How adept are you at navigating social media?
When I’m talking to a new mom, I find myself always giving the same piece of advice: “Don’t compare yourself to other moms on social media.” It’s my number one tip because I needed that same advice after I had my first baby. I use social media daily for my blog and writing, but I also use it for non-work things – like scrolling Instagram for inspiration. I would see other moms or accounts doing things a certain way, and if I did it differently, it felt like I wasn’t doing it right. This left me constantly feeling like I wasn’t good enough. And when I would talk about this with other moms, I wasn’t alone in this feeling.
Now, social media can lead to so many resources for motherhood. It’s connected me to other moms and accounts that have been so helpful to me (like St. Louis Mom!!). There are many parts of social media that lift me up and leave me feeling like I’m just where I need to be and doing motherhood exactly how I’m meant to do it. It can be used for such good, and I find it to be a place filled with inspiration.
So, with the good and not-so-good that comes on the social media space, it just takes some navigating to make sure you are filling your cup and not letting it get you down. Here are a few ways I’ve navigated social media as a mother:
- Use social media to connect with other moms. I’ve loved this part of social media and have met so many friends through it. You can also learn about local events and motherhood groups on social media.
- Follow accounts that make you feel good. We each get to decide how we want to use our own social media, so follow accounts you want to follow. If you don’t feel good after seeing certain posts and stories, you can unfollow or mute that account so you don’t have to see it.
- Be yourself. I find that when I’m myself and show real life, that is when I have the most conversations with other moms that feel the same way. A messy house (toys everywhere!!), a sleep regression, stuck in a dinner rut? Bond with moms over that. Motherhood can be an isolating time, especially in the early days when your baby is so young, but you can create a sense of community on your own social media.
- If it isn’t bringing you joy, put it down. I have to take my own advice with this one lately. If I am ever feeling overwhelmed at life and social media is causing me to feel more anxious, I step away. I take a walk, talk to a friend, play with my children, or bake.
- Know that every mom does motherhood differently. There is no one way to do anything in motherhood, and each child is on their own timeline. When I realized that, I became less likely to compare my child to another child.
- Don’t compare yourself to another’s highlight reel. Our social media can depict our best moments – and that’s okay because that brings us joy to see these pictures. But, don’t use that to compare your life to another mother’s life. We don’t always see the entire story behind a photo.
