An Open Letter to the Moms of Facebook

Dear Facebook Moms,

As you know, Facebook is filled with numerous discussion groups and boards…especially for parenting and motherhood.  Most of the time these are resources helpful- i.e. when I have a question about a certain sippy cup brand, advice for a local playground, or a recommendation for a local photographer. It is a relief to know that there are people out there in the same shoes who can offer honest and USEFUL advice/opinions.   However, in the last few months I have noticed  certain types of moms participating in these groups spreading major negativity.  For the purpose of this post, I will call them: The “Know-It-All Mom”, the “Debbie Downer Mom” and the “Mom Shamer.”  Have you encountered one of these moms on social media?  Below I will provide some brief descriptions.

The “Know-It-All Mom”: This mom chimes in on all posts even if she may not have first hand experience. She has answers for just about everything and many times is the first to respond.  I am pretty sure she just needs to have her voice heard and needs attention.   Sometimes this is helpful, but once you identify the Know-It-All Mom (there are normally a handful in every group), it might start to seriously get on your nerves.

The “Debbie Downer Mom”: This mom is SO NEGATIVE.  And sometimes rude.  My town does not have a Starbucks (eeek!), so i recently posted on a local mom group the news that a Starbucks will FINALLY be opening in the local grocery store. I feel that this was a informative post that local parents would appreciate. Especially since most of us are sleep-deprived and need all the caffeine we can get.  One response on the post was something like “Ugh I hope not. I hate Starbucks.”  Excuse me but I do not think I was asking whether or not people LIKE Starbucks, I was simply spreading some news.  So exhausting.  The “Debbie Downer Mom” will try to bring you down- don’t let her.

The “Mom Shamer”:  This mom feels that her way of momming is the only way.  She is super critical of how other moms raise their kids.  Just because she doesn’t allow her kids to bust out the iPad at a restaurant does not mean that other moms who allow screens at dinner are bad moms.  Don’t judge a mom for taking the kids to McDonald’s.  Maybe she is in a hurry and doesn’t have time to cook that night.  I see a lot of mom-shaming not only on Facebook, but in real life, too.  Try not to judge the parenting decisions of fellow moms- we are all in this together.

Again, I love these groups because I think moms and parents need to support each other and be there for one another. When I read the bullshit from the moms I mentioned above, it pisses me off like no other. Maybe its my short temper or maybe i am too sensitive. Idk. But moms,  please remember to think before you type. If you don’t have anything positive or meaningful to say, do us a favor and move along.

Cheers,

This Cool Mom