The Day We Gave Them Pandora’s Box

“I’ve lost my child to his screen,” sobbed a mum. “What did I do wrong? How could I have prevented it?” I teared up as I identified with her loss. Because that is the painful experience for most mothers who realise that they’re losing control over their adolescent’s screen time. Or worse, utterly resigned over losing out to their teenager’s mobile phone.

A Modern Day Pandora’s Box

There was no ceremony, no dramatic moment.
The handing over of a sleek, shiny rectangle was the rite of passage.

In that simple, well-meaning act, we placed Pandora’s Box into their hands.

We told ourselves it was to contact them.
We didn’t want them to feel ‘left out’.
A few ground rules, conversations on online safety, we thought, should be enough.

But how could they — how could we — have known what we were really giving them?

Pandora’s Box - Girl with phone in the dark

The glowing screen opened them to a world darker, and faster than they were ever meant to navigate alone.

Their adolescent brain still under construction — craved thrills, belonging and recognition. With the logical department lagging behind their emotional brain’s development, impulse control and executive functioning weren’t ready for the flood of information we gave them unlimited instant access to.

Shocking messages behind innocuous TikTok challenges,
Photoshopped perfection whispered, “You are not enough.”
Games that increase their dopamine fix,
An entourage of voices telling them how to act, who to be, what to chase.

Every scroll.

Every swipe. Sucked them in a little more.
In their quiet rooms, behind closed doors, they grew up. Innocence lost…

To predators who lurk behind a smiling profile. Trained to speak their lingo.
Who would have guessed promises were traps set up just for them?
Trusting and curious, who pays the price?

No refuge, no respite from the bullies who seek to spite.
“Stop It! Make it Stop! Help me, PLEASE!”
Silent cries we wish we heard before they were pushed overboard.

Messages they believed because our influence was weak.
“Your worth is your body.”
“You are only as good as your likes.”
“You are not beautiful enough, smart enough, never enough.”

The 10-year-old girl and 13-year-old boy were never ready to be left alone with glowing screens.

We handed them access to the world because we never knew.
We never knew.

Yet hope in Pandora’s Box was kept for good.
Against the vices of the world, this one antidote prevailed.

This Mother’s Day, let’s start anew.
No matter the state of your relationship, let’s create anew.

Mother’s Day Escape Room Adventure: Unlocking Pandora’s Box

What if we could provide a perspective shift to rebuild the mother-child bond? What if broken relationships could start to heal just from playing a simple challenge?

This Mother’s Day, step beyond flowers and chocolates — and into an unforgettable experience.

In Unlocking Pandora’s Box, mothers and children become teammates on a interactive escape room-style journey, designed to be played in the comfort of your home. You’ll crack codes, solve challenges, and unlock the deeper treasures of trust, communication, and laughter. Together, discover insights and key messages for a memorable and meaningful Mother’s day celebration.

Prepare to experience 4 pitstops, 3 days, 2 age groups, 1 connection:

6 – 12 years: Explores lessons for a mindset shift in the Digital Age
13 – 19 years: Provides a framework to navigate the rebellious teenage years

Ready to log off, team up, and level up your bond? The clock is ticking… and the real prize is connection — plus other attractive prizes up for grabs!

Click here for details and to register your interest.

Because you deserve another shot at creating a connection with your child.