Photo by Vishal Modak
Have you heard the term JOMO? It stands for the Joy of Missing Out, and it’s the perfect antidote to FOMO, or the Fear of Missing Out. It’s about finding pleasure in a quiet life, without the anxiety that comes from feeling like you’re falling behind because of something exciting happening elsewhere.
This concept really hit home after a conversation with a fellow mom. Her 7-year-old was upset about not participating in a school event, even though she’s an active kid who takes part in many other things. It made me wonder: Why does a 7-year-old feel this intense pressure to be everywhere at once? Why couldn’t she just enjoy watching her friends perform?
The Antidote to “Always On” Culture
It’s clear that even at a young age, our kids feel the pressure to keep up, not just from social media but from their friends. This constant comparison can rob us of our peace and make it hard to appreciate our own lives. That’s why JOMO is so important. It helps us feel calm instead of pressured to do everything.
As parents, we need to teach our children the value of self-care and setting boundaries. It’s okay to have quiet, personal time. It’s okay to do things that are truly fulfilling to you as an individual, regardless of what anyone else is doing.
Think about it: Were you a star student, athlete, and artist all at once? Probably not. And yet, you’re doing just fine now, right? That’s the same lesson we need to pass on to our kids.
Setting Boundaries and Embracing Stillness
This means we should set boundaries not just with screen time and extracurriculars, but with events, too. Sometimes, the most meaningful family time is simply sitting together in a quiet space, each enjoying your own thoughts. Just as we relax and enjoy a movie, we should also be able to sit back and cheer on our friends on stage.
It’s perfectly fine if your child doesn’t participate in every school event. We need cheerleaders for our friends who are performing! The key is to help our children find activities they truly love, whether they’re the best at them or not.
What do you think? Have you found ways to embrace JOMO in your own life?