Social media is wonderful, and it is a great way to stay connected with others when life is busy and grabbing a coffee becomes too darn difficult.

• Perfect parents - You know the type of parents who seem to have it all and you are genuinely happy for them but just because it looks perfect on social media doesn’t mean it is the case. The mum in the daily post about what she and the kids are doing may be exhausted but won’t admit it, the dad who is at the gym every day may fear getting sick or the parents who share every part of their day may be attention seekers as they lack attention elsewhere. The lesson is nothing is ever as simple as it seems and to ignore what others do, instead, concentrate on yourself and your family. You may not get to do everything you want to do with the kids, but you are doing your best.
• Boasting - We all know these parents who constantly put up about their little darling doing this or doing that! It may be their birthday and they share a catalogue of photos along with a beautiful story; but it is their page after all. It makes you feel a little inferior, but you can boast too if you want to, but don’t feel you must. No one needs to see all the gifts your kids got anyway. In fact, it can be in poor taste posting every gift your child has received, yes, it is nice to show others, but it may make others feel sad that they can’t do that for their kids. And then the guilt hits in, again!
• Great photos - It takes around 15-20 photos to get a great one and most parents edit the crap out of the Facebook worthy photo so relax, your kids aren’t ugly, and you are not a mess! They just have a great photo editor and god knows how long it took to get that photo anyway. You don’t need to feel guilty for looking tired or feel guilt as the kids don’t smile at the camera like others! Kids will be kids!
• Idyllic holidays and locations - When people go on holiday they usually check in all over the place and share every aspect of their holiday. This can make you sad especially if you can’t afford a holiday anytime soon. You will feel bad for your kids and find yourself scrolling past quickly on the brink of tears, guilty that you couldn’t do the same for you and your kiddies.
• Family hanging out events - Not every family is perfect. Not everyone has family events to attend and some never have a beautiful harmony with extended or indeed close family. As your kids grow older this can be hard to take but it gets easier. Don’t feel guilty for not having that and be grateful for the new family you are creating in your home.