At first, I was totally against downloading TikTok. My kids were always glued to their screens, and honestly, I found the app rather annoying. The videos didn’t amuse me at all, and there was no way I was going to add another app to my phone.
That changed when my daughter mentioned some beauty hacks she wanted to explore together. Although I hesitated, everything shifted one evening when she texted me from her dad’s house, asking, “Can you download TikTok? I want to share these videos with you.” It dawned on me that I was missing a valuable chance to connect with my teenage daughter, who, like many teens, often prefers to keep her distance.
Once I downloaded the app, I was pleasantly surprised. I found myself laughing at a hilarious video of a dog playing with ducks, and I discovered a viral beauty product from L’Oreal that I had never heard of before. That was over a year ago, and since then, watching TikTok has become a fantastic way to bond with my teens.
My daughter loves sending me videos featuring cute animals, beauty tips, Shein hauls, and new recipes. We’ve tried out many of these recipes together, which has led to great meals and, more importantly, quality time spent in the kitchen. We’ve also experimented with various makeup and hair tutorials. A few times each month, we make a list of products we want to try and head to the beauty supply store, creating more opportunities for connection.
My two sons quickly joined in once they learned I had downloaded the app. They send me a different array of videos, often ones that humorously depict “mom life” and remind them of me. Occasionally, they drop hints about products they’d like, like the time my oldest sent me an oddly satisfying video of a guy washing his car with a power washer. (And yes, I did get it for him.)
My sons also share practical TikToks, like one that demonstrated how to prevent your windshield from icing up during winter using Dawn dish soap. To me, this is their way of showing they care and that I’m not just a nuisance in their lives. They want me to be safe on the road, and I appreciated how my son took the initiative to wash my car.
I receive a flood of TikTok notifications daily, often around ten from my kids. I usually wait until they ask, “Mom, do you want to watch TikToks?” Then we gather on the sofa for a binge session.
This shared experience has not only brought us closer but has also allowed me to gain insight into their world. If I hadn’t embraced TikTok, I would miss out on this special connection. It makes them happy to see me interested in their lives, and watching TikTok together turns into a bonding experience, even when our teens are not as communicative.
If you’re curious about the world of home insemination, check out this informative article on pregnancy and home insemination. For more tips on family life and relationships, visit this other blog post. And if you want expert advice, this site is a fantastic resource.
Search Queries:
- How to bond with teens through TikTok
- Creative ways to connect with your kids
- Benefits of using TikTok as a parent
- Family activities with teenagers
- Understanding your teen’s interests
In summary, exploring TikTok with my teens has transformed into a delightful bonding experience. It’s become a platform for laughter, creativity, and shared moments that strengthen our family ties.