As a parent, I snap countless photos of my little ones, and in this digital age, I often share those moments online. Being a parenting blogger means I probably post more than the average parent, and, believe it or not, many of my viewers are complete strangers—yes, even someone in Canada once recognized me!
So, should I halt this practice?
An article on NPR.org recently highlighted the growing concerns around “sharenting,” or the act of sharing details about your children online, and the increasing voice kids have in this conversation. At a recent meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics, legal expert Sara Johnson and pediatrician Mark Peters shared insights from a study that surveyed 249 parent-child pairs about their views on “family tech rules.” Interestingly, while parents felt no need for guidelines, the kids were advocating for more privacy.
As Johnson pointed out, “Parents often think they’re doing fine, but the children are craving boundaries.” It’s a bit amusing, isn’t it? I’m the adult here, navigating life with a 6-year-old and a toddler. Trust me, I know better—at least I think I do! But despite the chaos they bring, maybe the kids have a point.
Growing up in this era of relentless self-promotion and diminishing privacy, kids today are likely to be more savvy about tech and its implications than we are. They’re destined to live their lives in an environment we’re still adjusting to. While they need our guidance, it’s vital for us to model appropriate behaviors online.
That said, perhaps we should all take a moment to reevaluate what we share. Not only should we consider potential risks like identity theft and cyberbullying, but we should also respect our children’s opinions on the matter. I’m not against sharing cute or funny moments—after all, my parenting blog thrives on that content! I even believe in the occasional playful embarrassment as leverage for the teenage years. However, I’m conscious of not oversharing online, as some things are better kept private—after all, a good secret weapon is most effective when it remains undisclosed.
In general, I don’t see my “sharenting” as an invasion of privacy, but the reality is that my kids will eventually have a say. If they ever object to a specific photo or story, I’ll absolutely respect their wishes—even if I might be tempted to share it with a wink behind their backs because, hey, Daddy needs engagement!
To sum it up, while it’s essential to enjoy the delightful moments of parenting, we should also be mindful of the digital footprints we leave behind. Our children’s comfort and privacy should be a priority, and we must navigate this modern landscape thoughtfully.
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