WiFi modem for a day out instead.
"Totally childish of us I know but very satisfying & they did all their chores to get it back so result #parentingtips #parentinghacks #discipline #parentsofinstagram #teenagersthesedays #modemsdayout #nowifi".
At the time of writing, Lucy's post has so far racked up more than 13,000 likes, with hundreds of fellow parents praising her harsh yet hilarious methods.
One person joked, "It’s nice to see the router being treated to a day out for a change. They do so much for us, it’s nice to give back", while another wrote, "This is brilliant. Totally hilarious! Made me chuckle. Hope the Sky WIFI had a great day out!"
The punishment did attract some criticism, with one user remarking: "What is with parents punishing kids for wanting to have a recharge day?".
But Lucy doesn't seem to mind and is now even considering starting an online movement to help teens who've become reliant on technology.
Lucy said: "Other parents should upload themselves taking their WIFI modem on days out to show the lazy, technology addicted kids what they are missing! Our children need to get out more like we did when we were kids!"
"I was hardly ever home when I was a child. "I was always out having adventures with friends and the sedentary, gaming addiction lifestyle is so damaging for our future generation's health and wellbeing!"
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