Parents are our real-life superheroes. They love us, feed us, care for us, and, oftentimes, their efforts go unappreciated. Especially when we're still little. So it's natural that they have to let out all that pent-up frustration somewhere. Social media is a wonderful place for that. And you can even collect followers while recounting your everyday struggles as a parent.
We have a tradition here at Bored Panda to feature the best posts from parents each month – and March is no exception. Kids just never stop saying and doing the darndest things, do they? So let's celebrate that by checking out what these social media-savvy parents have to say, shall we?
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Joking around and venting about parenting online is one thing. But using it to get some advice on parenting is another. A survey by C.S. Mott Children's Hospital found in 2023 that most parents think social media is a great place for getting parenting advice. 80% of the respondents said they use social media to discuss parenting topics.
The most popular topics that parents seek advice about are toilet training, kids' sleep schedules, nutrition, discipline, behavior problems, vaccinations, daycare, and socializing with other kids. Interestingly, not many parents think it's difficult to distinguish bad advice from good. 3 in 5 parents believe they're good at differentiating the good from the bad.
Don't lose heart. My almost 17yr old will still give me a hug and a "love you mum." In public.
I had one of each. My older son was a real challenge. My younger son was textbook easy. It's almost like they are human beings with their own unique mindsets.
It can be nice to get some parenting support online. You don't have to wait for an appointment with your physician, and advice from social media is almost always free. However, experts warn parents not to trust any advice blindly. Especially when that advice is coming from fellow parents.
"Finding parent comradery in this space can have benefits but parents should keep in mind that every family’s experience is different and not everything they hear online may be accurate or the right thing for their child," Mott Poll Co-director Sarah Clark, M.P.H., noted.
According to experts, parents should be especially careful when sharing information about their children online. 80% of the parents from the same poll feel that other parents overshare on social media. That includes bragging about their children too much or just showing too much of their personal life online.
This brings us to a bigger issue that's important when it comes to parenting and social media: 'sharenting.' Luckily, many parents are aware of it and its dangers. 60% of parents believe that they might accidentally reveal the child's personal information that can help identify the child's location or embarrass the child when they're older.
I have, on occaision, sang this to some of the first and second graders I teach.
"A good rule is if you have any doubt, don't share it," Sarah Clark said. "In addition, parents should consult with parents of other children in photos for approval before sharing them on social media."
She also recommends always stopping and thinking before posting. "Before posting, think about whether you’re sharing enough information to get someone else's advice without giving away too much personal information about your family."
Leah Plunkett, author of Sharenthood: Why We Should Think Before We Talk About Our Kids Online, says that it's also about the child's privacy. "We should think before we talk about our kids online, because all children deserve a private space to play, to make mischief, even make a few mistakes and grow up better for having made them," she told CBC radio.
Look at those abs. Wish I looked that good.
When considering if 'sharenting' might be inappropriate, there are two sides of the spectrum to consider. On one side, there's the kind of content where parents might do illegal, dangerous, or criminal activities. According to Plunkett, some parenting influencers are guilty of this.
But on the other of the oversharing spectrum, there are the parents who might be providing very much-needed support to other parents. Like a mom who might share content related to her child with a rare genetic disorder.
Plunkett says that while "creating spaces to find and share medical and mental health resources" is an upside to 'sharenting,' parents still need to be mindful of kids' privacy.
Okay, but if that did happen, it would be pretty cute. Rather uncomfortable to go through though... Kids say the craziest things
Another reason to share as little about children on social media as possible is to let kids forge their own digital identities. Verywell Mind writes that children (especially adolescents) are still creating their identities, and what they present about themselves online plays a huge role in their formation.
So can every parent. If you can't, you're doing something wrong.
My granddaughter started playing with the slack skin on my arm while I was reading to her. I feel your pain.
That's not to say that parents shouldn't share anything about their kids online at all. True, there are some general don'ts, like always thinking before posting and never posting revealing, negative, or critical information. Respecting your child's privacy means either posting anonymously, asking them permission, or never using your child's full name.
To Salem (since I can't respond directly): mine has one so I can run errands without fighting with them over leaving the house.
It's a line ffs! A queue! The damned kids who can't drive know how it works, but some of the parents clearly do not.
My five-year-old niece - “it’s a good thing I was born on my birthday, or it wouldn’t be my birthday right now!”
My niece, also 5, who was asking to be called Queen Mermaid at Easter lunch this year, might have something to say about this.
Hey, when your kids are little, going to the grocery store alone can be really fun!
this is true no matter how old you are. i'm going to employ this line though.
I always give the kids the Nelson laugh while pointing. Then I say maybe you should pick up your c**p huh?
I hate these sort of parents. Judgemental and usually with a superiority complex
My 13 year old wanted to be called Ant so we have been calling him Ant for 2 years now
6 has decided it's her job to let us know that "10 is awake and cranky AGAIN" Every. Morning.
Oh,it looks like I'm too young to be on here. It would seem that I'm a newborn.
There is something you never do……and that is to tell your wife to calm down, or like any woman in general
So 14yo wants to have a spa- and manicure day. Sounds like it's an easy thing to do? Just do it low-key at home in the tub and then do the nails in the "nail parlor" in the living room? Complete with pizza and way too many snacks? I know it's not an airbnb in the mountains with with a hot tub but... it's close enough, imo. Probably not in 14yo's opinion.
I hated this as a kid, though :/ You’re not going to change what you’re making, why not just answer my question????
This is the only one I participate in at work as well. I only have so much spirit to for the week.
But having kids is sooo worth it! I am anticipating a grandchild soon, I couldn't be happier!!
No. Myself is too invested in loopholes and loves picking on wording so never ask me to do anything. You will get mad when i dont do and then find out that "i said i could. not that i would"
I feel like the mom in Back to the Future "no one has TWO VR headsets...."
If you're eating treats you baked yourself, those calories don't count.
6 yells "TURN SIGNAL BUTTHEAD" when people don't signal. I feel like I have done my job.
Fruit are kinda like nature's candy. Delicious and sometimes sweet.
If I call out the casual teaching of racism here, does that make me racist?
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Most are somewhat funny, but easily half of them have to be made up by mummy to get likes.
My son has been saying things are either a dangerous or risky business. Totally random things. So he was watching the game show Tipping Point on Tv. He blurts out that “Point tipping is a dangerous business.” He also loves watching animated Mukbang videos: “Mukbanging is a risky business.”
May I ask how old your son is? Because mine started doing that around age 5. I'd climb on a step ladder to change a lightbulb, and he'd say "That looks dangerous, mom". Took him shopping for a bicycle: "These seem dangerous". 😂
Load More Replies... Most are somewhat funny, but easily half of them have to be made up by mummy to get likes.
My son has been saying things are either a dangerous or risky business. Totally random things. So he was watching the game show Tipping Point on Tv. He blurts out that “Point tipping is a dangerous business.” He also loves watching animated Mukbang videos: “Mukbanging is a risky business.”
May I ask how old your son is? Because mine started doing that around age 5. I'd climb on a step ladder to change a lightbulb, and he'd say "That looks dangerous, mom". Took him shopping for a bicycle: "These seem dangerous". 😂
Load More Replies...
