By SheelaR

Parenting is such a delicate and important job; you don’t have to be a parent to know that. We’ve all been children, and if you take a moment to look at it from a child’s perspective, it can really change how you see things. Lately, as I navigate these social media streets, I’ve become increasingly aware of the delicate balance that comes with raising children and the effort it requires to get it just right.

Social media has put a spotlight on parenting like never before, making us all hyper-aware of how others are doing it. Some days, scrolling through my feed feels like watching a series of trains wreck over and over again. You see the chaos, the drama, and sometimes, even the unbelievable messages people send their kids—often for likes and shares. The lines between genuine parenting and seeking validation online are getting blurrier by the minute.

So, what are we really seeing here? Is social media just a stage for folks performing, desperately trying to capture an audience? Or are we genuinely that messed up as a society, seeking connection in the wrong places? Whatever the answer is, one thing is clear: social media is no place to raise a child. The constant oversharing leaves so many parents open to judgment and scrutiny from every corner of the internet. It’s exhausting just to think about.

Imagine being a child growing up in this environment, where every misstep, every awkward moment, is immortalized online for the world to see. It’s a far cry from the old days when families had their bumps and bruises without the glaring spotlight of social media. Kids deserve a space where they can thrive, explore, and learn from their mistakes without the fear of being blasted on someone’s timeline.

As we dive deeper into this virtual world, let’s remember the importance of intentionality in parenting. We should be fostering environments that promote growth and understanding, rather than ones that seek attention or validation. Being a parent—or just being part of a child’s life—is about caring for them, guiding them with love, and giving them the space they need to navigate their own journey. Let’s prioritize that over the fleeting applause of the online crowd.