Parents Using Snapchat to Scare Their Toddlers: A Major Parenting Misstep

home insemination Kit

It’s always a laugh to pull a prank on kids, and the reactions can be downright funny. But a recent trend involving creepy Snapchat filters may have crossed the line.

A few weeks back, Snapchat introduced new filters that can transform your appearance into everything from a rainbow-spewing character to a nightmarish demon. Seriously, take a look at this one and tell me it’s not terrifying!

With kids being naturally curious and filters being all the rage, some parents decided to use these frightening monster filters to spook their little ones. If you search for “scared child on Snapchat” on YouTube, you’ll find plenty of clips where parents “hilariously” frighten their toddlers while cracking up as the kids cry and try to escape.

While some find these videos to be a riot, others – including myself – view them as pranks that have gone too far. There’s nothing inherently wrong with playing tricks on children, but there comes a point where we need to recognize what they can handle. Most of the kiddos in these videos are preschool-aged or younger, not old enough to differentiate between reality and fantasy like older kids can.

Expert Insight

Dr. Emily Carter, a child psychologist, explains that children under seven often get scared by make-believe and may not understand that what they’re seeing isn’t real. Telling a frightened child that monsters aren’t real doesn’t always help when they’re scared. Adults can usually shake off what scares them, but young kids often can’t.

That said, it doesn’t mean kids should never be scared or that pranking them makes you a terrible parent. You just need to know where to draw the line. If your child is truly frightened and crying, that’s a clear sign it’s time to stop. Persisting in frightening them for your amusement crosses a boundary that shouldn’t be ignored.

Additional Resources

If you’re looking for more parenting tips, this one from our other blog post might interest you. Plus, check out this excellent resource on what to expect during your first IUI, especially if you’re exploring home insemination options. And if you want to boost fertility, you might want to take a look at what this authority has to say about men’s health.

Conclusion

In summary, while it’s fine to joke around with your kids, using Snapchat filters to scare them can lead to unnecessary fear and anxiety. Let’s keep our pranks light-hearted and ensure that our little ones feel safe and secure.