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Despite what they may say, TikTok isn’t just for Gen Z. Because Millennials, Gen X, and yes, even Boomers are watching, lip-syncing, and dancing over on the video-sharing app. TikTok is one of the fastest-growing platforms in the world, boasting over 689 million users worldwide. According to research by Statista, 37% of those users are between the ages of 10 and 19, 19% are over 40.
So, let Gen X think we’re cheugy. TikTok for parents is here to stay. These content creators share relatable parenting moments, get in on a viral TikTok challenge or two and teach us new things every day.
TikTok for parents: The realities of family life
Elisha Beach (@mylifeisabeach) is an LA mom of 3 birth kids, 1 adopted kid, and 4 step “adults” — yes, 8 kids in all! Her TikTok is chock full of funny parenting situations, like the fact that the entire house will never, ever be clean at the same time.
Embedded content: https://www.tiktok.com/@mylifeisabeach/video/6884774703324597510
Sasha Manley (@thesash) shares the realities of parenthood and life with a six-year-old and a toddler. Who needs to worry about getting up on time when you have a little one who doubles as your personal alarm clock?
Embedded content: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesash/video/6958462670961921286
Kia Chambers’ (@meetthechambers) blended family consists of two girls, ages 10 and 6, and a 1-year old boy. In this video, Chambers uses the Tik Tok Sounds feature to put her family’s spin on a popular scene from Shrek.
Embedded content: https://www.tiktok.com/@meetthechambers/video/6890741327168949510
There’s nothing worse than going to your closet and reaching for your favorite top only to discover it missing. Jeannette Kaplun (@jeannettekaplun) shares what it’s like living with teen girls who are always ‘borrowing’ your things.
Embedded content: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeannettekaplun/video/6902201073310764294
TikTok challenges to try with your kids
When it comes to social media, safety is a priority. Amiyrah Martin is an online content creator and mom of three who shared some TikTok safety tips with her readers. “One of the ways I filtered down to our favorite TikTok creators for kids is by using the hashtags on the platform. Family-friendly TikTok creators use hashtags to attract the audience they want,” Martin wrote on her blog, Four Hats and Frugal. “Hashtags like #petsoftiktok #mathtricks #familyfun are a few of my favorite hashtags to check out when I open the platform.”
One family-friendly TikTokker creates fun viral videos on the platform. With over 2.2 billion views, Zach King’s (@zachking) Harry Potter illusion is the most viewed video on TikTok. In it, he’s shown ‘flying’ around on a Nimbus 2000 – when you discover the secret to how he does this, you may want to try it out too.
Embedded content: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachking/video/6768504823336815877
If you have a little one at home, the TikTok challenge, entitled, ‘if you give a baby a raw egg, they’ll be gentle with it,’ is a fun one to try. Check out @lexiiwalden on TikTok.
Embedded content: https://www.tiktok.com/@lexiiiwalden/video/6902491799403760902
Parents of tweens and teens have likely seen their kids practicing dance moves for TikTok. Why not get in on the fun with a family TikTok challenge like Australian cricketer David Warner (@davidwarner31) and his family.
Embedded content: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidwarner31/video/6908237792153832710
More than just TikTok trends
In an interview with AARP, social media expert Rachel Pederson explained why she thinks middle-aged women are flocking to TikTok. “People are tired of the highlight reels on Facebook, tired of the polished perfection of Instagram. On TikTok we see a more authentic side of people,” she told the interest group for Americans over 50. “We see people without makeup, including celebrities, and seeing the real side of life is addictive.”
The platform isn’t all fun and games — there’s a lot to learn on the popular short-form video app. Viral Tik Tokker Vanesa Amoro (@vaneamaro91) offers up professional cleaning advice on her wildly popular channel. It’s the perfect TikTok for parents who want to teach their teen important life skills, like how to properly clean their bedroom.
Embedded content: https://www.tiktok.com/@vaneamaro91/video/6964517950170680582
Sonny Hurrell (@thatdudecancook) forever changed how we make roasted potatoes in our house. Every time I cook these, my 10-year-old, makes it a point to ask if I remembered to include the secret ingredient.
Embedded content: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatdudecancook/video/6794184827257031942
