artificial insemination kit for humans
Dear Home Insemination Kit,
I’ve been friends with “Lisa” for over ten years. Our kids are similar ages and we live nearby. Just before the pandemic started, Lisa lost her job. She began posting on TikTok during that time, using it as an outlet to connect with others facing similar challenges. At first, I didn’t think much about it, because I enjoy watching entertaining videos on TikTok myself. However, it seems like she’s turned it into a full-time endeavor. Although she doesn’t have a huge following, it’s considerable. The concerning part is that she’s constantly on there, sharing every detail of her young children’s lives—tantrums, potty training, meals, naps, and even their illnesses. It feels orchestrated, and I’ve even seen her make them redo a video for the perfect shot. I’m torn about whether to say something, knowing it could put our friendship on the line.
Wow, a “redo?” That’s not ideal.
The Tricky Side of Family Accounts on TikTok
This is the tricky side of family accounts on TikTok. Kids, often minors, are featured in content created by their parents and shared with a vast audience. While it may appear harmless, children lack the ability to consent. If Lisa is indeed using her kids for attention, that’s troubling.
Recently, there’s been a rise in discussions about individuals who were showcased on their parents’ platforms, now expressing resentment over it. The newer generations, like Gen Z, are digital natives—growing up in a world dominated by social media. However, that doesn’t justify treating their childhood like a reality show.
Those vulnerable moments you mentioned—like tantrums and potty training—should be cherished privately. Sure, it’s nice to hear comments saying, “Oh, that happens in our house too!” But that validation from strangers comes at the expense of your children’s privacy.
Approaching the Topic with Care
If you decide to bring this up, approach the topic with care. Since her content creation occurs in your presence, it’s your business too. You might consider asking casually, “Does little Benny enjoy being filmed all the time?” or “It seems like Carrie just wants to play right now; how about filming later?”
While these questions may not seem subtle, they convey your concern without sounding overly critical. You care about your friend and her children. If you truly believe Lisa needs a reality check, sharing articles like this one or insights from sites like Make a Mom could be beneficial.
Finding a Balance
Remember, Lisa’s kids won’t stay little forever. As they grow up, they will likely form opinions about their lives being shared with strangers online. It’s not that Lisa can’t have social media accounts featuring her children, but there’s a balance to be struck that doesn’t involve exploitation. If she’s passionate about content creation, there are alternative ways to explore that interest without putting her kids in the spotlight.
It’s commendable that you’re looking out for her kids. Often, people overlook the bigger picture behind those brief glimpses into family life. Good luck talking to your friend.
Summary
A concerned friend is worried that her best friend, Lisa, is exploiting her children on TikTok for attention. While initially engaging with the platform as a way to cope during tough times, Lisa now appears to be sharing every aspect of her children’s lives, raising privacy concerns. The friend contemplates addressing the issue but fears it may jeopardize their friendship. Ultimately, it’s important for parents to find a balance between social media engagement and protecting their children’s privacy.