My eight-year-old daughter and I were singing our hearts out to “Jingle Burgers” (YouTube it!) the other night on our way to help host bingo at the local assisted living space. After the song was over, I had her pause before picking a new one to tell her what the boys, my husband and sons, were doing that night. My Genesis daughter loves being around people, being in front of people (she was going to get to call the bingo numbers), and special mother-daughter time. Our night was checking off so many core needs and love tank space for her. I knew though that that same heart that loves new and adventure also struggles with FOMO, fear of missing out. I wanted her to know ahead of time that the boys were going over to someone’s house to play video games at the beginning of the night so that she wouldn’t be disappointed right before bed upon learning what they did.
She did respond as I expected with a “WHAT?!” and a pouty lip. I have learned through understanding her thinking style not to get offended or frustrated, telling her how ungrateful she is. It wasn’t about her being ungrateful for the current opportunity. She was experiencing anxious thoughts about missing out on the fun, new experiences, new friendships, etc at a different event. I took it as an opportunity to remind her that there will always be opportunities her entire life to choose FOMO and by doing so miss the very opportunity in front of her. I also reminded her that she has a superpower to bring to the event we were on our way to. She brings the joy and fun every place she goes. When she can fully grasp that she is actually a contributor, a bringer of the joy and the fun, she will never miss out again! I am fully aware this will not be the last FOMO conversation we have, but I am so thankful to understand some of the why behind her reactions in those moments and some tools to bridge the gap and strengthen her purpose as a joy bringer!