When my children were younger, our evening routine revolved around brushing teeth, slipping into pajamas, and cozying up with a book or two. Occasionally, we would add a bath to the mix, and sometimes, we even sang a few songs.
Fast forward to now, my kids are 15 and 11, and our bedtime ritual has drastically changed. Instead of the warm, story-filled nights, I now find myself yelling from my bed, urging them to brush their teeth while I try to finish an article late into the night. The highlight of our evening? My tween and teenager crawl into bed with me, I put my laptop aside, and we dive into TikTok together.
Yes, you read that correctly—TikTok.
Like many individuals from my generation, I was hesitant to join TikTok. The videos I had seen on other social media platforms primarily featured teens performing trendy dances that seemed like a recipe for disaster for someone my age. However, after some friends encouraged me to explore the app, I held out until I stumbled upon the intriguing world of “Lesbian TikTok.” That day, I downloaded the app.
Once I got started, the TikTok algorithm quickly tailored my feed to my interests. As someone who values equality, enjoys history, loves music and writing, and is deeply engaged with social issues, my preferences were clear. My feed now showcases videos that reflect my passions, from discussions on feminism to adorable clips of dogs.
Before long, my children began to peek over my shoulder, captivated by the catchy tunes and insightful snippets from social justice advocates and scientists. They soon joined me, absorbing the curated content I was watching. Their engagement often led to thoughtful discussions, with them asking questions like, “Is that true?” Together, we explored topics such as positive masculinity, which helped my son understand women’s experiences better.
Seeing other men discuss these concepts made it easier for him to grasp that the caution women feel isn’t aimed at him personally, but rather a necessary instinct for safety. He also learned about the importance of speaking up against misogyny. Hearing these ideas expressed by others made him more open to understanding them.
My daughter, on the other hand, gains valuable insights from body positivity videos, which reinforce that she is perfect just the way she is and that exercise should be about health and enjoyment rather than just weight loss. TikTok has become a medium through which I can introduce them to the current events and histories of marginalized communities, including indigenous peoples and the queer community.
Sometimes we come across videos on gentle parenting or alternatives to traditional discipline, prompting my children to reflect on my parenting style. On occasions, I might disagree with a TikTok suggestion—like allowing tweens to shout at their parents without consequences. I explained to my daughter that while all feelings are valid, respecting each other in communication is crucial for healthy relationships.
Of course, our feed is also peppered with light-hearted content, including videos of cute pets and talented performers, balancing the heavier discussions with some fun.
The beauty of TikTok lies in its ability to spark conversations that I might otherwise overlook, despite my best intentions. Watching these videos together not only educates us but also strengthens our bond. When my kids are at their dad’s house, I send them TikToks through our group chat, keeping our connection alive even when we’re apart. And when they’re with me, we’ve officially incorporated TikTok into our bedtime routine. Each night, my daughter hops into bed with me after brushing her teeth, and we share 15 or 20 minutes of TikTok content. My son, usually a bit slower to finish his routine, joins us later, and we enjoy this time together, finding both entertainment and education in what I once thought was just a social media app.
Who would have thought that TikTok, something I believed was meant for a younger crowd, could bring me closer to my kids? What an interesting time we live in!
For more parenting tips, check out our other blog posts like this one on home insemination kits and learn about child-rearing practices from experts. Another helpful resource for those interested in pregnancy is this article that covers various aspects of fertility and conception.
Summary
This article explores how TikTok has become an unexpected yet effective parenting tool for fostering discussions and strengthening the bond between a mother and her teenage children. By engaging with TikTok content that addresses social issues, body positivity, and more, the author highlights how this social media platform facilitates meaningful conversations and connection within the family.