An Oregon couple, Dustin, 35, and Katie Maletich, 32, have sparked a viral debate on TikTok after sharing a video of their unique parenting technique. The video, posted under the username @raisingmaletich,showcased their method of disciplining their nine-year-old son, Tommy, by having him perform physical exercises as punishment.

The incident that led to the viral video involved Tommy telling his mother, Katie, to 'chill' during an argument over phone usage. Dustin, overhearing the remark, immediately confronted his son, asking, "Did you just tell your mum to chill?" Without hesitation, Dustin instructed Tommy to perform 20 push-ups. Despite Tommy's initial struggle and claims of exhaustion after ten push-ups, his father encouraged him to continue until he completed the full 20. Following the push-ups, Tommy was then told to complete 60 squats. After completing the rigorous physical activity, Dustin emphasized the importance of respect, stating, "Do we tell mum to 'chill out'? Absolutely not. I wouldn't let anybody else talk to her like that so you don't get to talk to her like that." The video concluded with Tommy apologizing to his mother and sharing a hug with his father, who told him, "I love you."

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Katie Maletich shared the footage with a caption expressing gratitude for raising her children with a "real man who knows how to be a father," and described Dustin's method as "masculinity." The video quickly garnered over 1.4 million views, leading to a significant division among viewers. Many applauded Dustin's approach, viewing it as a form of "tough love" and accountability, while others criticized the couple for using physical activity as a disciplinary measure.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Dustin and Katiedefended their actions. Dustin explained that the physical exertion was not "exceptionally difficult" for Tommy, as the family regularly works out together for fun, making him accustomed to such exertion. He noted that Tommy recognized his mistake immediately and is generally remorseful for his errors. Dustin emphasized that the discipline ended with an act of love, and that the physical exercise helps Tommy to "refocus when he feels that he doesn’t have control over his body and mind which always makes him more reception to healthy communication."

The couple stated they never anticipated the video's widespread reaction, viewing it as a "tender parenting moment." Dustin further revealed that this "corrective parenting moment" held special significance for Katie, who grew up in a home characterized by "toxicity, emotionally reactive parenting, yelling and anger." He mentioned that witnessing this calm, yet firm, disciplinary action deeply moved and inspired Katie. Responding to the online backlash, Dustin asserted that every parent has the right to parent "in the way they see fit," as long as they are not intentionally harming their child. Their ultimate goal, he stated, is to raise Tommy to be a "healthy, happy, resilient and respectful human."

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The debate online continued, with comments reflecting the varied perspectives. One user agreed with the discipline for disrespect but disagreed with physical exercise as punishment. Another praised Dustin's encouragement during the exercise, calling it a "perfect example of what good parenting should look like." A third commenter supported the concept of "tough love" and holding children accountable, suggesting many parents do not understand this approach.