Kristin Cavallari has sparked fresh debate online after sharing the unusual seating rule she has for her three children when they travel.
Speaking on the Aspire with Emma Grede podcast, which was published on July 7, Cavallari explained why her children, aged 10 to 13, fly in coach rather than sitting with her in first class.
The episode centered on money, financial independence and the business success of Uncommon James, with Cavallari saying that building her own income helped give her the freedom to make major life decisions on her own terms.
The conversation comes shortly after Cavallari also drew attention for saying she still sleeps with sons Camden, 13, and Jaxon, 12.
The 39-year-old The Hills alum shares Camden, Jaxon and daughter Saylor, 10, with ex-husband Jay Cutler. The former couple separated in 2020 and finalized their divorce in 2022.
Cavallari said the travel arrangement is something that matters a lot to her.
Her comments quickly split opinion on social media.
One person wrote: “Bad parenting ….. what if an emergency happens???”
Another wrote: “Once they are adults they will tell all about both parents. She’s all about herself. I am sure that’s why she got divorced..She lover herself the most.”
A third added: “in other words, the other passengers have to put up with them.”
Not everyone saw it the same way, though.
One supporter wrote: “Terrible Mother Hu??? Haha! It’s her money she makes her own calls!”
Another said: “Children belong nowhere near first class. Earn it.”
Cavallari explained that, in her view, having her children sit separately helps teach them an important lesson.
“It’s good for them,” she revealed. “I think it’s the little things like that as a parent that make, ultimately, I think, a big difference in the long run.”
She said her children are not being raised to expect everything to be handed to them, despite growing up with significant privilege.
According to Cavallari, a major part of her parenting approach is making sure they understand the value of earning things for themselves.
She said: “If they want something, they have to work for it. I want them to know, ‘This is not your money. This is my money.’”
She also suggested their ages make the setup easier, saying: “I’m like, ‘Bye guys, have fun back there’.”
During the discussion, Cavallari also mentioned that one of her sons has been making money over the summer by washing windows and garbage cans.
As expected, the comments have left people divided, with some criticizing the decision and others praising her for trying to teach independence.