Every parent knows the job comes with a mixed bag of laughter and frustration. From day to day, you never know what you’re going to get, but you know it’s going to be interesting, and part of you is going to want to share it with someone else. This is where it gets tricky.
Back before social media came blazing onto the scene, parents would call family members or friends to seek support or share a funny story. Now, when something happens, many turn to handy dandy Facebook and throw out a status update, sometimes sharing too much. I love cute stories and can identify with some frustrated mini-rants, but there are times when boundary lines are crossed and people over-share personal information that could be embarrassing or hurtful to their children down the line.
For example, there’s a difference between a status update saying toddler Henry cut the cheese during silent prayer time at church and sharing an exasperated story about how teen Henry is failing algebra…again. See the difference? Cute, funny and innocent versus humiliating and nobody’s business?
It seems like common sense to choose what’s sharable and what’s better left behind closed doors, but I see posts like Henry’s struggle with math all too often. While it may be written out of complete frustration in the hopes that someone can reach out and give some great advice, the problem is that once it’s out there, there’s no taking it back. What parents put on their Facebook statuses or tweet out to the world is seen by many eyes that have no business knowing such personal information. And, when they see these messages, they can’t help but form opinions of these children, and truly, often their parents.
If you’re a fan of social media like I am, chances are you’ve seen plenty of articles about what personal information shouldn’t be shared, such as your children’s full names, pictures or addresses. This is all good advice for keeping your children safe from predatory adults, but I think these articles should also extend to what’s appropriate to share in general. Just as we caution children not to write things that may bring outsiders, like employers and friends’ families, to think ill of them, it’s also important for parents to think about their children’s privacy for the very same reason.
I’m not saying that parents shouldn’t share things on the Internet, but they should consider the big picture. Just as you wouldn’t write something you wouldn’t want your grandma to read — like an ugly string of expletives — you shouldn’t share things that would hurt your children if they saw your statuses. When you need a shoulder to lean on or someone to share a gut-busting laugh, don’t take it public; pick up the phone and share your story with someone you trust.
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