The importance of not being influenced, from a concerned mother’s point of view
By: April Hernandez
Parenting is already tough, and let me tell you, social media is not making it any easier. It hit me one morning driving my younger boys to school. The entire car ride was about their favorite influencers and the latest trends. I couldn’t help but think, “Are my kids too influenced?”
When I was their age, social media didn’t exist. My influences came from real life: friends, school, and community experiences. But for my children, it is like they are living through a screen. They are all about the latest YouTube and TikTok crazes.
I’ve got Team Gen Z and Team Gen Alpha holding down the fort. Leading the charge for Gen Z, my 17-year-old has managed to maintain her individuality, and my 16-year-old is more of a gamer. On the flip side, my younger crew is representing Gen Alpha, and with them the influence is real! My 10-year-old is all about internet challenges, and my 7-year-old wants to be like his favorite YouTuber. Even my 4-year-old thinks she is heading to Spy Ninja’s HQ.
From competing in the latest challenges to idolizing YouTube celebrities, social media plays a significant role in their lives. I am not against technology or progress, but I worry that my kids miss out on real-life stuff like playing outside or hanging out with friends. Instead, they are glued to their screens, chasing after someone else’s version of cool and fun.
It is concerning to see how this constant exposure to virtual personas shapes their perception of reality and the true meaning of self-worth. Our children are constantly bombarded with images and lifestyles they can never truly be a part of, and, sadly, that speaks more to their self-worth than the content of their character.
But it is not just our children who are susceptible to digital influence; adults are equally guilty of succumbing to online trends and advertisements. We must also set boundaries for ourselves and prioritize real-life connections over virtual validation, especially if we want our children to do the same.
Ultimately, I want my children to find fulfillment in genuine experiences and relationships, not in the pursuit of materialistic ideals perpetuated by social media. As parents, we lead by example and teach our children the importance of self-love, face-to-face interactions, and being kind to one another.
I get it, social media has its perks. But we have to show our kids that there is a whole world out there beyond TikTok and YouTube. Let’s lead the way by showing them the value of authentic experiences and relationships. It’s about keeping it real and teaching them to appreciate the little things in life, beyond the digital noise.
