On which side are you in this situation?

I read an article about a single mother who posted her tax refund ($5400) on Facebook, with the message that she would not be buying her children the latest Jordans or fancy electronics, but instead would spend it on her rent for the entire year because she has her priorities straight.
A lot of people praised her and a few sent sarcastic remarks that she was just doing her job as a parent...nothing new and nothing exciting.
Here is the article if you want to read more: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/25/single-mothers-message-spent-tax-refund-goes-viral/
What do you think about it?
I think it is ridiculous. I'm NOT a single mother and my husband and I live comfortably, yet I still would never spend my tax refund on the latest Jordans or electronics for my kids. I try not to overindulge them because I don't want them to think that money grows on trees, etc.
The fact that she is a single mother and she is struggling financially makes this a scenario where it would be insane if she would spend that money foolishly. It also makes me wonder where the father is? Even if he didn't want to stick around physically, he would be legally obligated to pay child support.
Should she be applauded for putting herself in a bad situation? 🤔