TikTok users have taken issue with the Resilient Jenkins family‘s account, as a new clip shows that the family of six live in a 1-bedroom apartment, with their couple’s four children sleeping on the living room and kitchen floors.
The controversial clip shared by pregnant mom Stephanie Jenkins features a time-lapse shot of her family’s nightly routine, which involves the family cleaning up the living room and kitchen after dinner, and transforming them into a bedroom for the children, where they sleep on air mattresses and foam toppers. Stephanie and partner Drew stay in the one bedroom of the apartment, and are expecting a fifth child.
“To an outsider our environment appears cluttered, disorganized, what have you,” Stephanie said in the TikTok. “But frankly, after making due for three years now, I have nothing but a grateful spirit for the roof over our heads.”
https://www.tiktok.com/@jenkinsresiliencecrew/video/7429537486893862187
Many viewers of the TikTok took issue with the Jenkins’ living situation, believing it to be careless and dangerous for the children to sleep in the living room while their parents share the bedroom. Others argued that if the mother was a Black woman, her children would’ve likely been taken away due to their living conditions.
“I grew up in a 1bedroom trailer with 7 siblings. I resented my parents so much for this,” wrote one observer. “I dont talk to them now. Also am currently a minimalist & tell everyone about the poverty I lived in. Poor kids.”
Another critic added, “As the oldest of 6 kids: if I had to share my space with them growing up, we’d never have the relationships we do now. Id resent them. And my parents. You’re setting your kids up to hate each other.”
Others addressed Stephanie’s claim that her followers are being too judgmental.
“Is it judgement or just wisdom to not add to your family if you don’t have enough space already? I wanted more kids at one time too but knew if I did my resources would be stretched too thin.”
Another added, “There comes a time when you literally have to say enough is enough and as parents we have to make sacrifices for our kids I’m sure they want their own space.” See more of the Jenkins family below.
