Parenting in the Age of Social Media: Finding Calm in a World Full of Advice

By: Alexandra Garcia, LMFT 123868

In this day and age we may seek connection and community online especially as new parents or going through a first with your middle schooler and or high schooler. We may find ourselves scrolling more to feel less alone on certain parenting challenges and leave feeling more frustrated. The reality is “parenting” has never been this loud with a growing generation of moms, dad, and families looking to make income by “influencing” on social media. Every corner you turn you may be hit with random statistics, new milestone updates, and “you should try this” blurb.

Social media provides an endless stream of parenting advice, “expert” opinions, milestones, routines, and comparisons. What was intended to be helpful can sometimes leave parents feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or like they're constantly getting something wrong. If you find that you are more exhausted, frustrated, or concerned with your parenting, pause and take a break from the internet for a second. Good parenting isn't about knowing every answer, it’s about being

present, flexible, and connected to your child. 

The pressures of “getting it right” with parenting can start internally but get amplified with media and information we consume. We may find ourselves wanting to be perfect and the reality is perfection is unrealistic and there is no perfect way to parent. Social media can make other families' lives appear effortless and perfectly managed. Some examples of common pressures you may experience as a parent are: feeding choices, sleep schedules, screen time, discipline, developmental milestones, school and extracurricular activities, being an emotionally available parent. Just remember that we are comparing their behind-the-scenes reality with someone else’s carefully curated highlights.

There is always going to be another article, video, podcast, post, or parenting expert offering a solution. Being mindful and noticing the amount of information and advice we are consuming can increase anxiety rather than reducing it. Oftentimes the cycle of worry leads to searching for answers, finding conflicting advice, becoming more confused, then searching for more answers. Seeking information is not wrong, the issue is when the information begins to undermine a parent’s confidence. 

If you find that you are constantly comparing and pressuring yourself with parenting. If you start to feel more anxious, guilt, feelings of inadequacy, burnout, and difficulty being present with your children. You are not alone and seeking professional help from therapy can help you regain confidence in your parenting. 

Visit healingsolutionsftc.org or call 661-903-8822 to schedule an

appointment.