Tips for Posting Children Online

Today a teenager who has no children attempted to shame me for a photo posted of my child.

Y’all… I have been actively “not posting” my 8yo to social media for, well, the last 8 years. This new realization that we shouldn’t be posting our kiddos online is cute and all, but you’re a bit late. Giving our kids autonomy over their social media presence has been a huge consideration of mine long before it was the latest trend.

When my Big was born, we told people Day 1 that they were never allowed to post her on social media. Her name was also not posted- even “friends only”! She exclusively goes by Sassy on social media, for her privacy and protection. Now that she’s older, I feel more comfortable with her online, but only when she agrees. Family photos are ok. If she’s by herself, I try to keep her face out… even on my private accounts. Because private is never really private.

When she was little, there were so many “child model” or “ambassador” accounts being made. The bio would say “managed by mom”, but that didn’t stop weirdos from following. Do you think those guys were using their discount codes for ruffle dresses? No. So who was that account serving?

On that same note, so many influencers started posting their kids and monetizing their outfits and nurseries. Who is that serving?

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE a good “mommy and me” outfit. And I’m all for monetizing your content. But there’s a balance. At what point are you sharing what you love, and when does it become exploiting your kiddo? The line is up for you to decide.

My point for all of this, don’t come to my account and tell me to remove the few photos of my children. I am actively doing my best to limit their exposure on social media, protecting their identity and privacy, and being intentional with the posts I make and why they are being posted.

I am a mom. This is a part of my identity. To simply not post them at all would be denying their existence. It is perfectly possible to share our children without jeopardizing their safety and security.