Social media gets such a bad rep and some *most* arguments are justified. But Instagram, Facebook, and especially TikTok aren’t all bad news. Getting into TikTok specifically, this platform shares real *and useful* content with common folk created by common folk that can inspire and motivate the average joe. Let’s delve into the countless ways TikTok can be helpful.

Spot Easy & Affordable Dinner Ideas

Do you hate the dreaded “what’s for dinner” debacle?! You’re not alone. TikTok is a great resource for recipes of all sorts: weeknight supper ideas the whole family will gobble up, quick breakfast suggestions for busy mornings, healthy lunch options to enjoy at work, and even cool cocktails to enjoy after a long day. Type in #recipes for a little meal planning inspo and be sure to try the viral Green Goddess Salad!

Explore the Latest Fashion & Beauty Trends

Search up #TikTokFashion or #TikTokBeauty to see what’s new and fresh when it comes to fashion and makeup + skincare. Flipping through #PlusSizeFashion or #CurvyTikTok posts and curvy creator accounts is amazing for finding out what’s trending and allows folks to see what certain styles look like on real women. These amazing content creators show us curvy mamas how to shop for our specific shape!

Have you ever heard the phrase “TikTok made me buy it!”?? Real people sharing amazing makeup and skincare products – plus the techniques to use said products properly!? It’s like a gold mine of information. My ten year-old has more knowledge about face cream, foundation, and fake eyelashes than I knew well into my thirties! True story.

Find All The Amazon Finds

Nuff said. Instead of spending hours *literally* scanning Amazon, scroll through #AmazonMustHaves and #AmazonFinds on TikTok. The work is done for you! You will find everything from family fashion to everyday essentials, cleaning tools to reading material – and everything in between.

Discover A Parenting Community

As a parent, we value spending some much needed time alone after the kiddos have finally fallen asleep. We often spend this quality alone time by mindlessly scrolling social media. We laugh at the idiot “Karens” caught red-handed and we feel a tug at our heart-strings when we see a surrendered pet finding a new home.

But through this *mindless scrolling* we also find community and relatability within the posts of fellow mothers and fathers. Folks who are going through the same dreaded childhood phase with their own kids. Someone who can really relate because they too are working parents trying to find balance, or is a SAHM who doesn’t feel appreciated for all the hard work she puts in each and every day.

Check out #Motherhood or #Parenting the next time you’re scrolling the platform. Give the posts a listen, a supportive comment, and a respectful follow.

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Connect With Your Own Kids

Are your kids on TikTok? I’d like to say I’m one of those parents who limits screen time and doesn’t let my kids on any social media platforms. But it’s a different time and a different generation. Gen Z *and younger* do almost everything online! From socializing to shopping, sourcing cool decor ideas, and learning the latest dance trend.

Kids are not only scrolling TikTok, but are also creating and sharing their own content! While some parents don’t approve, kids having their own social media accounts can teach them some valuable lessons. Being on TikTok can help teach children communication skills and how to have a healthy relationship with social media.

Be sure to browse your child’s own TikTok page to see exactly what it is they’re sharing. Ensure they’re not posting anything too personal or inappropriate for their age. Also watch out for those dangerous TikTok challenges that some youth are falling victim to and warn them of the associated dangers.

Online Dangers

There are dangers to social media as well – and not only for children. Openly discussing the following points with all members of your family and being honest about the exposure on social media is very important.

• Online harassment & bullying. Folks are not always friendly on any social media platform and get quite ballsy when they’re hiding behind their computer.
• False marketing. Never believe everything you see online. There’s a lot of bullshit out there.
• What you see online isn’t real life. No one lives a picture perfect life and most creators only show the best of the best in their posts.
• Sharing personal information. Never over share online – especially kids. Don’t ever divulge your address, school, or contact info on social media.

Discussing these dangers can help avoid a potentially threatening situation and can help ensure the platform is used for its true purpose – entertainment.

Gift Ideas

TikTok is also a great resource for what’s new on the market for pretty much everything in life. Does your child have a birthday coming up? Browse their TikTok to see what they’re currently crushing on! Stanley cups, fluffy bow headbands, bluetooth keyboards, 3D digital clock, and heart-shaped ring lights were all made famous thanks to TikTok.

Have you discovered cool ways TikTok can be helpful?

Leave a comment to share a recipe your family loved, a super comfy lounge set, or a cleaning hack you now use religiously – all of which were found on – you guessed it – TikTok!