A recent study sheds light on the connection between sharing our children’s images on social media and a permissive parenting approach. Yet, it could simply reflect our deep affection for our little ones.
By Jordan L. Carter
March 29, 2022
We live in a remarkable time, where it’s effortless to keep up with friends from various stages of our lives. Baby photos flood our social media feeds, and we eagerly anticipate those monthly milestone updates. As summer wraps up, back-to-school pictures abound, and we can’t help but feel nostalgic as we see our friends’ kids ready for prom. However, a new sociological study from the University of Central Florida and Indiana University Bloomington suggests that sharing these snapshots may indicate a confident but permissive parenting style.
Initially, my reaction to this study was one of guilt. Oops, that’s me—I post my son’s pictures and let him enjoy gaming! But then I took a moment to reconsider. Wouldn’t it seem more unusual, or at least culturally out of step, if I kept him out of sight? The research connects the act of posting kids’ photos to permissive parenting, mainly because none of us fully grasp the long-term effects of chronicling our lives this way. We are witnessing the first generation of children who grow up with their faces visible on countless devices.
If this is accurate, then nearly all of my friends are permissive parents, which I’m not fully convinced is true. While it’s true that our generation tends to nurture our children’s feelings and strives for a more friendly dynamic rather than a strict disciplinarian one, many of my friends who post preschool pictures still enforce screen time limits (pandemic-related exceptions aside) and refrain from giving their kids cell phones too early.
Upon deeper reflection, the small group of friends who never share their children’s photos are also the ones who impose strict screen time rules, provide healthy snacks over treats, and practice a more thoughtful style of parenting—something I must admit I struggle to emulate. Ultimately, as one researcher noted, we are all still learning. In the future, there will likely be studies that contradict one another, with some suggesting that “permissive parents” have raised anxious children by sharing their lives online, while others may argue that kids are unaffected by their digital presence.
When contemplating the question, “What does posting this photo of my child say about me?” the honest answer likely centers around love and a desire to share that joy with others. Yet, those who choose not to post also love their children deeply. This holds true for those who opt for private Instagram accounts. Whether you’re like someone who keeps their child under wraps or one who shares every adorable moment, we are all doing our best.
If you’re interested in learning more about this topic and its implications, you can check out one of our other blog posts here. For more insights on parenting and its modern challenges, consider visiting this resource. Additionally, this excellent resource provides valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination.
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In summary, sharing photos of our kids online can reveal much about our parenting styles and societal norms. While it may reflect a permissive approach, it often signifies a genuine love for our children. Ultimately, whether one chooses to share or keep their child’s life private, the underlying sentiment remains the same: the desire to celebrate and cherish our children.