Navigating motherhood in today’s social media landscape can be quite the challenge. We often strive for the perfect blend of humor and charm in our posts, yet the pressure can feel overwhelming—and sometimes a bit insincere. To offer a glimpse of reality behind those carefully curated images, I’m sharing ten things you’d never guess from my Instagram feed.
1. The Rug Dilemma
That stylish black-and-white rug from IKEA that serves as the backdrop for many of my photos? It’s a disaster zone underneath! From spills of throw-up and yogurt smoothies to the remnants of stepped-on M&Ms and the occasional toddler mishap, it’s a miracle I can make it look good. A little strategic angle and a brightening filter work wonders, but let’s be real—clean rugs are not my forte.
2. The Perfect Candid
When you see a seemingly candid shot of my kids, know that you’re looking at the product of at least five attempts. I mean, who doesn’t take 200 photos from every angle to capture the perfect moment? And yes, I often give those images a little boost with my favorite editing app.
3. My Wardrobe Reality
If you’re counting the pictures I appear in, that’s the same count as the number of times I’ve blow-dried my hair and worn “real clothes” in the last two years. My daily wardrobe is typically black activewear, which my partner lovingly calls my “quirky sweatpants.” So, when I manage to look put together, you can bet I’ll share that pic with pride!
4. Cozy Living
I reside in a cozy duplex—not quite a sprawling mansion. I share walls with neighbors and have vinyl siding. While I do enjoy some nice accessories, don’t be fooled into thinking I’m living large over here!
5. Family First
I know not everyone cares to see endless pictures of my kids. But with family spread out and eager to see my little goofballs, I share away. Trust me, sending individual texts with updates is not in my schedule, and let’s face it, clever hashtags don’t translate well in a text.
6. Eye Enhancement
My oldest son’s eyes are indeed striking, but I can’t resist enhancing them a bit in my photos. “OMG! Look at those eyes!” (eyeball emoji)—I know, right? A little editing magic never hurts!
7. Hashtag Struggles
Crafting the perfect hashtag? It’s harder than it looks.
8. The Likes Phenomenon
The “likes” phenomenon is something I wrestle with. It’s reminiscent of middle school drama—“Why didn’t she like my post?”—and definitely adds a layer of stress I could do without. I tell myself I’m too grown-up for this, yet here I am, navigating the social media minefield.
9. The Mom Struggle
Many days, I feel like I’m not measuring up as a mom. Sure, I share our fun outings and adorable playdates, but what you don’t see is my toddler glued to his iPad, demanding more fruit snacks or my endless reminders to my one-year-old to stop climbing on things. My Instagram captures just a sliver of the full, chaotic, and sometimes dull reality of my daily life.
10. The Draw of Instagram
As much as I want to break free from the grip of Instagram, I find myself drawn back in. Each month, I declare I’m done with the oversharing culture that breeds anxiety and competition. But then I snap a gorgeous picture, recall my favorite filter, and before I know it, I’m back in the game.
To read more about navigating parenthood, check out our post on home insemination techniques. For those interested in practical resources, Make a Mom provides excellent insights on at-home insemination kits. Additionally, Healthline is a fantastic resource for all things related to pregnancy and IVF.
In summary, social media often presents a polished version of reality, and my Instagram is no exception. Behind the charming snapshots is a mix of chaos, humor, and the relatable struggles of motherhood.