Fear of Missing Out: Teaching Kids (and Parents) How Life Goes in Turns

Miki Lawrence
7 days ago
2 min read

**Waiting doesn’t mean missing out. It means your wave is still forming.**

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) shows up often for kids—and usually not because they’re truly missing out, but because they don’t yet understand how turns work in life.

A common example many families experience is when one sibling gets invited to a birthday party and the other does not. To a child, this can feel unfair and personal. Their mind quickly goes to, “I’m missing out.”

In reality, what’s happening is simpler:It just isn’t their turn right now.

Kids Need Reference Points to Understand Turns

Kids live very much in the present moment. When something good happens to someone else, they don’t naturally see the bigger picture. What helps most is not explaining or convincing—but giving them reference points.

Here are a few practical ways parents can help:

Use a Monthly Calendar

Write down special events for the family—birthday parties, playdates, family outings, and one-on-one time. When kids can visually see the month, they begin to understand balance. Parents can also notice patterns and gently balance things out over time.

Take Photos of Everyday Moments

Photos are powerful reminders. Pictures of playing board games, building with LEGO, going to the park, cooking together, or playing video games help show kids the evidence of connection and care that already exists.

Build Small, Consistent Connection Time

Connection doesn’t have to be big or expensive. Even 10 minutes of focused time each day builds trust and emotional safety. Kids who feel connected struggle less with FOMO.

A Reminder for Parents: You’re Not Missing Out Either

Parents experience FOMO too—often feeling like they’re missing out on a calmer, more playful relationship with their kids. While things can always improve, this doesn’t mean you’ve failed or missed your chance.

Just like kids, parents are often in the middle of their own turn—building structure so things can flow better later.

Helpful tools include: