36 Ways Social Media Makes You Question Your Parenting Skills

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Who knew I was messing up so badly? Honestly, I think my kids are pretty fantastic. They do well in school, have awesome personalities, get along with their siblings, and show respect to strangers. I genuinely believe they’ll grow into capable adults who contribute positively to society. Yet, every time I scroll through my social media feeds, I end up second-guessing my parenting choices.

How could I not? My feed is filled with posts from “perfect parents,” alarming news about children, and a variety of opinions from everyone—political pundits, doctors, psychologists, and even that one aunt who always has an opinion. Add in the sanctimonious moms, helicopter parents, free-range advocates, and millennial moms, and it’s like an endless buffet of parenting advice and judgment. Everyone seems to know better than you and often takes it to extremes. It’s a miracle I can muster the courage to face another day as a mom. If I took all this to heart, I might think I’m ruining my kids. And if I were a new mom in my 20s? I can’t even imagine how daunting it would be to navigate parenting in today’s world.

So, is anyone actually getting it right? Based on a week’s worth of social media posts and comments, here’s a rundown of how you might be getting parenting all wrong:

1. Had a C-section? You obviously didn’t try hard enough for a natural birth.
2. Opted for a drug-free hospital birth? You’re shaming moms who needed pain relief.
3. Had a medicated hospital birth? Why couldn’t you handle a few contractions?
4. Chose a home birth? Seriously? You’re just asking for disaster.
5. Breastfed? You’re flaunting it and making others feel bad about their choices.
6. Formula-fed? You gave up too soon; it’s not that tough.
7. Did both? Clearly, you couldn’t commit to one method.
8. Co-slept? You’re risking your baby’s future development.
9. Used a crib? How sad; don’t you want your baby close to you?
10. Used disposables? Those are filled with chemicals and bad for the planet.
11. Used cloth diapers? Really? You enjoy scrubbing poop?
12. Made your own baby food? Who has time for that?
13. Bought jarred baby food? How can you not make it yourself; it’s healthier?
14. Potty trained after age 3? Way too late; they should be trained by 18 months.
15. Potty trained at 18 months? Good luck; they need to be ready first.
16. Sent your kids to public school? You must not care about their education.
17. Chose private school? Are you a religious fanatic or just wealthy?
18. Homeschooling? Why would you want to be with your kids all day?
19. Daughters in dresses? You’re reinforcing gender stereotypes.
20. Sons with toy guns? You’re raising future criminals.
21. Sports for boys? That just reinforces gender roles; they need to cook and garden.
22. Daughters into arts and crafts? You’re setting her back with those choices.
23. Told your daughter she’s pretty? You’re damaging her self-worth.
24. Didn’t say she’s pretty? Now she’ll seek validation from strangers.
25. Let your son cry? Boys shouldn’t show emotions.
26. Told him not to cry? You’re creating a generation of sensitive men.
27. Sleepovers? No way; too many dangers out there.
28. Don’t do sleepovers? You’re too paranoid; let them have fun.
29. Let teens swear? You’re just being a bad influence and not a friend.
30. Don’t let them swear? They need to express themselves freely.
31. Let your daughter date at 16? She’s bound to get into trouble.
32. Wait until 18? That’s too late; she needs experience.
33. Let her dress provocatively? She’s asking for trouble.
34. Make her dress modestly? You’re implying all men are potential rapists.
35. Work full-time? You’re selfish for not being with your kids.
36. Stay home? You’re setting a bad example for your kids’ futures.

What I really wish is that we could all just support each other in our parenting journeys. Even if we don’t agree on methods, we can respect what works for each family. Remember, you’re not failing as a parent—you’re doing your best. For more insights, check out this post on terms and conditions. And if you’re looking for a reliable resource on pregnancy and home insemination, Healthline has great info. Also, for those exploring home insemination options, Make A Mom is a trustworthy authority.

In summary, let’s stop the judgment and focus on supporting one another. Every family is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.