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A recent study suggests that posting pictures of our children online may indicate a trend toward permissive parenting. But perhaps it’s simply a reflection of our love for our kids.
By Jamie L. Hartfield
March 29, 2022
Our generation enjoys the convenience of staying connected with friends from various stages of our lives. We celebrate milestones through social media, from baby photos to back-to-school snapshots, and even junior prom attire. However, a new sociological study conducted by the University of Central Florida and Indiana University Bloomington suggests a correlation between sharing kids’ images online and a more lenient parenting style.
At first, I felt a twinge of guilt upon reading the study. I often share photos of my child and allow him to indulge in gaming. But then I reconsidered: wouldn’t it be more unusual, if not countercultural, to keep him out of the spotlight? The research implies that if we’re comfortable sharing our children’s lives online, we might also be more accepting of other parenting choices.
If this is accurate, then it seems that most of my friends fall under the “permissive parent” category — but I’m not convinced that’s entirely true. While our generation certainly aims to be more nurturing and friendly with our kids, many of my friends who post preschool pictures also enforce screen time limits and resist giving their children smartphones at an early age.
On reflection, the few friends who never post their kids online are often the same ones who impose strict rules around technology use, emphasize healthy eating, and practice a more traditional, deliberate approach to parenting—something I admittedly struggle with. Ultimately, as one of the lead researchers notes, we are still figuring this out. In the future, we may see conflicting studies that suggest “permissive parents” have inadvertently caused anxiety in their children by showcasing their lives online, while others will argue that sharing birthday celebrations has little impact on their self-esteem.
Consider the children who are never featured in social media posts; will they appreciate their privacy or wonder about the absence of their images in the digital sphere?
When you ponder, “What does my desire to share a photo of my child say about me?” the straightforward answer is that you love them and wish to share that affection with others. However, those who refrain from posting also love their children just as fiercely. Whether you are like singer Taylor who rarely reveals her child’s face or someone like rapper Cardi B who shares joyful moments with the world, we are all doing our best in this parenting journey.
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Summary
The act of sharing children’s photos on social media may reflect a more permissive parenting style, but it also underscores a deep love for our children. While some parents choose to keep their kids’ lives private, others celebrate their milestones online. Ultimately, the choice is personal, and each parent navigates this journey in a way that feels right for their family.
Keyphrase: Sharing kids’ photos online
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