Navigating motherhood in the age of social media can be quite the challenge. While many of us strive for lighthearted and visually appealing posts, the truth is that it can sometimes feel overwhelming, if not a bit disingenuous. To shed some light on the reality behind my perfectly curated photos, here are ten things my Instagram followers might not know about me.
-
The trendy black and white rug from IKEA that I use as a backdrop for many of my photos? It’s a hot mess underneath! With stains from everything—spilled juice, yogurt explosions, and even the occasional diaper incident—it’s far from pristine. Sure, a little careful positioning and a brightening filter help, but don’t be fooled; I’m not one of those moms with spotless rugs.
-
What you see is usually my fifth attempt—at least. That adorable candid shot of my kids? Let’s just say it took about 217 tries from every angle imaginable. Even after that, I often turn to my editing apps to make sure it pops.
-
If you look closely at how many pictures I’m in, you might notice that’s also the number of times I’ve actually blow-dried my hair and dressed up in the last couple of years. My wardrobe consists mostly of black activewear, which my partner affectionately calls my “quirky sweatpants.” So, don’t expect to see me in jeans at the library anytime soon!
-
I live in a duplex. There’s nothing wrong with it, of course, but it’s not the sprawling mansion you might picture from my posts. I share a wall with my neighbors and have vinyl siding. I do own some cute accessories, so I understand if you felt misled.
-
I know not everyone is interested in constant updates about my children. However, my family loves to see what my little rascals are up to! I simply can’t text every photo to relatives, and let’s face it—those clever hashtags just don’t translate well over messages.
-
My son’s striking blue eyes? They’re not as bright as they appear in photos. Sure, they are blue—I promise you that! But a little editing magic makes them shine even more. “OMG! Look at those eyes!” I know, right?
-
Crafting the perfect hashtag is harder than it looks. Seriously, it’s a challenge!
-
The pressure of likes is very real, and I detest it. It feels like a throwback to middle school: “Why didn’t she like this?” “Do I have to like that even if I don’t?” It’s a juvenile game that I can’t seem to escape, no matter how grown-up I am.
-
Most days, I feel like I’m barely scraping by as a mom. You’ll see our fun outings and adorable moments, but what you won’t see is my nearly 3-year-old glued to his iPad or me telling my 1-year-old not to climb on everything. Those mundane moments make up a large part of my reality, but they don’t make for great Instagram content.
-
I often wish I could rebel against the Instagram culture, but it’s hard to resist. At least once a month, I tell myself I’ll quit this app, but then I capture a stunning shot and can’t help but share it. The cycle continues.
For more insights into the journey of parenthood, you can check out our post about couples navigating their fertility journey with artificial insemination kits. Additionally, if you’re looking for financial assistance related to in vitro fertilization, this resource is a reliable option. For anyone considering pregnancy, the CDC offers excellent resources on various aspects of motherhood.
In summary, my Instagram presence doesn’t tell the full story of my life as a mom. Behind the filtered images lies the chaos of everyday parenting, filled with ups and downs that are often left unseen.