Parenting is an incredibly sensitive subject, and pretty much everyone you meet feels like they know what’s best not just for their own children, but everyone else’s munchkins, too. However, something that many of us often forget is that there’s no such thing as being a ‘perfect’ parent. Moms and dads are constantly under a ton of pressure.
Recently, mom and TikTok content creator Gabrielle Lynn Dunn, @mrs.gabidunn, went viral on social media and in the news after sharing a parenting ‘hack’ she got from TikToker Abby Franco, @abbyfranco6. The hack involves putting your kids inside a cardboard box for them to draw and keep them busy, giving the parents some time to rest or do chores. This sparked a huge debate on the internet with many people totally for and absolutely against the idea. Scroll down to see what people thought. Odds are that you might have some strong opinions one way or the other, dear Pandas. Remember to keep the discussion civil.
Bored Panda reached out to Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist, mother of three, founder of Parenting Translator, and best-selling author. She was kind enough to explain to us why the cardboard box ‘hack’ seems so controversial and how parents can manage their exhaustion. Read on for her insights.
A new parenting ‘hack’ has been sweeping the internet recently. However, it has split the internet down the middle
One mom, inspired by a video of the hack, filmed herself trying it out as well
She grabbed a cardboard box, put her kids inside, and gave them some art supplies
She then used the time to catch up on some chores
Image credits: mrs.gabidunn
You can watch the full viral video right over here
@mrs.gabidunn #stitch with @abbyfranco6 PURE GENIUS. Glad we hadn’t broken the box down yet!! #toddlermom #babysitter #nanny #mom #momlife #momsoftiktok #cleantok #toddlerhack #parentingtips #parenthack ♬ Gangsta’s Paradise (feat. L.V.) – Coolio
The ‘hack’ immediately went viral online and started a debate on whether or not it was something parents ought to do
TikToker @mrs.gabidunn’s video had over 11.2 million views at the time of writing. She filmed her video after being inspired by another mom, TikToker @abbyfranco6, whose video has 3.7 million views.
Both moms showed how plopping their kids in a cardboard box and giving them some art supplies can keep them busy for around half an hour. This then gives a bit of free time to do what they want: whether it’s catching up on a few quick chores around the house or having some quiet alone time to rest.
The idea itself (giving your kids something fun to do so they can stay busy while unleashing their inner Picassos) isn’t what’s up for debate. Pretty much everyone agrees that kids can sometimes be a handful and that moms and dads need time to rest, recharge, and get some work done.
There were some fiery arguments on both sides of the fence
Image credits: Anna Shvets (not the actual photo)
What split the internet right down the middle is the way this is done: putting your children in a literal cardboard box. Some internet users thought that this was a fabulous and smart idea to give the parents some breathing room. Others, however, believe this was a tad lazy and undignified.
On one side of the fence, you have parents who see the cardboard box as just a different version of a playpen, and that it’s just a spin on an old idea. (Expanding a bit on this, aren’t all playpens/rooms/apartments/houses just different-sized versions of boxes? In that sense, there’s nothing revolutionary going on here.)
On the other side of the fence, you have people who are iffy on the whole ‘put your kids in a box so they don’t disturb you’ approach. There’s the whole question of human dignity to consider when you go outside, grab a box you’d thrown out, and then bring it back into your home for your kids to play in.
Then you have to consider how often you’d use the box ‘hack’ for some alone time and if this wouldn’t create some emotional distance between the parent and child. Lastly, some internet users wondered whether the kids weren’t being taught to draw on walls, a habit that might come to haunt the parents in the future.
Bored Panda anonymously asked half a dozen people in our social circles what they thought about the box ‘hack,’ and the opinions were split, just like on TikTok and the rest of the internet. On the one hand, you had parents who pointed out that “kids don’t care” if they’re in a box or a playpen and that practicality is what’s important, not aesthetics. Some people we spoke to even praised the moms for having such an eco-friendly and sustainable approach. Others, however, were concerned that something might happen to the kids while they were in the box unsupervised, or were concerned with the lessons about human dignity that these hacks are teaching others. In short: there’s no clear-cut answer (at least, according to the public)!
“Parents likely feel chronically exhausted and stressed due to the expectations placed on them by society”
Image credits: Ketut Subiyanto (not the actual photo)
Dr. Goodwin, the founder of Parenting Translator, shared some of her thoughts on the video with Bored Panda. We were interested as to why so many people on the internet found the entire situation so controversial.
“I think that the controversy behind this video reflects the enormous amount of pressure on parents right now to be constantly present and engaged with their children. However, research shows that independent play is very important for children’s development,” the clinical psychologist explained.
“Recent research has shown that when parents are overly involved in their children’s play, they do not learn important skills of self-regulation. It is also important for our children to understand that we have responsibilities and chores that we must complete throughout the day.”
Bored Panda also wanted to know what parents can do to fight back against chronic exhaustion. “Parents likely feel chronically exhausted and stressed due to the expectations placed on them by society,” Dr. Goodwin said.
“There is so much pressure to be a ‘perfect’ parent. Parents can manage this stress by practicing self-compassion and recognizing that no one can ‘do it all.'”
Something else that parents can do is involved their children in chores “in order to teach them these important skills and accomplish what they need to at the same time.”
Parents are living, breathing human beings and they need time to rest and recharge
Image credits:Keira Burton (not the actual photo)
What lies at the core of it all is that moms and dads really need some space for themselves: they can’t be in 100% Parent Mode, 24/7. The exhaustion is real. They might need a bit of space to take a nap, a snack, or even something as basic as a shower, too. And let’s not forget about things like doing housework, working your side-hustles, spending time on your beloved hobbies, and even taking in the latest episode of that new show that you love (you know the one, everyone’s talking about it).
In short, we all need breaks to feel like an individual again: taking care of your kids is a wonderful calling—but you need to feel like you’re not just a parent at some points. When you reenergize, unwind, and get through your to-do list again, you’re then much better prepared to take care of your kids and entertain them. The box (or the TV, or books, or anything else, really) is just a temporary distraction. Unfortunately, not everyone has a partner, family, or friends who can babysit the kids at a moment’s notice to give the mom some breathing room.
What do you think of the cardboard box ‘hack,’ dear Pandas? Are you all for it? Or do you think there are better ways to keep your kids busy? Share your thoughts in the comments! Just remember to be kind—remember that these moms are human beings just like you and us.
Some parents thought that the box ‘hack’ was brilliant. Here’s what they had to say
However, others disagreed with the idea. Here are some of their thoughts
A few parents have even tried using the box, but it didn’t quite pan out right
The comments about how dangerous this is are making me roll my eyes. A child getting a hold of a bottle of cleaner is much more dangerous. This is fine in short periods- just don't leave the house or do this by stairs. If I was small enough to fit in a box, I'd enjoy this.
Lol same here. I was always in boxes as a kid and my mum had to bribe me out of them.
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“Wouldn’t the box tip over and the child suffocate?” Really? What a donut.
Yeah, that one stood out to me as well. Cardboard boxes don't form a perfect seal with the floor, and many have "carrying holes" in them. As for the other two "scenarios" the box is effectively irrelevant since as far as I know the box adds a minuscule risk.
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That's what I said... not as sturdy, but they can be creative and draw on it... usually not something they can do in a play pen. My kids always wanted to use boxes as forts and what not. No one should be criticizing this lady for keeping her kids entertained when she is trying to multi-task. They are less likely to throw fits or hurt themselves when they are content.
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I had lots of boxes I colored as a kid. But my mom also used to put me in a laundry basket with a toy when I was little. Scandalous! LOL. She kept an eye on me and I was obviously safe. It's not like the mom is completely ignoring them in there.
My mum kept me in a laundry basket with toys as well. I remember loving it lol.
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Omg I did exactly this with my kid about 13 or 14 years ago 🤣 And no, they did not go on to draw on walls, doors, windows or anything else, and they didn't choke on a crayon, and they didn't fall out of the box. They're alive and well and almost 15 now and also not a graffiti artist.
The joy of the refrigerator box. All the neighborhood kids came over to experience it. Circa 197x. A box is the ultimate. My grandson turned a recent Am#$$#$ box into a race car, then a camper. Parents have to pay attention but let the kids imagination run wild.
Based on the freak-out reactions, it must be a miracle that I survived the 80’s as a small child.
60's for me - it was a deliciously terrifying time...... Jarts!!!!
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Child likes cardboard box. Parents like cardboard box. What seems to be the problem?
What kid doesn't love a cardboard box? And then throw some art supplies in - happy days! If people find something wrong with a Mum's decision to give their children something fun and creative to play with while she works hard to keep the house tidy, they are dumb as sh!t
This is basically just a playpen. Did they stop making those? That was the old way to get a few minutes free to go to the bathroom or do some cleaning.
Exactly! I learned how to walk early by pulling up in my playpen. Back in the 70s ,when children ran around in open fields like wild animals. (Last part is sarcasm)
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Their are people who will make an issue of anything because that's just how they're wired. Just nod and move on with your life.
It may seem cruel to force young children to remain in a cardboard box. So don't. Instead, say to them in a firm voice "Kids, stay out of that box!" and turn your back on them. Mission accomplished.
I'm a middle aged adult and I still love playing in boxes. I want to hold a whole cardboard box fort building contest. Cardboard boxes are almost lego level awesome toys.
Oohhh, I would love that too! I'd even pay for that! Imagine an amusement park, but it's just a huge hall full of huge, empty boxes and thousands of crayons! 🥺
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Great idea, just ignore the people that think horrible things might happen. Horrible things can happen anywhere in the household or outside, you'd always have you eye out for them and wouldn't simply leave them to be ignored or something. I think its a great idea which i'm going to try with my kids too.
That sounds like fun. If the box is a hazard then anything is. As long as they like it it's a great idea
It is apparent no one at BP is a parent. Give moms a freaking break. The kids are safe and fine. The mom is doing chores for her family, NOT lines of coke. This is NOT controversial. In fact, it's a hack I remember learning when my kids were really young. For me, it only bought me about 15 min before they got bored again, but those 15 min were GOLD. Leave us moms alone unless you are coming over to you know, actually HELP US.
Err, what are you going on about? Pretty much everyone on BP has been supportive of this idea.
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They wouldn't get out to color on the walls if you tape it shut like my momma did. She also used to play a game with us called "Hostage" using duct tape and a chair. Fun for hours!!
Its a cardboard box. Kids have been playing inside cardboxes for decades if not longer. We used to draw all over them, use them as cubby houses, turn them into "cars", use them as robot costumes, all manner of fun activies can be had with a cardboard box. I seriously do not see the issue.
What's NOT to love, We used to make cubby houses for ourselves with our parents blessing to play in. Cubby houses are joys for kiddies. And most other things need outside space, so IF you have the misfortune to live without a safe secure yards what could be better!
Fantastic idea. Turn it into a game. The floor is lava. You’re safe in the box until after I vacuum ALL the lava up. For those who moan that they’re gonna paint on the walls next. Aren’t your kids’ rooms already covered in cardboard? If not, why not?
i'm 43 and i want to do this!! like, myself in the box, not kids. i don't have kids. put me in the box!
If some people cannot handle parenting, they shouldn't just come up with "hacks" to make it more bearable. Don't have kids and you don't have to come up with things like these. Works every time for me.
My dad drew a rectangle on the wall and told me that’s the only spot I can draw. This made sense to my toddler brain and I felt proud because dad loves my art yay! and dad doesn’t have to repaint the entire home yay! TLDR the cardboard box solution is genius for everyone involved.
My kids are 26 and 16 and *I* did this with them! 🤣 If they don't like it, that's one thing, but mine LOVED it. Now my oldest is getting 3 degrees in art!
BTW if cardboard boxes were dangerous, we sure wouldn't let cats play with them!
Kids love boxes, it ignites their imagination. Would not be surprised that a parent objecting to this is just fine with parking their kids in front of a computer screen for hours on end.
I can't believe the people against this. Kids like playing with boxes. And until they are old enough to know what and what not to draw on who gives the the drawing materials? Smh
I cannot believe that people are finding something wrong with this. I guess that it offends the sensibilities of those who think that parenthood looks like an Perfect Mommy Instagram account. If a babysitter did that with my kid when I was away, I would give them a bonus for creativity. What's the worst that could happen? The box tipe over and the kids decide that it is more fun than drawing in the sides. Or, they realize that they can push the upside down box from the inside. In either case, there goes your peace and quiet...
My kids wanted to be shut in the box so they could jump out of it!!! Best fun ever
All I will say is the other day I was at Target and kids came in with their parents and one of them asked if she could have the basket. Not what might have been inside, no she wanted the basket. Kids are turning into cats, and now I might have found the source
This is f****n genius, means they can’t draw on the actual walls and you can easily monitor them at all times even if it means having to move the box around, the naysers are idiots
i think this is absolutely fine if you are inside the house and not for long periods every day
Looks like something kids would actually like. To them it's not a box, it's a fort where you can color the walls.
Back in the day folks sat their kids in a clothes basket with toys. As long as you aren't trapping the kid in there, do what works for you.
I remember we had these things when my boys were small only we called them "play pens."
We built castles out of boxes, we used to beg our parents to get some from the supermarket. Back in the day they had a big wooden box with a lot of cardboard boxes you could just take if you needed some. Edit: spelling
Playpen. Pack N Play. Corrugated boxes designed as okay houses. 99.9% of the people feigning shock and dismay have been in, and used/purchased, at least one of those things. They're ALL boxes. Lmao People are such idiots.
When I was a kid I would go over to my best friends house and build elaborate forts out of cardboard boxes. We were fine, and it was so much fun! And most kids are able to understand the concept of being allowed to draw on a box but not on the walls of your house.
WTF? I used to play in big cardboard boxes as a kid all the time. Besides, if it would have been a $60-$70 play yard, no controversy. Conceptually, what is the difference?
The comments about how dangerous this is are making me roll my eyes. A child getting a hold of a bottle of cleaner is much more dangerous. This is fine in short periods- just don't leave the house or do this by stairs. If I was small enough to fit in a box, I'd enjoy this.
Lol same here. I was always in boxes as a kid and my mum had to bribe me out of them.
Load More Replies... “Wouldn’t the box tip over and the child suffocate?” Really? What a donut.
Yeah, that one stood out to me as well. Cardboard boxes don't form a perfect seal with the floor, and many have "carrying holes" in them. As for the other two "scenarios" the box is effectively irrelevant since as far as I know the box adds a minuscule risk.
Load More Replies... That's what I said... not as sturdy, but they can be creative and draw on it... usually not something they can do in a play pen. My kids always wanted to use boxes as forts and what not. No one should be criticizing this lady for keeping her kids entertained when she is trying to multi-task. They are less likely to throw fits or hurt themselves when they are content.
Load More Replies... I had lots of boxes I colored as a kid. But my mom also used to put me in a laundry basket with a toy when I was little. Scandalous! LOL. She kept an eye on me and I was obviously safe. It's not like the mom is completely ignoring them in there.
My mum kept me in a laundry basket with toys as well. I remember loving it lol.
Load More Replies... Omg I did exactly this with my kid about 13 or 14 years ago 🤣 And no, they did not go on to draw on walls, doors, windows or anything else, and they didn't choke on a crayon, and they didn't fall out of the box. They're alive and well and almost 15 now and also not a graffiti artist.
The joy of the refrigerator box. All the neighborhood kids came over to experience it. Circa 197x. A box is the ultimate. My grandson turned a recent Am#$$#$ box into a race car, then a camper. Parents have to pay attention but let the kids imagination run wild.
Based on the freak-out reactions, it must be a miracle that I survived the 80’s as a small child.
60's for me - it was a deliciously terrifying time...... Jarts!!!!
Load More Replies... Child likes cardboard box. Parents like cardboard box. What seems to be the problem?
What kid doesn't love a cardboard box? And then throw some art supplies in - happy days! If people find something wrong with a Mum's decision to give their children something fun and creative to play with while she works hard to keep the house tidy, they are dumb as sh!t
This is basically just a playpen. Did they stop making those? That was the old way to get a few minutes free to go to the bathroom or do some cleaning.
Exactly! I learned how to walk early by pulling up in my playpen. Back in the 70s ,when children ran around in open fields like wild animals. (Last part is sarcasm)
Load More Replies... Their are people who will make an issue of anything because that's just how they're wired. Just nod and move on with your life.
It may seem cruel to force young children to remain in a cardboard box. So don't. Instead, say to them in a firm voice "Kids, stay out of that box!" and turn your back on them. Mission accomplished.
I'm a middle aged adult and I still love playing in boxes. I want to hold a whole cardboard box fort building contest. Cardboard boxes are almost lego level awesome toys.
Oohhh, I would love that too! I'd even pay for that! Imagine an amusement park, but it's just a huge hall full of huge, empty boxes and thousands of crayons! 🥺
Load More Replies... Great idea, just ignore the people that think horrible things might happen. Horrible things can happen anywhere in the household or outside, you'd always have you eye out for them and wouldn't simply leave them to be ignored or something. I think its a great idea which i'm going to try with my kids too.
That sounds like fun. If the box is a hazard then anything is. As long as they like it it's a great idea
It is apparent no one at BP is a parent. Give moms a freaking break. The kids are safe and fine. The mom is doing chores for her family, NOT lines of coke. This is NOT controversial. In fact, it's a hack I remember learning when my kids were really young. For me, it only bought me about 15 min before they got bored again, but those 15 min were GOLD. Leave us moms alone unless you are coming over to you know, actually HELP US.
Err, what are you going on about? Pretty much everyone on BP has been supportive of this idea.
Load More Replies... They wouldn't get out to color on the walls if you tape it shut like my momma did. She also used to play a game with us called "Hostage" using duct tape and a chair. Fun for hours!!
Its a cardboard box. Kids have been playing inside cardboxes for decades if not longer. We used to draw all over them, use them as cubby houses, turn them into "cars", use them as robot costumes, all manner of fun activies can be had with a cardboard box. I seriously do not see the issue.
What's NOT to love, We used to make cubby houses for ourselves with our parents blessing to play in. Cubby houses are joys for kiddies. And most other things need outside space, so IF you have the misfortune to live without a safe secure yards what could be better!
Fantastic idea. Turn it into a game. The floor is lava. You’re safe in the box until after I vacuum ALL the lava up. For those who moan that they’re gonna paint on the walls next. Aren’t your kids’ rooms already covered in cardboard? If not, why not?
i'm 43 and i want to do this!! like, myself in the box, not kids. i don't have kids. put me in the box!
If some people cannot handle parenting, they shouldn't just come up with "hacks" to make it more bearable. Don't have kids and you don't have to come up with things like these. Works every time for me.
My dad drew a rectangle on the wall and told me that’s the only spot I can draw. This made sense to my toddler brain and I felt proud because dad loves my art yay! and dad doesn’t have to repaint the entire home yay! TLDR the cardboard box solution is genius for everyone involved.
My kids are 26 and 16 and *I* did this with them! 🤣 If they don't like it, that's one thing, but mine LOVED it. Now my oldest is getting 3 degrees in art!
BTW if cardboard boxes were dangerous, we sure wouldn't let cats play with them!
Kids love boxes, it ignites their imagination. Would not be surprised that a parent objecting to this is just fine with parking their kids in front of a computer screen for hours on end.
I can't believe the people against this. Kids like playing with boxes. And until they are old enough to know what and what not to draw on who gives the the drawing materials? Smh
I cannot believe that people are finding something wrong with this. I guess that it offends the sensibilities of those who think that parenthood looks like an Perfect Mommy Instagram account. If a babysitter did that with my kid when I was away, I would give them a bonus for creativity. What's the worst that could happen? The box tipe over and the kids decide that it is more fun than drawing in the sides. Or, they realize that they can push the upside down box from the inside. In either case, there goes your peace and quiet...
My kids wanted to be shut in the box so they could jump out of it!!! Best fun ever
All I will say is the other day I was at Target and kids came in with their parents and one of them asked if she could have the basket. Not what might have been inside, no she wanted the basket. Kids are turning into cats, and now I might have found the source
This is f****n genius, means they can’t draw on the actual walls and you can easily monitor them at all times even if it means having to move the box around, the naysers are idiots
i think this is absolutely fine if you are inside the house and not for long periods every day
Looks like something kids would actually like. To them it's not a box, it's a fort where you can color the walls.
Back in the day folks sat their kids in a clothes basket with toys. As long as you aren't trapping the kid in there, do what works for you.
I remember we had these things when my boys were small only we called them "play pens."
We built castles out of boxes, we used to beg our parents to get some from the supermarket. Back in the day they had a big wooden box with a lot of cardboard boxes you could just take if you needed some. Edit: spelling
Playpen. Pack N Play. Corrugated boxes designed as okay houses. 99.9% of the people feigning shock and dismay have been in, and used/purchased, at least one of those things. They're ALL boxes. Lmao People are such idiots.
When I was a kid I would go over to my best friends house and build elaborate forts out of cardboard boxes. We were fine, and it was so much fun! And most kids are able to understand the concept of being allowed to draw on a box but not on the walls of your house.
WTF? I used to play in big cardboard boxes as a kid all the time. Besides, if it would have been a $60-$70 play yard, no controversy. Conceptually, what is the difference?
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