Take Social Media Breaks for Your Mental Health
Mean-girl moms and overly idealistic photographs on Facebook and Instagram are well-known for putting unnecessary pressure on women to raise their children flawlessly. Consider moving to alternatives like Pinterest, which 63% of American parents use, as well as messaging apps like Snapchat or WhatsApp if you start to experience the harmful impacts of these social media networks.
Then, when you come across other mothers in your neighborhood, you may add them to your list of pals. This enables you to communicate with real individuals rather than a large number of possible online trolls.
TikTok is also a fantastic resource for discovering similar material. Many of the parenting TikToks on this video-hosting platform reflect the difficulties and failures that we all experience. The best part is that you may ban anyone that you find offensive and follow certain account holders.
Important Things to Remember When Using Social Media
Even while social media may be a great source of information, you should always do your own research.
1. Don’t Believe Everything You Read
It doesn’t always follow that an infant floor seat is safe for your kid to use just because a New York City parent raves about it.
In fact, a lot of parents are unaware that these devices are not advised by pediatric physical therapists since they might impair a baby’s spinal development by tilting the pelvis posteriorly.
Exercise due diligence! Take the advice that has been offered to you, and then make sure that it is accurate. If you discover scientific studies that corroborate the facts, follow the advice you were given. If not, ignore what Facebook informed you.
2. Don’t Compare Your Situation to Others
Every infant grows uniquely! Your kid, who is just starting to discover their words at age two, is not any less than great just because the child of an influencer began talking at the age of one.
Additionally, keep in mind that every parent is unique. You are doing a fantastic job whether you decide to breastfeed or bottle-feed your child!
Try not to compare yourself or your infant to others, even if it’s difficult. Despite how difficult it may be, resist the need to take everything personally.
Instead, concentrate on everything that your youngster has accomplished. When they are prepared, kids will reach those developmental milestones.
3. Ask Questions and Interpret Answers Carefully
Think before you write, as well. The main issue with social media opinion is that there aren’t enough non-verbal clues. According to research, “55% of communication is nonverbal, 38% is vocal, and 7% is solely words.” It is crucial to monitor how you phrase things and to accept remarks with a very significant grain of salt if the first two elements are missing. What could seem to be an assault might simply be a simple remark.
Additionally, avoid touching on sensitive themes. Consult your child’s doctors or a close friend who practices medicine if you have any questions regarding vaccinations. Contact a lactation consultant at the hospital where you gave birth if you need guidance about nursing. On a platform where everyone has an opinion, this can stop a lot of pointless disputes.
Last but not least, be kind to yourself. An outsider may easily glance in and just observe a portion of the situation. Everybody suffers, and not all babies are simple. In the end, we’re all just trying to get through the day, therefore we need to learn to support one another through the challenging times.
4. Put Human Interactions Above Virtual Ones
Get out there and introduce yourself; this is one of the finest ways to meet other parents and create a mom group. The majority of big areas offer MOPS groups, which are a great way to meet local moms.
Enroll your youngster in group activities as well, such as soccer, music, and swim lessons. These are wonderful chances for your child to learn and interact with other children, as well as for you to get to know other mothers.
5. Connect with Other Moms Online AND in Real Life
Use Facebook to create relationships, which is what it was designed for. Identify other mothers who share your interests, build connections, and then disconnect! You may always return to the site to get quick cooking suggestions and product recommendations, but try to stay away from contentious postings. The most crucial factor should always be your overall wellbeing and mental health.
