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- Gen Z shares funny and relatable moments of trying to explain TikTok trends, skincare routines, and streaming habits to their confused moms.
- From sustainable fashion to plant-based diets, these stories highlight the generational gap and the struggle to get parents on board with modern trends.
- Whether it’s explaining “rizz” or the concept of manifesting, Gen Z proves that explaining life to their moms is a whole different challenge.
Gen Z Shares Their Funniest “Me Explaining to Mom” Struggles
You know that feeling when you’re trying to explain something totally normal to your mom, but she just doesn’t get it? Like, no matter how hard you try to break down TikTok trends or why you need that $6 oat milk latte every morning, she’s looking at you like you’re from another planet? Yeah, we’ve all been there.
The "Me Explaining to Mom, Mom Listening" meme is basically the story of my life, and if you're Gen Z, it’s probably yours too. From trying to justify why I need 12 different skincare products to explaining what "rizz" is (spoiler: it’s not a typo for "pizza"), it’s like we’re speaking two different languages. I thought I was the only one dealing with this struggle, but after hearing from 10 other Gen Zers, I realized... we're all in this confusing, hilarious boat together!
1. Me Explaining Why I Need a “Break” After a 30-Minute Study Session
Mom Listening: “When I was your age, I studied for hours without any breaks. You kids and your TikToks...”
"I told my mom I needed to take regular ‘focus breaks’ because TikTok says it’s better for my brain. She gave me the ‘When I was your age’ speech and said I’m just finding excuses to scroll my phone. Like, no, Mom, it’s called mental wellness."
— Riley, 19, Boston, MA
2. Me Explaining Why I Need a $6 Coffee Every Day
Mom Listening: “You could make that at home for 30 cents, you know.”
"I tried telling her it's not just coffee, it's an experience. My iced oat milk latte makes me feel alive, and yeah, maybe it’s $6, but it’s about the vibes! She just stared at me and asked why I don't just make instant coffee. Instant. Coffee. Mom."
— Jordan, 22, Austin, TX
3. Me Explaining Why Instagram Is NOT the Same as Facebook
Mom Listening: “But can’t you just post the same thing on Facebook? Why do you need both?”
"Mom thinks Instagram and Facebook are the same thing because they’re both owned by Meta. I explained that Instagram is all about aesthetic, while Facebook is where people post blurry vacation pics and political rants. She didn't get it and said ‘a photo’s a photo.’ I give up."
— Lila, 20, Miami, FL
4. Me Explaining Why My Phone Needs to Be Charged at 80%
Mom Listening: “But if it’s not dead, why do you need to charge it?”
"Trying to explain battery health to my mom was like trying to explain quantum physics. I told her I keep my phone charged between 20-80% to make the battery last longer. She just said, ‘That’s silly. It was fine when I charged it overnight.’ Sigh."
— Eli, 18, Denver, CO
5. Me Explaining Why Thrifting Is Cool
Mom Listening: “Wait, you pay for old clothes?”
"I was telling my mom about this amazing thrift store find—vintage Levi’s—and how it’s eco-friendly and totally in style. She literally said, ‘You’re paying for someone’s used clothes when you could just buy new ones? That’s gross.’ She doesn’t get the sustainable fashion movement at all."
— Zoey, 21, Portland, OR
6. Me Explaining Why Streaming 8 Shows at Once Is Normal
Mom Listening: “Why don’t you just finish one show before starting another?”
"I told my mom I’m watching like 8 shows across Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ because each show gives off different vibes. She was so confused and asked why I don't just finish one series at a time. I was like, ‘Mom, it’s about variety.’”
— Nico, 23, Los Angeles, CA
7. Me Explaining Why Plant-Based Food Isn’t “Rabbit Food”
Mom Listening: “But where’s the meat? How are you full?”
"I tried to explain to my mom that my plant-based burger is better for the planet and my body. She kept asking, ‘But how do you stay full without meat?’ She legit looked at my Beyond Burger like it was alien food."
— Sophie, 20, Brooklyn, NY
8. Me Explaining TikTok Trends
Mom Listening: “Why are people doing the same dance over and over again?”
"I spent like 10 minutes trying to explain why everyone’s doing the same dance to the same song on TikTok. My mom’s like, ‘Why would anyone watch the same thing over and over?’ I said it’s about community and she just said, ‘Looks repetitive.’ Ugh."
— Jamie, 19, Chicago, IL
9. Me Explaining Why I Need 12 Different Skincare Products
Mom Listening: “I just used soap and water, and I turned out fine.”
"I told her my 12-step skincare routine is necessary because every product serves a different purpose. She just stared at me and said, ‘Soap worked for me.’ Soap?! We live in a different skincare universe now, Mom."
— Ashley, 21, Seattle, WA
10. Me Explaining What “Manifesting” Is
Mom Listening: “So, you think about something and it just happens? That’s not how life works.”
"I was telling my mom how I’m manifesting good vibes and visualizing my dream life, and she just gave me this blank look and said, ‘You mean, you’re wishing for stuff?’ I’m like, ‘No, it’s deeper than that.’ Moms just don’t get manifestation."
— Kayla, 22, Phoenix, AZ
And there you have it! If you’ve ever felt like explaining your life to your mom is like speaking an entirely different language, you’re definitely not alone. Whether it’s trying to make her understand why TikTok dances matter or why thrifting is cooler than buying new clothes, it’s safe to say Gen Z is navigating a world our moms just don’t quite get. But hey, that’s half the fun, right?
We’ll keep explaining, and they’ll keep giving us that blank look. Honestly, it’s kind of a bonding experience at this point. Who knows? Maybe one day they’ll get what "manifesting good vibes" really means. Until then, let’s just laugh about it together.
Stay connected with more hilarious Gen Z stories at Woke Waves Magazine.
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