I found myself sitting at my computer, staring at the familiar blue Facebook logo. Should I share my news or keep it to myself?
Recently, I received fantastic news about my son, Jake, who is set to graduate from college next month. He has been inducted into the esteemed Phi Beta Kappa honor society, a prestigious acknowledgment of academic excellence. Jake has dedicated himself tirelessly to his studies, consistently earning high grades. In addition to his academic pursuits, he launched a new organization on campus and has been interning at the career center for over a year. He truly deserves this recognition.
Naturally, I called my partner, who left a meeting just to hear the news. I also sent emails to Jake’s grandparents, uncles, and aunts. I was bursting with pride and wanted to share my joy with everyone.
But then I hesitated. Posting on Facebook felt like a big brag, and I worried about how it might be perceived. I have friends whose children are facing challenges, and I didn’t want to seem insensitive. I’ve experienced those moments of struggle too—when my kids weren’t making the best choices or when there was nothing exciting to report. There were times filled with disappointment, like test failures or missed opportunities.
Yet, I couldn’t help but feel elated about Jake’s accomplishment. My partner and I were average students, and seeing our son excel felt monumental. Most of us lead ordinary lives, punctuated by small victories and the occasional celebration. It’s perfectly fine to be average, yet as parents, we often see our kids as extraordinary beings poised for greatness. But does that mean we should celebrate their successes openly on social media?
This has been a dilemma for me. I genuinely enjoy hearing about my friends’ children and their achievements, whether through social media or in conversation. While a twinge of jealousy may arise, I find joy in their successes. A friend once told me, “I don’t want to be there only for the tough times. I want to hear about the good stuff too.” I think she speaks for many of my friends.
My Facebook network includes a diverse group—people I’ve never met, old high school classmates, local friends, and close family. Everyone has their own struggles, some known to me and others not. I recognize that social media often showcases a polished version of life, where the everyday struggles are often left unmentioned.
I pondered whether my writing community needed to know about Jake’s achievement. Would acquaintances and local friends appreciate it? Part of me enjoyed the idea of posting it once instead of reaching out individually—especially since I have a friend who isn’t on Facebook and often misses out on updates. I believed that most people would be happy for Jake, just as I celebrate their children’s successes.
With my fingers hovering over the keyboard, I composed my post, hesitated, and then finally clicked “Post.”
If you’re navigating similar feelings about sharing milestones, check out this blog post for more insights: intracervicalinsemination.com/blog.
In the end, sharing our children’s accomplishments can be a source of joy for both us and our friends, fostering a supportive community. For those considering fertility options or home insemination, resources like March of Dimes can provide valuable information. Additionally, Make a Mom is an authority on this subject.
Summary:
Sharing our children’s achievements on social media can be a source of pride and joy, even amidst the complexities of parenting and the diverse experiences of friends and family. It’s natural to want to celebrate milestones while being mindful of others’ situations. Ultimately, fostering a supportive community can enrich our lives.