Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
It’s been done to death—blogs, articles, and stories dedicated to criticizing our “look at me” culture and pointing out the stunning realization that just because someone makes their life look perfect on Facebook, that doesn’t mean that it actually is. Parents are among the worst culprits here, often intent on seeming like the Cleavers—a life filled with children dressed adorably, behaving impeccably and eating elaborate home-cooked meals every night. The only problem with this is that if you have any other parents viewing these posts, your cover is already blown. By virtue of being a parent to young children, your life contains some element of uncontrolled chaos that cannot be denied. So don’t even try.

I admit I’m on the side of the cynic, choosing to stay on the sidelines of the “look at me, and now look at my kids” phenomenon. But today I seek to defend the practice. Why? Well, the world is changing.  You may not know your neighbors, and being a member of a caring, interactive community is more a commodity than a given. Once upon a time, people really did lean on their friends down the street and almost always had their family close by. Unfortunately for many that’s becoming a rarity.

On Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, we can connect. Sure, it’s silly to insist your routine is spotless and you don’t feel stress, or more accurately, only share the good stuff so that it seems that way. But when you want to share pictures with relatives or you’re hoping someone knows a cure for your kid’s persistent ailment, online is the place to go. I don’t know if technology is preventing human connection, or it’s the reaction to a loss that already exists. Either way, it’s filling the gap.

I’ve seen a mom post a happy video of a kid roller-skating moments after he had a huge meltdown: “Fun in the park!” the caption read. No mention of the tantrum. I know this happened because I was there. The whole thing seems pretty silly. But if sharing the good moment made the mom feel like her family is thriving, is she really hurting anyone? I don’t think so. We cynics just have to remember that we’re all trying our best, and throwing back a “thumb’s up” is the way we can support people we care about.