As I sat at my computer, the blue Facebook icon loomed large on my screen. Should I share this news or keep it to myself? Just this week, I received some fantastic news about my son—he’s graduating from college next month and has been accepted into the prestigious Sigma Beta Society, a renowned academic honor society.
Liam has put in countless hours to achieve this. As a near straight-A student, he not only excelled in his studies but also founded a new organization on campus and interned at the career center for the past year and a half. He truly deserves this recognition.
Naturally, I called my partner to share the great news, and I quickly shot an email to our family and close friends. My excitement was bubbling over, and I wanted to spread the joy. But then, I hesitated.
Let’s be honest: posting this on Facebook felt like a major brag. I worried it might come across as excessive. I know many friends whose children are facing challenges right now, and I’ve been there too—when my kids have gone through tough times or made less-than-great choices. There are times when I have little to report about them, or I simply don’t want to share the less glamorous moments, like failed tests or missed opportunities.
But I couldn’t help feeling thrilled about Liam’s accomplishment. My husband and I were average students, attending typical schools and living ordinary lives. There’s nothing wrong with that—life consists of the daily grind, sprinkled with family dinners and the occasional milestone. However, most parents believe their kids are on a path to greatness, even if the reality often lands somewhere in the middle. So, is it okay to share their standout achievements on social media?
This topic has weighed on my mind for quite some time. I genuinely enjoy hearing about my friends’ children’s successes, whether they share them online or in person. Sure, I might feel a twinge of envy sometimes, but the joy I feel for them far outweighs any jealousy.
When I asked a friend about her thoughts on sharing good news on Facebook, she replied, “I want to be your friend through all of it, not just the tough times. I want to celebrate the good stuff too.”
I’d like to think her sentiment reflects the attitude of most people in my life. My Facebook friends range from fellow writers to high school buddies I haven’t seen in decades, and from local acquaintances I see around town to family members. Everyone has their own struggles, and while I’m aware of some, others remain unknown.
It’s true that Facebook can create a polished version of life—many people tend to share only the highlights. (Of course, some friends share every mishap, which sometimes feels like an invasion of privacy.) So I pondered, do my writing friends need to know about Liam’s success? Do acquaintances and community members? I realized there’s a simplicity in sharing news with everyone at once rather than contacting each person individually and risking someone being left out. Plus, I believed that most people would genuinely be happy for my son, just as I am for others when they share their good news.
With my fingers hovering over the keys, I crafted my post, read it over, thought a bit less critically this time, and finally hit ‘Post.’
This article was originally published on May 3, 2023.
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In summary, sharing your child’s achievements on social media can be a source of joy and connection, as long as it’s done with thoughtfulness and awareness of your audience’s circumstances.