Dad's 'traumatising' Christmas prank on kids comes under fire

A dad's proposed method to make kids "behave" leading up to December 25 has left TikTokers gobsmacked, with some calling it a sure-fire way to leave them "traumatised".

And sure-fire it is — the dad quite literally suggests to set your children's presents alight.

In the controversial video, which now has over 19.6 million views on TikTok, user @bennyg7070 offers what he calls a "top tip for parents".

READ MORE: Mother-in-law bans baby name as it makes her 'uncomfortable'

"Wrap up some empty boxes and pretend that they are presents," the dad writes in the video text.

"Then each time one of [the kids] misbehaves...chuck one on to the fire," he advises.

The dad captioned the video: "Here is a sure-fire way to ensure your little darlings behave proper."

READ MORE: Childcare worker reveals parents' most annoying pick-up habit:

READ MORE: Paramedic reveals top choking hazards for young children

Many people were absolutely appalled by the video.

"Tips in 'How to traumatise your child well into adulthood," one user commented.

"This is why your kids leave at 18 and don't come back," another wrote.

"If you need to do this to get your kids to behave, then your issue is NOT with the kids," a third added.

But others didn't take quite the same offence.

"Bonus points if you put a cheap speaker in it and play dog whimpering noises," one wicked thinking user commented.

"The children, or the box," another joked.

"Instructions unclear — ran out of children!" wrote a third.