by Mehreen Zahid, Contributing Author
Introduction
Imagine running out of gum and, instead of buying a pack, making your own with gum base and powdered sugar. That’s everyday life for Nara Smith, a 22-year-old influencer known for her extravagant videos making everyday foods and household products from scratch. While most parents pour store-bought cereal or store-bought bagels, Smith is busy making her toddlers their own Cocoa Puffs, and blueberry bagels. Smith’s inspiration for home-based creations was not built from passion but from survival. Suffering from eczema which was exacerbated by store-bought foods and goods, Smith turned to home-based creations to ease her skin condition. In March of 2023, she broadcasted her talents via content creation on social media. Smith's videos have glamorized traditional, simplistic homemaking, attracting viewers who are surprised by the simplicity of making items like cheese. However, critics argue her approach is unrealistic for most, as working parents cannot afford 4 extra hours in the morning to prepare cereal for their children. Smith faced further back lash, particularly when it comes to more controversial projects like homemade sunscreen. In a viral video which has reached over 10 million views, Smith made sunscreen with coconut oil, shea butter, and zinc oxide, which drew criticism from physicians who caution against DIY sunscreen due to unverified SPF levels and lack of FDA oversight.. Similarly, her homemade toothpaste has sparked debate, highlighting that while DIY can be fun, it may also be time-consuming, impractical, and potentially ineffective.
TLDR
Nara Smith, a 22-year-old influencer, creates extravagant videos making everyday foods and household products from scratch, like Cocoa Puffs and cheese. She was inspired by treating her eczema with homemade meals. While her approach to homemaking has attracted viewers, critics argue it’s impractical for busy parents, and DIY products may lack appropriate safety measures.
Tips for Clinicians/Parents
Ask if your child has heard about Nara Smith: Ask them what they think of her content and if they enjoy it. Ask questions like, “What could be some benefits of buying ready-made products instead of making everything from scratch?”
Make something fun from scratch: Making gum or cereal from scratch can be a fun way to spice up cooking in the kitchen! Have your kids pick something they’d want to try to make.
Discuss time management: Talk about the importance of balancing time between fun projects and essential daily activities.
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