Kristin Cavallari gives her children coal instead of presents at Christmas if they misbehave

A nightmare situation for just about every kid is receiving coal at Christmas, but this is exactly what Kristin Cavallari gives her children if they misbehave.

The TV personalty, 35, opened up about the tradition and explained that it helps her keep her kids behaviour 'in line' throughout the rest of the year.

She told Us Weekly: "Growing up, the elves would come every day before Christmas, and if you were good, they'd leave a little something in your stocking, and if you were bad, you got coal."

Kristin explained that this seemingly harsh tradition has been a good parenting tool when it comes to her own three children, who she shares with ex-husband, Jay Cutler.

"It's a good way to keep your kids in line and have them be on their best behaviour," she explained.

Instagram / kristincavallari

The revelation was made back in 2018 before the couple split in 2020, with their divorce being finalised this year.

Kristin told Grazia Magazine last year that she now only has her children with her half of the time, something she says allows her to give them her entire focus when they are together.

"I only have my kids half the time now," she said. "I have them every other week.

"I have just decided that the week I have my kids, I'm [mum].

"I have a week off where I can go to dinner every night with my friends if I want to. I can work really hard if I need to. I can stay at the office later if I need to."

Instagram / kristincavallari

The couple explained that they split after they grew apart following a decade-long relationship.

As reported by People, they said in a joint statement: "With great sadness, after 10 years together we have come to a loving conclusion to get a divorce.

"We have nothing but love and respect for one another and are deeply grateful for the years shared, memories made, and the children we are so proud of.

"This is just the situation of two people growing apart. We ask everyone to respect our privacy as we navigate this difficult time within our family."

Instagram / kristincavallari

The boundaries the former couple put in place at Christmas are firmly a part of their co-parenting journey, and they said they want to show their children that they are a 'united front'.

Kristen said she learned from her own parents' divorce.

"Never put the kids in the middle of it, no matter how mad you are at your ex-spouse. One thing that my mom did was she never said anything bad about my dad," she said.

"Now that I'm older, I really respect that. I always want my kids to see Jay and me as a united front. He's their father. That's important and they need to see that from me."