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I initially resisted downloading TikTok, but I’m so grateful I eventually gave in.
When TikTok first emerged, I was not a fan. My kids were constantly glued to their screens, and it drove me up the wall. The videos didn’t resonate with me at all, and I had no intention of installing the app on my phone.
But then my daughter mentioned some beauty hacks she had seen and wanted to try with me. While I was intrigued, I thought I could manage without it—until one evening, she texted me from her dad’s house asking if I could download TikTok because she wanted to share some videos. It struck me that I was missing out on a unique chance to connect with my teenage daughter, who, like many teens, was pulling away. Once I downloaded the app, I was pleasantly surprised. I found myself laughing at a dog playing with ducks and intrigued by a viral L’Oreal face powder I had never heard of before. That was over a year ago, and since then, watching TikTok has become a wonderful way for me to bond with my teenagers.
My daughter enjoys sharing animal videos, beauty hacks, fashion hauls, and recipes with me. We’ve tried several of the recipes, and she loves to help in the kitchen. TikTok has not only brought us delicious meals and snacks, but it has also given us precious time together while cooking.
We’ve also explored numerous makeup and hair hacks together, making lists of what to try and heading to the beauty supply store, which serves as another opportunity for bonding. My two sons joined in as soon as they discovered I had downloaded the app. Their interests are a bit different—they send me humorous mom videos that remind them of me, including some hilarious TikToks of teenage boys mimicking their mothers, which are alarmingly accurate representations of how I behave. Sometimes, they use TikTok to subtly hint at products they want. I recall my oldest son sending me a satisfying video of a guy washing his car with a power washer. Of course, I ended up buying it for him.
My sons also share helpful TikTok hacks to simplify my life. One of my favorites was about using Dawn dish soap or hand sanitizer on a windshield to prevent it from icing over in the winter. This is my son’s way of showing he cares and doesn’t just see me as a bother; he wants to keep me safe while driving. When I brought the soap home, he eagerly soaped up my car for me.
Throughout the day, my phone buzzes with notifications from them, typically around ten a day. I usually wait until they ask, “Mom, did you want to watch TikToks?” before we gather on the couch to enjoy a batch together.
Not only has this activity fostered laughter and quality time, but it has also deepened my understanding of their lives. It gives me a glimpse into their world that I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t downloaded the app. This shared experience brings them joy as they perceive my interest in their lives. While it can feel like parents and teens are worlds apart, occasionally stepping into their realm is a delightful experience.
There are moments when my teenagers are tight-lipped, but watching something together, even if it’s just a short TikTok, always strengthens our bond.