‘It teaches dishonesty’ mum shamed after sharing her Starbucks hack to get free treats – and it sparks a fierce debate
A MUM has sparked controversy after sharing a cheeky hack to get your hands on a free treat for kids.
Like most retailers and shops, the coffee giant Starbucks, too, has upped its prices to keep up with the costs – but savvy mum Lauryn Clare recently revealed how to get goodies for children without spending a thing.
Sharing the trick on Instagram, the foodie said: ”If you can’t afford Starbucks for two, order your toddler a pup cup.
”It’s free and will make them just as happy as a $5 [£3.80] cake pop,’ Lauryn, 34, captioned the now-viral clip.
Increasingly popular, the so-called pup cup is an espresso-sized cup containing a generous dollop of whipped cream, which people can order for free to give to their dogs.
The mother, from Philadelphia, said she normally doesn’t buy anything from the coffee chain because she finds the prices ”expensive”, but had some money left on a voucher.
According to the mum, she was in the car ordering a Starbucks beverage when her little on woke up from a nap, and knew she would want something.
”I knew Addie was going to want something. So I asked, “Do you guys charge for pup cups?
”And the woman taking my order was like, “Oh, my God, no. What’s your dog’s name?”‘ she told Today.
Lauryn claimed that the barista knew the pup cup wasn’t for a furry friend but allegedly didn’t seem to care about the cheeky customer.
”She was totally fine with it,” Lauryn said.
While the cash-savvy mother was chuffed her trick, she has since received huge backlash from people online, who slammed her for taking advantage.
”They once told me it was only for dogs!!!” one user cried.
”That’s finessing the system. She’s not a pup,” another slated the mother for the controversial move.
”It also teaches dishonesty,” someone else shamed Lauryn.
However, there were also plenty of those who didn’t mind the cheeky trick, with others chiming in with their own hacks to keeping kids happy at cafes.
”My daughter thinks coffee shops sell fruit snacks because I give her a pack from my purse when I’m handed my drink,” one mum worte.
”What they don’t know won’t hurt.”
Free summer holiday activites
You don't need to spend a penny to keep your kids entertained this summer...
Museums – Some museums offer free entry to some exhibits, and also host events for kids.
Parks – Head to your local park to enjoy the playgrounds, games areas, courts and splash pads. Some even have trails for kids to enjoy.
Beach – It doesn’t have to be sunny to enjoy the beach, you can go rock pooling, crabbing, make sandcastles, or enjoy a walk along the headland.
Library – If the weather is awful, head indoors and borrow books, audiobooks, dvds.
Cooking – Have your own mini bake-off, or Come Dine With Me challenge.
Playdates – Invite friends over for an afternoon of socialising.
Boardgames – Enjoy a little sibling rivalry with rounds of Monopoly or stretch your brain with Scrabble.
”In this economy? We’re both getting pup cups,” chuckled a second.
There was also a comment left by someone claiming to be a barista at the worldwide chain, saying the staff ”don’t care” if the pup cup is for dog or human.
”I know our prices, they’re real expensive, and getting your kid a treat that will make them happy shouldn’t be such a controversial thing,” the person said.
”I guarantee you it’s not a nuisance because it’s for a kid instead of a dog.”
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