A recent social media post by a mother, known as @Ms.Malemba on TikTok, has ignited a fervent debate among parents regarding appropriate attire for the hectic school run. Following the end of the six-week school break, millions of parents are settling back into their routines, but Ms. Malemba’s stance on pyjamas at school drop-offs has left thousands of viewers sharply divided.

Working full-time in the beauty industry, Ms. Malemba unequivocally stated her opinion: ''One thing you'll never catch me doing is drop off my kids to school in my pyjamas.'' She elaborated, asserting that there are ''absolutely zero reasons why parents should drop their children in their pyjamas.'' She challenged the notion, questioning why parents couldn't find ''one piece of trousers, one piece of leggings to put on'' or even take ''one dash of a two-second shower'' before attending school drop-offs.

Notably, the mum acknowledged her own experiences with depression, a condition she understands can make daily tasks incredibly challenging. Despite having stayed in bed for days in her pyjamas during periods of mental health struggles, she maintained that she always made the effort to change when it was time to drop her child off at school. ''So yes it can be done,'' she affirmed, stressing that a minimal effort to change into proper attire is always possible.

Ms. Malemba further criticized parents who engage in conversations at school corners while still in their sleepwear, calling it ''so wrong.'' She urged parents to ''make yourself look a little bit presentable,'' suggesting that it only takes ''five minutes to put on proper attire.'' While praising parents for ensuring their children are clean, well-groomed, and smart for school, she emphasized that parents also ''need to represent yourself.''

Posted just three days prior, the TikTok clip garnered nearly 200,000 views, quickly becoming a viral sensation and triggering a robust discussion. Social media users were quick to share their diverse opinions, with many perceiving the mum's comments as judgmental. One commenter countered, ''I've never done it but there is reasons. I know people in the pits of depression that struggle to even get out of bed.'' Another echoed a common sentiment, stating, ''This is a tired topic, let’s be grateful they are still dropping them.''

However, some sided with Ms. Malemba, with one user declaring, ''Ohhh hell no! Not even depression can catch me doing this & another thing is i don't like shame & unnecessary attention lol.'' An education professional weighed in, observing, ''I’ve known mums that look stunning everyday and children lacking in areas, home is dysfunctional, children struggling (but mum always looks presentable) then I’ve known mums that dress less aesthetically pleasing and the most phenomenal mum I’ve known. I don’t judge.'' Another viewer voiced concern about how appearance might influence teachers' perceptions, commenting, ''I think it makes the teachers think of you badly - I wouldn’t want that to rub on my child.'' The debate continues to highlight the complex interplay of personal expectations, mental health awareness, and societal judgments surrounding parental presentation at school.