A mother sparks an argument after putting her kids in a box of crayons so they can do housework in peace
There is no set way to raise a child “right”. However, parenting is a very sensitive subject, and it feels like most people you meet know what’s best for not only their own children, but all other Munchkins as well.
Recently, mother and TikTok content creator Gabrielle Lynn Dunn @mrs.gabidunnwent viral on social media and in the news After sharing Parenting “hacks” she got from TikToker Abby Franco, @abbyfranco6Hacks involve putting children in cardboard boxes to draw or keep busy, giving parents time to rest and do chores. of people totally agreed and totally disagreed with this idea. Scroll down to see what people think.
Dear Panda, chances are you have some strong opinions. Remember to keep the discussion civil.
New parenting “hacks” are taking the internet by storm these days.However, it splits the internet in the middle
One mother was inspired by the hacking video to film herself trying it out.
She picked up a cardboard box, put the kids inside, and gave them some art supplies.
She then used the time to do chores
Image credit: Mrs. Gabidun
You can watch the full viral video here
@mrs.gabidunn #stitch With @abbyfranco6 PURE GENIUS. Glad I didn’t break the box yet!! #toddlermom #babysitter #nanny #mother #mom life #momsoftiktok #Clean Toku #toddler hack #parenting tips #parent-child hack ♬ Gangstas Paradise (feat. LV) – Coolio
The ‘hack’ quickly went viral online, sparking a heated debate over whether parents should do it
by TikToker @mrs.gabidunn had a video It has over 11.2 million views at the time of writing. She shot the video inspired by her other mom, her TikToker @ abbyfranco6. whose video has been played 3.7 million times.
Both mothers have shown that putting their children in cardboard boxes and giving them art supplies can keep them busy for about 30 minutes. Whether or not they have time to rest alone, they are given a little free time to do whatever they want.
The idea itself (letting the kids do something fun so they can stay busy while unleashing their inner Picasso) is undisputed. I agree that daddy needs time to rest, recharge, and get work done.
There were some decent arguments on both sides of the fence
It’s the way this was done that split the internet in two. That is, put the kids in literal cardboard boxes. Some internet users thought this was a great and smart idea to give parents some breathing room. Others, however, believe this is a bit lazy and undignified.
On one side of the fence are parents who see the cardboard box as just another version of the playpen, just a spin on old ideas. Isn’t it just a different size box version?In that sense, there’s nothing revolutionary going on here.)
On the other side of the fence are the overall questionable people “Keep the kids in boxes out of the way.” When you go outside, pick up a discarded box, and bring it home for your children to play with, there are issues of human dignity to consider.
Next, you should consider how often you use the box “hack” during alone time, and whether this creates an emotional distance between parent and child. Internet users wondered if children weren’t taught to paint on walls.
bored panda When we asked six people in our social circle anonymously what they thought about the “hacking” of the box, opinions were split, much like TikTok and the rest of the internet. On the one hand, there were parents who pointed out that “kids don’t mind being put in boxes or playpens.” Practicality, not aesthetics, is important. Several people we spoke to praised mothers for taking such an eco-friendly and sustainable approach. I worried that something would happen to my children while they were in an unsupervised box, or worried about the lessons about human dignity these hacks were teaching others. In short, there is no clear answer!
Parents are human too, so they get tired.they need alone time
At the heart of it all is that Mom and Dad really need space for themselves. Fatigue is real. You may also need space to do basic things like naps, snacks, or showers. And don’t forget to do chores, take a side job, devote time to a hobby you love, catch up on the latest episode of your favorite new show, etc. (We all know what we’re talking about. ).
In short, we all need a break to feel like ourselves again. Taking care of a child is a wonderful calling. Ready to play and entertain. A box (or TV, book, or whatever) is just a temporary distraction. Unfortunately, not everyone has a partner, family, or friends.
Dear Panda, what do you think of cardboard box “hacks”? Or do you think there’s a better way to keep your kids busy? Share your thoughts in the comments! Remember to be kind. Remember that these moms are human beings just like you and us.