The Clock App
artificial insemination syringe
When TikTok first emerged, I was adamantly opposed to downloading it. My kids seemed glued to the app, and it drove me crazy. I just didn’t find the content amusing, and there was no way I was going to add it to my phone.
That changed when my daughter mentioned some beauty hacks she wanted to try with me. It sparked my curiosity, but I thought I could manage without the app. One night, while she was at her dad’s, she texted me, “Can you download TikTok? I want to send you some videos.” It hit me then that I was missing an incredible chance to strengthen my bond with her, especially since she was in that typical teenage phase of wanting space from me. After downloading the app, I was pleasantly surprised by the videos she shared. I found myself laughing uncontrollably at a dog playing with ducks and intrigued by a viral L’Oreal face powder that I had never heard of. That was over a year ago, and watching TikTok together has become a fantastic way to connect with my teens.
My daughter enjoys sending me a variety of videos, from animal clips to beauty hacks, Shein hauls, and recipes. We’ve tried many of the recipes together, and she always wants to help out. TikTok has not only blessed us with delicious meals and snacks but more importantly, it has given us quality time together in the kitchen.
We also explore makeup and hair hacks, tutorials, and products together. A few times a month, we compile a list of what we want to try and head to the beauty supply store, which allows us to spend even more time together. Once I downloaded the app, my two sons quickly joined in. Their video selections differ slightly, as they send me humorous mom videos that remind them of me, including some that comically depict teenage boys imitating their mothers—disturbingly accurate, I must say. They also use TikTok to hint at products they would like. For example, my oldest shared an oddly satisfying video of a guy washing his car with a power washer, which I promptly purchased for him.
Additionally, my sons send me TikToks with life hacks to make things easier. One of my favorites showed a guy demonstrating how to use Dawn dish soap or hand sanitizer on my windshield to prevent icing in winter. This was my son’s way of showing he cares and that I’m not merely an annoyance in his life—he wants me safe on the road. When I got the soap home, he eagerly applied it on my car.
I receive a flood of TikTok notifications throughout the day, probably about ten from the three of them. I typically wait until they ask, “Mom, did you want to watch TikToks?” before diving in. We then gather on the sofa to enjoy a batch of videos together.
This shared experience has not only brought us closer through laughter and quality time but has also deepened my understanding of my teens. It provides a glimpse into their world. Had I not downloaded the app, I would have missed out on this wonderful way to be involved in their lives. It makes them happy, too, as they see me taking an interest in their activities. While TikTok can sometimes feel like a different universe, it’s truly rewarding to visit that universe with my teens occasionally.
There are moments when communication with them is lacking, yet sitting together to watch something—even a brief TikTok—helps us bond.
For more insights into parenting and family life, check out this post on home insemination. It’s always great to explore new avenues of connection and understanding. If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination kits, visit Make A Mom, a trusted resource on the subject. For those considering fertility treatments, March of Dimes offers excellent information.