Mzansi Can’t Stop Laughing at Boy’s Honest Reaction to Birthday Surprise in a Video
- A young boy's birthday surprise party didn't go as planned when he became overwhelmed and resistant to the attention
- The video of his reaction, shared on TikTok, perfectly captured the moment he shouted and cried, wanting to escape the spotlight
- The clip went viral, with many viewers praising the family's understanding response and joking about the boy's "main character energy"
- Briefly News spoke to psychologist Candice Lambert, who shared insights into the common reasons a child might feel overwhelmed in situations like a birthday surprise
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A young boy’s unexpected reaction to his birthday surprise has left South Africans in fits of laughter after a video of the moment went viral on TikTok.
Source: TikTok
The clip perfectly captured how not every child enjoys being the centre of attention, even on their special day.
The video shared by @tjdjd.cm on TikTok began with the little boy returning home from what appears to be school, dragging his small bag on the floor.
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As he arrived, his loved ones eagerly waited outside to surprise him with a beautifully decorated birthday setup. The space features balloons shaped like the number five, colourful decorations, and a brand-new motorbike, all set up to make his day memorable.
However, things didn’t go as planned. When a woman, seemingly a family member, tried to place a birthday hat on his head, the boy resisted, looking visibly uninterested. Instead of being excited, he seemed overwhelmed by the attention and just wanted to go inside the house.
As his family continued cheering and trying to make him smile, the young boy began to shout and cry, clearly wanting to escape the spotlight. Eventually, his loved ones let him go inside, respecting his wish to end the surprise.
The video uploaded on 7 October 2025 by the social media user @tjdjd.cm was captioned:
"POV: When you decide to surprise the nonchalant member of the family."
This perfectly summed up the hilarious moment that gained over 1.1 million views on TikTok within two days of its release.
Mzansi social media users couldn’t stop laughing at the child’s blunt and honest reaction. Many joked that he had “main character energy” and was probably just tired from school, while others praised his family for going all out to make his day special.
Expert on why kids feel overwhelmed by surprises
While speaking to Briefly News, psychologist Candice Lambert shared insight into kids feeling overwhelmed with a surprise birthday party by saying:
"It’s not ingratitude, it’s information. Their brain and body are telling us."
The psychologist expressed how, when the room erupts in noise, the child's "amygdala" triggers a stress response, mistaking the surprise for danger.
"This part of the brain is designed to keep them safe; it detects sudden changes, loud sounds, and unpredictability as possible danger. Before the logical mind can reason "This is a celebration," the body releases adrenaline and cortisol, speeding the heart and tightening the muscles."
She added:
"Daniel Goleman (1995) calls this an “amygdala hijack” — when emotion overrides rational thought. In that moment, joy, confusion, and fear blur into one overwhelming wave. To the brain, the surprise feels less like “love” and more like “impact.”
Source: TikTok
SA reacts to the little boy's gesture on his birthday surprise
People in South Africa went viral on social media as they expressed their thoughts on the little boy's reaction, saying:
Angy M Oppelt said:
"What does a child at 5 understand about surprises? He is Shy and overwhelmed with the noise, being pushed. If you know his character, you were supposed to plant the idea in his head before arriving so that he is ready for the surprise. No, he is not ungrateful; he is processing slowly."
Gail6911 wrote:
"I think he just wanted to do his after-school routine first, put the school bag, go to the toilet and come back for the surprise."
Thvp3lo stated:
"That’s not nonchalant… Sometimes it’s social anxiety in different parts."
Neftalie Ny cracked a joke, saying:
"Soon nonchalant will be posting "my toxic family."
Watch the video below:
3 More Briefly News birthday stories
- A TikTok video of a 95-year-old grandmother's dazzling dance moves on her birthday is a reminder to live life to the fullest.
- A local TikTok video showed a matric learner crying with joy and gratitude while hugging her father after being gifted a brand-new Nissan.
- A heartwarming video showed a principal's surprise birthday prank staged by his students and teachers, showing the strong community spirit.
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Source: Briefly News
Johana Mukandila (Human Interest Editor) Johana Tshidibi Mukandila has been a Human Interest Reporter at Briefly News since 2023. She has over four years of experience as a multimedia journalist. Johana holds a national diploma in journalism from the Cape Peninsula University Of Technology (2023). She has worked at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, PAICTA, BONA Magazine and Albella Music Production. She is currently furthering her education in journalism at the CPUT. She has passed a set of trainings from Google News Initiative. Reach her at johana.mukandila@briefly.co.za
Candice Lambert (Mental health advocate and director at Kids Dialogue) Candice Lambert, with a background in neuroscience coaching, psychology, and business strategy, is currently pursuing her Master’s in Neuropsychology. She leads the Wellness Dialogue Group, supporting families with the Teddy Clinic and Life Healthcare. She’s also involved with the NPO Healthy Future Kids and runs the World Changers Holiday Club for children. Candice has been a featured speaker on TV and radio, including 702 and Newzroom Afrika, and serves as a resident coach on INX Prime Live.
