There’s a new trend circulating on Facebook that’s catching quite a bit of attention — the #MotherhoodChallenge. This challenge encourages women to share three to five photos that capture the joy of being a mom and then tag three friends they admire as mothers to do the same.
Here’s how it usually goes:
“I was nominated for the Motherhood Challenge! Here are 3 pictures that represent why I love being a mom. I’m tagging some amazing moms to join in!”
“I was tagged to post some happy motherhood moments and I’m nominating three friends to do the same!”
Is this really necessary? Honestly, the last thing we need on Facebook is another series of “highlight reels” showcasing perfect moments of parenthood. We’re already inundated with filtered images that make everything seem effortless and fulfilling. I haven’t been tagged yet, which either means my friends see through this charade or they think I’m a terrible parent.
If we genuinely wanted to create an authentic challenge, why not focus on the real struggles of motherhood?
- I haven’t worn a properly fitting bra since before I had kids. I challenge three friends to admit that they’ve forgotten their bra size!
- I end up eating all the Goldfish I buy for my kids. I dare five friends to showcase the snack food they claim is for their little ones.
- I live in yoga pants but haven’t actually done yoga in three years. I challenge four friends to show off their unused workout gear.
- My kids only listen to their dad. I urge three friends to share a pic of their own secret rage-cry spots at home.
The #MotherhoodChallenge has sparked quite a bit of discussion, with many expressing strong opinions. For instance, Sarah Lane from The Daily Post commented that “Facebook’s motherhood challenge makes me want to throw my computer out the window.” She highlights how these posts can be particularly painful for women struggling with fertility. It’s like adding salt to an open wound by plastering more perfect family moments across our feeds. One commenter pointed out, “FB can be tough enough when you’re dealing with heartache, let alone when this kind of thing is everywhere.”
On a brighter note, at least this time around, nobody’s claiming that sharing and reposting will somehow earn you prizes or protect your privacy. That’s a small win, right?
If you’re looking for more insights on similar topics, check out our post on the realities of motherhood here. And if you’re considering starting a family, a reputable resource like Make a Mom offers at-home insemination kits that might come in handy. For additional information on fertility treatments, ACOG has excellent resources that can guide you.
In summary, while the #MotherhoodChallenge aims to celebrate motherhood, it often feels like an unnecessary showcase of perfection. Instead, let’s embrace the messiness and reality of parenthood, and challenge each other to share the less glamorous aspects of being a mom.
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