TikTokThis Autumn we launched our new #ParentsofTikTok campaign to recognise the millions of parents who are coming to TikTok every single day to share their personal experiences. As part of the campaign, we've brought together ten parent ambassadors that are using their platforms on TikTok to share their experiences and help others.
One of our #ParentsofTikTok ambassadors is the wonderful @nigelclarketv. Nigel is a CBeebies presenter who has taken to TikTok to share his experience of 'the parent juggle' - gaining over 102,000 followers along the way!
His 'Parent Win' tips give people small ways they can make their life easier, like getting children interested in reading, using a baby sling at home and celebrating developmental wins. His Parenting Gripes are equally relatable, including topics like why are baby formula lids so complicated?!
We sat down with Nigel to chat about being named a #ParentsofTikTok ambassador, his favourite parenting creators, and his TikTok goals...
First, congratulations on being named as a #ParentsofTikTok ambassador. When did you first start creating parenting content on TikTok?
Thank you, it’s all been very unexpected. I never intended to create parenting content on TikTok, but I had an experience with my youngest’s immunisation jabs that I wanted to bring to people’s attention, and it kicked off from there. The post got a great response from the public. People sympathising, believing change was needed, and wanting more posts about my parenting experiences - and I decided to run with it.
Were you surprised by the reaction from the community?
I was surprised by how many people resonated with what I was doing, but upon reflection it made sense. Lots of what we see on social media paints an image of a perfect unattainable life, but I was posting the less shiny side of parenting which people can find very supportive.
What other parenting creators on TikTok do you follow?
I really like @beleafinfatherhood and have been following him for years. The content really makes you feel like you’re part of the family. I’d actually love to get him on the Dadvengers Podcast. Fingers crossed 🤞🏾 I’ll get him one day.
What is your goal on TikTok?
I just want to keep putting out content people enjoy and find useful. I would like that to grow that to include all the things my family does. It feels like a natural progression from the parenting stuff but let’s see if people enjoy that.
What is your favourite TikTok video you have made to date and why?
I have two. Firstly a dance I did with my kids during lockdown, it's my most viewed video and will always hold a special place in my heart. The second was a recent post about when the Princess of Wales came to visit the parenting group I run. I’m still a bit shellshocked that she came to visit a small parenting group like ours. It meant a lot to everyone involved.
What else is on your For You feed?!
I also have dance videos on my account which me and the family love doing, and recently we started a family account @instaclarkes where we are documenting our house renovation over the next year. It’s a big project.
Finally, if there was one piece of advice you could give to new parents, what would it be?
My number one piece of advice for new parents is 'Be Patient'. Parenting is a long road and it’s easy to beat ourselves up and think we’re not doing as well as we should, but every single parent is learning on the job. No two children are alike. So we have to be patient with ourselves as well as our kids and learn as we go.
New to TikTok and want to explore more #ParentsofTikTok content? Getting involved couldn’t be easier, simply download the app for free via the Apple App Store, Google Play or Amazon.
