What is Private? What is Sacred?

There comes a point when every person gets to decide what they want to share about their kids on the internet. I asked my client Jackie Shea if she would be willing to speak about her recent change of heart in how she publicly shares information about her children.

I would like to preface by saying that this is a conversation that provides a perspective of a parent who is simply learning how to navigate the complexities of being a new mother. This is not to shame or guilt anyone into doing anything they do not want to do.

As Jackie so eloquently says, “all roads lead to Rome” - an expression I also use with my clients as they approach their birth. Simply put, there is no one size fits all and to each her own. However, it is worth investigating how social media plays a role in how we show up in the world and how our children may consequently be affected by our choices.

In this conversation we discuss sharenting, or the practice of parents sharing information about their children online often through platforms of social media for public consumption. If you would like to read more about the possible long term implications of sharenting, you can do so here and here.

In addition to discussing social media and early parenthood, Jackie speaks candidly about finding time for self care and connection with her partner.

To learn more about Jackie you can connect with her via her website or on instagram.

1:43 How family dynamics change with each birth5:01 ‘Mom guilt’ and choosing to live life without it9:20 Affirmations and identity shifts12:12 The importance of building community after birth14:04 Post-birth planning and the evolving relationship with your partner17:44 Non-negotiables of self-care22:42 Navigating time, money, and the mommy tax24:28 Jackie’s impetus behind deciding not to share her children’s photos online28:52 Giving your child agency, respect, and privacy32:11 Balancing protection of privacy with trying not to control it36:13 Motherhood is a day at a time journey

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