The internet is divided over the concept of a ‘family sick bowl’

Because everyone who’s ever vomited knows you can’t always make it to the toilet—especially if we’re talking about little kids—we’ve all seen or used a household apparatus to barf in if necessary. For some families, it’s the Barf Bucket. For others, it’s a Barf Bowl. Yet apparently, many people have never entertained the idea at all—and this viral tweet proves it.

UK mom and Twitter user Sarah Turner initiated the dialogue surrounding “family sick bowls” over the holiday weekend.

“My kids have just discovered that the family sick bowl and the cake mix bowl are one and the same,” she shared. “In my defence, this was also the case when I was growing up … but now I’ve said it out loud, I realise I need to break the cycle. I won’t be taking any further questions.”

When I was growing up and we were sick, my parents placed a bucket from the garage next to our beds with a trash bag to line it. I’ve done that with my own kids, and have—GASP—used a bowl a time or two when my prone-to-puking toddler gets that look in her eye. You know the look. The one that says “you have three seconds to figure out where this volcano is going to erupt.” And it’s just not realistic to scoop her up, rush her to the toilet, get her hair back, and think it’s all going to make it in the commode in that span of time.

Some people understand this, and others decided it was the grossest thing they’ve ever heard (which, yes, vomit is pretty gross, but it has to go SOMEWHERE and that SOMEWHERE isn’t going to be my couch if I can help it).

Love the creativity happening in the replies—an ice cream bucket? Not a bad idea! It’s recycling!

Related: 6 ways to help ease your partner’s morning sickness

While the whole topic is, of course, disgusting, it’s important to remember that hot water, soap, and dishwashers exist. So does Lysol. It’s not like people are admitting they defecate in these bowls in…other ways, you know? Vomit waits for no one. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. And sometimes, if you don’t want your carpet/bedding/furniture to fall victim to vomit, a sick bowl (or bucket) is the way to go.

If you’ve been inspired by this post, may we suggest this bucket (with a spout!), this bowl, and these small trash bags for all of your family’s barfing needs?