Oversharing. I’d say most of us, at some point, have had an oversharing moment on the internet. I’ll admit, in the past, I’ve posted pictures of my child crying, or in an effort to be “funny,” I’ve told a story about a tantrum or potty training. I’ve posted pictures from the doctor’s office and in the bath tub (private areas covered). I’ve told stories about her performance in school as well as her behavior at home.
Then one day I felt really convicted about the amount of information I shared about my daughter online. As a blogger with hefty social media habits, it’s difficult not to share those intimate moments under the guise of vulnerability or “keeping it real.” However, at what point is it just too much information? Can we keep it real about motherhood while simultaneously protecting the privacy of our children? What are our motives to sharing these images that less than 10 years ago would be considered private information? Are we looking for community? Are we needing to vent, and the first place we go to is social media? Are we looking for sympathy? Attention? Camaraderie? Maybe even a laugh?
As a mom, I feel as though I need all of the above, daily, but I’m not sure public social media is the best and safest route.
Here a few things that I’ve decided not to share on social media (even though I’ve shared them in the past):
Illness
For us, doctor visits, ER visits, surgeries, colds, viruses, etc., are off limits for social media sharing. Why? Well first of all, when I’m sick, the last thing I want is a picture of myself on the internet looking and feeling my worst. I’m choosing to extend that same courtesy to my child. Also, medical records are private documents and everything on the internet is permanent. It’s a long shot to think about, but I’d hate for my child to be denied insurance coverage in the future because of social media post I made in the past.
Tantrums
Tantrum shaming is the worst. I’ve done it. I’m not proud of it. We all have tantrums. Heck, I had a tantrum over a lost Amazon package not too long ago. Do I want my outburst plastered all over social media? Nope.
Potty Training / Bath Time
Potty training and bath time allow for super cute pictures. Those pictures will remain on my cloud. I really wouldn’t appreciate someone taking a picture of me in the tub or on the toilet and posting it on the internet.
As parents, we are our child’s number one advocate, especially for our little kids who don’t have a voice yet or don’t understand social media. To moms of older kids, if your child asks you to not post something on social media, honor their request. Even as an adult child, there have been times when I’ve asked my parents not to post, and thankfully, they obliged. Being so connected to our phones and apps makes it easy and convenient to post without thinking, but from here on out I plan to think before I post.
