Staying Connected with your Grandkids ~ On Their Level

A New App?

I was at work (teaching pre-school) one day at lunch and a teacher was talking about a new app that she uses.  It is called BeReal. and she really liked it because it doesn’t allow filters or editing and truly shows what you’re doing.  I noted the conversation and asked my granddaughters if they knew about this app and immediately there were jazzed (ha, probably not a word they would use!)  I was asking and wanted me to use the app with them.  Of course, I had them set it up on my phone for me…. not that I couldn’t figure it out but I enjoy letting them help me with things that excite them!  So…you may be thinking, ANOTHER app…more social media…UGH!!  I felt that way initially too, but I prefer this social media platform 100% more than any others out there for a few reasons.

Why is it Different than the Others?

First, it has given me insight into what my granddaughters are doing, who they are with and just normal life happenings.  For instance, I am able to see that my oldest granddaughter is working on a particular day, so it reminds me to ask her about work.  Or when my 2^nd oldest granddaughter posts a picture with some friends, it spurs conversation about those friends.

Next, the app does not allow for filters or making things “perfect” or “pretty” ….you literally have two minutes to post your picture.  When you snap your picture, it shows a view from both sides of your camera…so if you are holding in front of you we will see yourself in one frame and wherever you are in the other frame.  Once you snap your photo you can do a “redo” if you want but others will know how many times you attempted to capture your BeReal., it truly is inspired to not try to show the “realness” of where and what you’re doing. You only have TWO MINUTES to capture your BeReal., which makes it less time consuming overall!

Another reason I love this app is because it notifies you to post, and only allows you to post, ONE time a day at random times.  I like this because it really keeps you up to date and gives me the opportunity to “see” my granddaughters at least one time a day! That has been a great blessing with our busy lives… it truly helps me to feel more connected than ever to them.

Overall, the app is easy to use and worth loading and using with your grandkids if they are also using the app.  My son-in-law and his mom have also jumped on board which makes it fun from a bigger family perspective too. 

I recommend you check it out if you are looking for a way to be more connected with family and/or your grandkids specifically!  Let’s go BeReal!  That is what our kids need to see us doing ~ with all the social media that can take them down a negative path, I feel this app helps build deeper, authentic connections.  Something our teens more of in this world!!

---

Peggy Norton is a health coach who is passionate about changing the health of our world, one person at a time. She is an experienced HR professional who reinvented herself by coupling her corporate background AND her personal health journey of losing over 100 pounds—thus rediscovering energy and self-confidence. Today, she is the active, involved Gigi she has always envisioned.