A mom on TikTok has sparked a lively debate by asking fellow parents to reconsider the trend of creating “event boxes” for every milestone in a child’s life.
She questions why these elaborate traditions, from back-to-school boxes to hypothetical tooth fairy boxes, are becoming a parenting norm.
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Back to school box? What’s next?
She questions with a mix of disbelief and amusement. She imagines an endless parade of boxes: “I just took my first step box,” “Bank Holiday box,” “Summer holiday box,” and on it goes.
Why are we inventing new reasons to fill a box and, more importantly, empty our wallets?
The rant continues:
Her rant only gathers steam as she lists the growing number of boxes already cluttering up family life: “We have an Easter box, a Christmas Eve box, a birthday box… what other boxes can we think of?”
She asks parents directly, “Why are parents doing this to themselves, when they’re complaining that they’re suffering financially?” Do we really need another reason to spend?
Her words struck a chord with many.
Danni commented, “I’ve been doing the Xmas Eve box for years, but all these other boxes are so strange. Back to school box is weird.”
Another mom, JoJo, shared her frustration, saying, “Jeez, the school holidays have cost me an absolute fortune already. I have five children and cannot afford another box each, plus Christmas is coming soon!” The financial burden of these boxes was clearly on everyone’s mind.
Geane took a slightly different approach but agreed with the original post’s sentiment, humorously adding,
“You just get a Christmas box, and that is it; all these other boxes are silly. But if you’re talking about the shoebox, I’m down with that one.” She thinks we should have just stuck with the classics instead of getting creative with our cardboard.
Not everyone, however, was ready to toss the boxes out with the recycling.
Anastacia shared a more positive perspective: “Back to school box sounds lovely to me — new stationery, a cute backpack charm, maybe even some chocolate. I think that’s a nice thing!”
Another mom said, “It’s a good idea to help little ones who are nervous about their first day of school or feel anxious about returning after the holidays. Making it exciting can help them feel better.”
But our TikTok mom was quick with a witty comeback:
“Doesn’t mean you need to film it and post it everywhere!” She suggests that the real reason behind these boxes might be more about social media clout than genuine joy for the kids.
The concept of “doing it for the ‘gram” seemed to resonate with many who felt that the boxes were more about keeping up appearances than creating meaningful moments.
Nat lightened the mood with a cheeky comment:
“I’ve genuinely seen people do the summer holiday box. Box off, I say!” She had everyone laughing at the idea of parents needing their own “I survived the half-term” box, packed with wine, chocolates, and maybe even a few scented candles.
Now, that’s a box many moms could probably get behind!
The original poster concluded her video with a heartfelt plea,
“Please stop inventing random boxes, thanks.”
Her frustration was evident, and it clearly resonated with many parents who are already feeling overwhelmed by the pressures and costs of modern parenting. The idea of another “must-do” for moms seemed to be the last straw for many.
Are you done with making boxes?
Some parents argue that these boxes are harmless fun, adding a bit of sparkle to routine moments or helping a nervous child. However, others see it as another trend that adds unnecessary stress and expense to their lives.
What’s your take, fellow parents? Are boxes becoming too much, or do they bring a little extra joy that makes it all worthwhile? Either way, it looks like this debate is far from over.
