Video Mayhem

We don’t shy away from creative endeavors around here. Quite the opposite, actually.

When Mayhem started asking to make more videos last year, we were happy to encourage her vision. She really enjoys watching YouTube videos and seeing other kids and families create fun and engaging videos is something that appeals to her creative side. She already has an awesome little camera at her disposal and she knows how to use it, so tools were not a roadblock. Having a parent with enough time to edit lengthy videos, however, was.

So Keith and I began giving Mayhem a bit more direction, in the hopes that we could help her fulfill her vision. First things first, lighting. Every time she asks if she can go make a video, we ask where she wants to do it, and if there is ample lighting. Next up, how distracting is the background? If she wants to make a video in her bedroom, she better clean it up before she presses the record button. And finally, keep it brief. For the time being, anyway. She’s not looking to create feature length films (yet!) so we’ve been focusing on getting clips of things she wants to include, or simply keeping the content to a minimum. A 30 minute video of someone making a strawberry banana smoothie seems a tad too long to watch OR edit 😉

The good news is, Mayhem is a quick learner. And she has a fairly thick skin too, so she takes most of our suggestions pretty well. She does still balk at the idea of a written shot list – “that just sounds like too much work!” and while she is interested in the editing process, she often steps away from that part too. I haven’t decided if this is good or bad. I mean, I feel like it’s important to know how to do it all, but maybe she’s one of those people who’s like ‘hey, I know my strengths, and I’m gonna do the stuff I like and get somebody awesome to do the stuff I don’t want to do.’

Wait a minute! Maybe I’m the one who needs to be taking notes.

So without further ado, a new Mayhem original. Because watching one makeup tutorial gave her all the confidence she needed to be a beauty vlogger for the day. (PS- the bloopers at the end are our favorite part!)

And yes, we know YouTube can be a messy place, with people saying not so nice things. It can also be a super inspiring place (as it is for us) where people share really fun and creative stuff. I know a lot of people who don’t want their kids to watch or create content for YouTube, and I fully respect that. We’re going to navigate the waters together, keep our communication open, and make decisions that feel best for our family.

But mostly, we’re hoping that we can continue encouraging all of Mayhem’s creative visions. I don’t know where she’ll end up in life, but I want her to always feel confident that if she has an idea, she can turn it into reality. If you want to follow along, you can subscribe here.

Shop the video:  Mayhem’s shirt |  camera  |  makeup brushes (similar)  |  lip palette  |  blush (unavailable)  |  eye shadow palette (similar)

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