This morning there was a story on the Today Show about a woman who has become quite famous over the past few days for her blog titled STFU, Parents (Shut The F*** Up, Parents). The 30 year old blogger, Blair, states how she's sick and tired of parents oversharing on social media on such topics no one cares to read about, i.e. your child's first go on the potty. It struck me, but not in the way you'd expect it to.
For those of you who haven't had a chance to hear her thoughts, I encourage you too. Then please, hear my thoughts and read my response.
Today Show Article
For those of you who haven't had a chance to hear her thoughts, I encourage you too. Then please, hear my thoughts and read my response.
Today Show Article
Blair,
After viewing your segment on the Today Show this morning, I must say that it has struck a cord with me. Not because I am a mom... Not because I'm an "oversharer" on facebook... Simply because I am a woman.
I took a look at your blog this morning and had quite a chuckle. Most things were still hilarious to me even after becoming a parent two years ago. I, too, once found myself rolling my eyes at the women who posted weekly pictures of their pregnancy and daily updates of their children's happenings, no matter how vague or descript.
After viewing your segment on the Today Show this morning, I must say that it has struck a cord with me. Not because I am a mom... Not because I'm an "oversharer" on facebook... Simply because I am a woman.
I took a look at your blog this morning and had quite a chuckle. Most things were still hilarious to me even after becoming a parent two years ago. I, too, once found myself rolling my eyes at the women who posted weekly pictures of their pregnancy and daily updates of their children's happenings, no matter how vague or descript.
When first entering your site, I was instantly greeted with the picture shown here with the caption:
"You use to be fun. Now you have a baby."
No shit. Really? It doesn't take you to point out to every mother that their life "pre-kid" as I call it, was filled with a lot more fun and freedom. We live this everyday, sister. We get it.
Let me be the first to let YOU know that we already know that. In fact, we struggle with it daily. I'd love to sit down with you and throw back a few PBR's as in your picture, but unfortunately my life doesn't have the time for that right now. Clearly yours does, and as a fellow woman, I support you in that and hope you enjoy your days however you see fit.
"You use to be fun. Now you have a baby."
No shit. Really? It doesn't take you to point out to every mother that their life "pre-kid" as I call it, was filled with a lot more fun and freedom. We live this everyday, sister. We get it.
Let me be the first to let YOU know that we already know that. In fact, we struggle with it daily. I'd love to sit down with you and throw back a few PBR's as in your picture, but unfortunately my life doesn't have the time for that right now. Clearly yours does, and as a fellow woman, I support you in that and hope you enjoy your days however you see fit.
Would you prefer me to post the 465th picture of me out at the bar with my girlfriends after a night drinking? Better yet, how about a shot of my new hair-do asking you if you like my "extreme change" to brown from blonde? Or maybe I should share with you how I am "Totally over my boyfriend and thankful for all my friends support. xoxo LOL".
When I see those kinds of posts, here's what I think -- "Wow, it would be great to even catch up on the phone with my girlfriends for 10 minutes, let alone have a ladies night out.". Or "Maybe I'll actually get to blow-dry my hair today, oh and god-willing I may find 30 seconds to slap on some mascara real quick so I don't scare the cashier at Kroger...AGAIN." Oh, and while you're complaining about your a-hole boyfriend, I'm just trying to find a way not to hate the hell out of my husband who got a full nights sleep the night before and got to sit UNINTERRUPTED for 3.5 hours straight watching football this weekend.
Quite honestly just like you, I don't give a shit about your new hair-do or your dumb ass boyfriend just as much as you don't want to hear about my kid's first trip to the dentist and their explosive diaper that should be part of the Guinness Book of World Records.
When I see those kinds of posts, here's what I think -- "Wow, it would be great to even catch up on the phone with my girlfriends for 10 minutes, let alone have a ladies night out.". Or "Maybe I'll actually get to blow-dry my hair today, oh and god-willing I may find 30 seconds to slap on some mascara real quick so I don't scare the cashier at Kroger...AGAIN." Oh, and while you're complaining about your a-hole boyfriend, I'm just trying to find a way not to hate the hell out of my husband who got a full nights sleep the night before and got to sit UNINTERRUPTED for 3.5 hours straight watching football this weekend.
Quite honestly just like you, I don't give a shit about your new hair-do or your dumb ass boyfriend just as much as you don't want to hear about my kid's first trip to the dentist and their explosive diaper that should be part of the Guinness Book of World Records.
Here's the difference between you and me though... As a young professional woman, who is also a mother, I choose to support my fellow females, in WHATEVER way I can.
You view it as oversharing. I view it as an outlet. As women, we have it hard enough in society today to feel accepted, supported, loved and appreciated without having to feel like the minor details we post on facebook are causing others headache. If you don't like it --- cancel your facebook and twitter accounts! You won't though, you know why? Because the same thing you complain about (oversharing) is what's paying your bills today. The amount of publicity you receive from bullying other women (specifically parents) is cutting you monthly checks and helping support your lifestyle via your blogging profession. How many followers do you have?
One of the things you may not fully realize is that women like you are reinforcing the already existing insecurities that women,and mothers like me feel everyday. It's a daily struggle for most of us to even feel good about ourselves, let alone accomplish half of what's on our to-do lists for the day. Add to that, starting your morning off with a new story or study on the news every day that informs me that now I'm also doing a terrible job at what I'm trying to do the best at -- parenting. Everything we do is met with criticism. If I stay at home with my child, I'm a bad parent. If I leave the house to go to work, I'm a bad parent. If I can't find a way to be "Supermom" every day, then I'm not succeeding at my role as the matriarch. No pressure at all.
Trust in this... As parents, we know we use to be fun. We know we use to have better things to talk about in life. Please also know how envious we are of those of you that can still choose what to do in your "free-time", of which we know nothing about anymore. We post about our kids, because that's what consumes our lives. I struggle daily to make sure it's not the only thing that defines me as a person in life, but it definitely consumes me. Instead of critiquing us based upon what we share on social media, support us as parents and human beings just trying to do what's "best" and "right" in life, whatever that may be.
You're a professional "oversharer" and get paid to do it so do us all a favor... Don't hate on the rest of us who are trying to share with our friends and family from around the world, who actually may care, a story about their niece or nephew. Because as you may not know, I'd actually much prefer to call them and share if I had the time, but I choose to use my extra 30 seconds a day slapping on some mascara so I don't scare people like you even more.
Sincerely,
Kristin
You view it as oversharing. I view it as an outlet. As women, we have it hard enough in society today to feel accepted, supported, loved and appreciated without having to feel like the minor details we post on facebook are causing others headache. If you don't like it --- cancel your facebook and twitter accounts! You won't though, you know why? Because the same thing you complain about (oversharing) is what's paying your bills today. The amount of publicity you receive from bullying other women (specifically parents) is cutting you monthly checks and helping support your lifestyle via your blogging profession. How many followers do you have?
One of the things you may not fully realize is that women like you are reinforcing the already existing insecurities that women,and mothers like me feel everyday. It's a daily struggle for most of us to even feel good about ourselves, let alone accomplish half of what's on our to-do lists for the day. Add to that, starting your morning off with a new story or study on the news every day that informs me that now I'm also doing a terrible job at what I'm trying to do the best at -- parenting. Everything we do is met with criticism. If I stay at home with my child, I'm a bad parent. If I leave the house to go to work, I'm a bad parent. If I can't find a way to be "Supermom" every day, then I'm not succeeding at my role as the matriarch. No pressure at all.
Trust in this... As parents, we know we use to be fun. We know we use to have better things to talk about in life. Please also know how envious we are of those of you that can still choose what to do in your "free-time", of which we know nothing about anymore. We post about our kids, because that's what consumes our lives. I struggle daily to make sure it's not the only thing that defines me as a person in life, but it definitely consumes me. Instead of critiquing us based upon what we share on social media, support us as parents and human beings just trying to do what's "best" and "right" in life, whatever that may be.
You're a professional "oversharer" and get paid to do it so do us all a favor... Don't hate on the rest of us who are trying to share with our friends and family from around the world, who actually may care, a story about their niece or nephew. Because as you may not know, I'd actually much prefer to call them and share if I had the time, but I choose to use my extra 30 seconds a day slapping on some mascara so I don't scare people like you even more.
Sincerely,
Kristin
P.S. Oh and I'd love to get a chance to even watch the new RICKI, but until that time comes and while you enjoy your new found celebrity, tell her we said hello and "Go Ricki, Go Ricki, Go Ricki."
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