Updated: Dec. 18, 2015
Originally Published: Sep. 28, 2014
It all began with the joyful pregnancy announcements and updates about fetal growth (“Our little Bean is now the size of a lime! Next month, it’ll be a peach!”). Soon after, we were treated to heartwarming newborn photos and amusing delivery tales (“Guess who was the one crawling around, half-naked with strangers all around? Yep, that’s me, Bean’s Mom!”). This was swiftly followed by adorable images of messy highchair moments, only to be overtaken by legendary diaper disaster stories (a classic for any gathering). Just before we entered our latest chapter, we saw the “First Day of (insert grade here)!” photos featuring a wide-eyed, skinny-legged little one, burdened like a tiny Sherpa with a backpack the size of a mountain.
Now, we find ourselves in a new realm where Bean articulates thoughts like, “Today, we discussed Sartre in class. I think I prefer him to Camus. It’s like life is something we’re constantly leaving behind. Then we had recess and played four square.”
In our childhood, our parents didn’t chronicle and broadcast every word we uttered. In fact, they often overlooked our musings altogether, too preoccupied with their own distractions (think filterless cigarettes and the wild ride that was childhood in the backseat).
Bean has transformed into a savvy social media enthusiast, boasting a Twitter handle and more likes than Mom or Dad could ever fathom. She’s fully aware of her social media metrics – but does that diminish the emotional value of these digital memories? I don’t think so. While the game has changed, the love from her parents remains steadfast. They couldn’t care less about her online popularity; their affection for her is unconditional, regardless of her grades or her ability to read in French.
However, I can’t help but wonder what Bean will reflect on in her later years. When she’s practically a relic of the past—think Earthlink or MySpace—and once again enjoying mashed bananas while sporting diapers, what will she have left to say? After her Facebook-loving parents are long gone, and with Harvard and law school behind her, what will her little Bean think of her life? Not much, perhaps. It’s quite challenging to post when you’re curled up in bed, drooling and completely dependent, much like a tiny shrimp.
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In summary, while the nature of documenting our lives has evolved dramatically with social media, the essence of love and connection remains unchanged. Our children grow, explore, and share their experiences in real-time, creating a digital footprint that tells their unique story.