​Swiping right to social media parenting: Know your boundaries

Providing much-needed solace, guidance, and an unexpected sense of community is social media, where new moms and dads are exploring the constantly evolving landscape of parenting. Online platforms now hold a prominent role in shaping our lifestyles in the digital age, offering valuable advice to support new parents.

Digital Village encompasses all of the social media platforms in one compilation. The days are gone when parenting advice was passed down through generations within the family or sought from trusted friends and professionals. The digital village has become an essential part of the parenting experience. Social media platforms, with their vast networks and diverse communities, offer a virtual support system for parents and educate them about the challenges of raising children. It also provides real-time support, connecting parents from around the globe who share similar experiences and concerns. Till now the comfort of online support groups existed for parents of children with special healthcare needs, now everyone can find support online for any of the parental concerns.
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Social media is a treasure trove of impressive resources for parents who are seeking support and guidance. It's a place where parents share experiences, communicate, and collaborate with other people. Moreover, numerous experts such as child psychology, pediatrics, and social media parenting influencers are ready to guide them through various social media platforms. Parents can effortlessly access expert opinions and can now make smart decisions that benefit their child's well-being while having the necessary knowledge and resources to be effective parents. At the same time, it becomes very crucial to find the right source or person. Before taking the advice it should be tested and verified when it comes to your child.

The saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words," takes on new meaning in the context of parenting in the digital age. Social media allows parents to document their journey visually, sharing precious moments and milestones with a global audience. From the baby's first steps to the first day of school, these shared experiences not only create a digital scrapbook but also contribute to a sense of community among parents worldwide but remember to be in the all-important moment rather than trying to capture it with your gadgets.

While social media undoubtedly offers a wealth of parenting advice and connection, it's crucial to navigate this digital landscape with caution. The curated nature of online content can sometimes contribute to unrealistic expectations and comparisons. Sometimes parents are not able to strike a balance between the right and the wrong. Multiple sources giving multiple guidelines often cause confusion among them. Parents must strike a balance, recognising the value of shared experiences while understanding that every parenting journey is unique.

As parents are becoming more inclined towards social media for parenting advice the question arises now what is the future of the traditional parenting that has been followed for years? While social media adds a new layer to the parenting experience, the importance of real-life connections, professional advice, and cultural wisdom should not be underestimated as it plays a huge role in shaping the future of the child. It is not a wise decision to discard all our traditional parenting styles/ tips blindly. It’s been time-tested for centuries.

The integration of social media into the parenting journey is a testament to the evolving nature of our lifestyles. It offers a dynamic support system, and connects parents globally and locally, as it provides a platform for expert advice. However, as we embrace the digital village, it's essential to approach it with a discerning eye, recognizing both its benefits and limitations in the beautiful, challenging, and ever-changing landscape of parenthood. No doubt, the influencers are of great help but the content should be verified from a responsible source before posting it on social media as they are followed by the new age parents.
(Author: Dr. Anil MU, Lead Consultant Paediatrics and Paediatric Critical Care, SPARSH Hospital, Bangalore)