In a digital age, we’re fortunate to stay connected with friends across various stages of life. Our social media feeds are filled with baby photos, milestone celebrations, and back-to-school snapshots, reminding us of the passage of time. A recent sociological study from Central Florida University and Indiana University Bloomington suggests that parents who frequently share images of their children online may exhibit permissive parenting styles. But perhaps it’s simply a reflection of our love for our kids.
Upon first encountering the study, I felt a pang of guilt. Oh no, that’s me—posting pictures of my child and allowing him to indulge in gaming! Yet, I paused to consider: wouldn’t it be more unusual, or at least less culturally accepted, to keep him hidden? The research connects sharing children’s photos with a permissive parenting approach, suggesting that if we are comfortable showcasing our kids online, we may also be lenient in other aspects of parenting.
If this holds true, then it seems nearly all my friends fall into the category of permissive parents, which I find hard to believe. While it’s true that my generation tends to focus on nurturing our children’s emotions and fostering friendships rather than enforcing strict discipline, many of my friends who share preschool pictures also set limits on screen time (pandemic exceptions aside) and refrain from giving their kids smartphones in elementary school.
Reflecting further, I realized that the few friends who never share their kids online are often the same ones who impose strict screen time rules, prioritize healthy snacks over treats, and practice a more deliberate, thoughtful parenting style that I must admit I don’t embody. Ultimately, as one of the researchers noted, we’re all still figuring this out. Years down the line, we may encounter findings that contradict one another: some may argue that “permissive parents” have instilled anxiety in their children by sharing their lives online, while others may conclude that their kids were unaffected by their birthday celebrations being posted online. And what of those children who have never had their lives documented on social media? Will they feel grateful or question why there are no images of them, except perhaps on their parents’ outdated devices?
When pondering, “What does it say about me for wanting to post this photo of my child?” the honest answer is that I cherish my child and wish to share that joy with others. Yet, those who refrain from posting pictures also love their kids deeply. This includes parents who choose to keep their social media accounts private. Whether you’re a celebrity like Luna who rarely shares her child or someone like Mia who openly showcases every moment, it’s clear that we’re all doing our best as parents.
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In summary, sharing photos of our children online can reveal much about our parenting styles and personal values. While some may lean towards permissive parenting, others exercise caution. Regardless of our choices, the common thread is a deep love for our children, expressed in varying ways.
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