Using Social Media To Encourage Others
I鈥檓 a Sisterhood of Motherhood sponsored blog partner, but all opinions are my own. Please see below for additional disclosure.
Being a mom can be such a juggling act somedays, most days I am doing everything that I can to just keep it together. I think all moms feel this way. Whether you have 1 kid or 6, stay home or work, it is up to us to keep things running smoothly! Some days are better than others.
I had a day last week that was unraveling quick. The baby was screaming, the toddlers were whining, and we were just trying to get through bedtime. My husband snapped this picture after he finished reading to our daughter.聽I made this post to my personal Instagram account:
The caption read: “My husband snapped this picture during bedtime聽last night. The baby had been crying, he was reading stories in the other room and it was my turn to read to my son. The baby finally calmed down and we got to reading, how it ended up made me laugh. It just reminds me of what a juggling act being a mom is, and I don’t think as moms we realize the juggling we do every day- we just instinctively juggle. I love social media because I learn so much from how other moms “juggle”. Being a mom is the best kind of hard work.”
I was trying really hard to look at my crazy day in a positive light even though I was feeling super flustered, overwhelmed, and stressed. An alert popped up on Facebook notifying me of a comment from my aunt. This sweet woman is technically not my aunt anymore because of a divorce that happened many years ago, but we remain in touch because of the love our families share. I haven’t seen her in years, and we are not super close but she said:
You are an amazing MOM. You take after your mother.
10 simple words that caught me off guard and reduced me to tears. My mom is the strongest person I know. I admire her more than anyone else. To know that someone who knows her so well, who knew her when she was a young mom like me, thinks that I am like her is the best compliment I have ever received. It made me feel proud of the work I am doing in my home and it gave me that little boost to keep on juggling.
I am sure she didn’t think her simple comment would make such a big impact on me, but it did. I began to think of all the moms that inspire me on social media. Some of them are close friends or relatives, others are strangers or public figures that I have never met, but I learn so much from ideas they share. I am inspired by their outlooks and attitudes. Social media is such a great way to support each other as moms. Do we fully utilize it? Here are a few ways I have been trying to use social media accounts to boost other moms.
- Leave a comment聽Just like my aunt did for me, leave a comment telling a mom how awesome she really is. When something someone posts speaks to you, stop scrolling and tell them! You never know when your comment could make their day!
- Share a real life photos聽Not all of life is picture perfect. I think we tend to paint an unrealistic picture of our lives as we share, for some moms this can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Share the good and the bad. Moms relate to both. Even better, share a problem and a solution. You never know when your success or failure might help another in the same situation.
- “Like” it Everyone loves getting that “like” notification!
- Snap a picture when she is not looking Then send it to her. I wish so badly that I had a picture of my mom helping me up after a fall at the playground, or talking to me after a trip to time out. Next time you are with a mommy friend snap a picture of her in action. Send it to her with a quick text telling her what you admire about her. Depending on what it is and what they are comfortable with, share it to help encourage others.
- Send a Text聽Sometimes you might have a more personal comment or thought. Instead of sharing it for everyone to see, send them a text or give them a call. Tell them thank you for being an example to you or let them know that you noticed they were having a bad day.
As mothers we have to reach out an support each other and it has never been easier! I think most of us spend some time each day on at least one social media site. Use that time to do some good.聽Similac鈥檚聽The Sisterhood of Motherhood Campaign聽encourages us to聽nourish each other the same way we nourish our children.聽聽We are all parents trying to do what鈥檚 best for our babies.
Let鈥檚 help each other out and join with聽Similac聽to offer parents words of support and encouragement. We are all in this together.
Similac partnered with bloggers such as me for its Sisterhood of Motherhood Program. As part of this program, I received compensation for my time. Similac believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Similac鈥檚 policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.
What a beautiful post!! You are a great mom- and I agree let’s life each other up more!
This is such a great champagne. Social Media is a powerful thing and it can be used for so much good.
I have developed such a great support network threw my social media. It is a great way to get some encouragement when you feel like you are not doing a good job.
Social media can be very powerful and have a strong influence on people. It’s great to use that power for good!
What a great post. I think we should show more of the “real” moments in life. You are so right.
These are great ideas. Since I’ve started reading more blogs and getting more involved with social media, it has been a great resource of reading how other moms “juggle.” It’s comforting to know that we are not alone and can share experiences with others.
These are such great points! It is so easy to ignore those posts that go through your feed. But, it is also so easy to be encouraging to other moms.
This is definitely encouraging. It is so difficult being a mom and little things are so nice.
I love these ideas! You are right, being a mommy is hard. A little encouragement goes a LONG ways!
It’s so nice to give and receive encouragement like this. It can brighten up someone’s day.
This is such a beautiful campaign and I love the idea of praising one another. There is always so much judgement that we need more kindness.
I know that somedays I just need to snap a pic when the kids make a huge mess, or do something bad! I am with them all day so any adult interaction I get is appreciated.
So true… simple words can mean so much. I love posting to social media and love when people love, heart, like, or comment 馃檪 It means so much to me.
I am always trying to make sure my mom knows how muh she means to me. now that she is on Facebok I even share it with her there
It really is crazy just how much a nice comment can brighten my day! I love when moms post pictures of real life!
I love this so much! I don’t think my bestie takes enough pics, so I am forever snapping them and sending them to her. I think she really is super mom!
I love this! All moms deserve encouragement and support, and it doesn’t always come from the most expected person.
All mom’s need a great support group, and you can’t beat one with as much reach as social media. I love this!
This is such a great idea. Social media is a great way for people connect across the globe. That’s a HUGE mommy support group!
I love the power of social media. This is a great way to send some encouragement.
What a nice way for encouragement! Us mom’s definitely need it, being a mom is the hardest job ever!
The power of social media is growing every day. It’s totally the little things.
This is such a great message, whether you’re a mom or not! I am a firm believer in being ‘real’ on social media. Too much ‘perceived perfection’ breeds insecurities that aren’t necessary.