A Perth-based influencer has ignited a fiery online debate after revealing a highly unconventional parenting decision concerning her youngest child's birthday.
"Too close to Christmas": The influencer's controversial plan
Indy Clinton, a 28-year-old mother-of-three with a significant social media following, shared a video with her 2 million TikTok followers outlining her intention to change her two-year-old daughter's birthday. The child, named Soul, was born on December 18, but Clinton stated the family had "decided" to celebrate it on December 12 instead.
"She was actually (born) too close to Christmas for my liking," Clinton explained in the clip posted this week. "I just thought, going forward she's never going to know we changed it." The influencer, known for her authentic parenting content, captioned the video with a message to other December babies: "If you were born close to Christmas and your parents were never forward thinking like me, I'm sorry."
A logistical nightmare or a stroke of genius? The internet reacts
The video quickly went viral, drawing thousands of comments from viewers who were sharply divided on the ethics and practicality of the move. It's important to note that there is no legal way to change a birthdate in Australia; any switch would be purely for celebratory purposes.
Many critics slammed the idea, warning it could cause future confusion. One viewer predicted it would create "logistical nightmares" when Soul is older and has to complete official documents. Clinton responded to this concern by saying, "We will meet that crossroad when it comes."
Other comments highlighted potential emotional fallout. "This is going to give her an identity crisis when she finds out her birthday isn't her birthday," wrote one person. Another shared a personal story: "My mum did that to me, and I found out when I was 38 — I'm now 72, please don't do it. I'm still not over it!"
Sympathy from fellow December babies
Despite the criticism, many people born in December voiced their support for Clinton's thinking, empathising with the struggle of a "birth-mas" celebration. "As someone born December 22nd, PLEASE change it! Those darn combined presents will be the death of me," one comment read.
Others called the idea "genius," with one person writing, "I don't know why my parents never did this for me." This split in opinion underscores the common frustration some people feel when their special day is overshadowed by the Christmas holiday period.
This is not the first time Clinton has found herself at the centre of online controversy this week. The TikTok star was recently forced to defend herself against allegations she was under the influence of illicit substances at the 2025 TikTok Awards.
PerthNow has reached out to Indy Clinton for further comment on the birthday debate.
