Through the Lens of Social Media: A Candid Look at the Realities of Being a Mom
As a fellow parent, there are days when I feel utterly overwhelmed, like I'm trapped in a whirlwind of chaos. The constant tantrums, tears, screams, and messy mishaps can leave me questioning my sanity. Balancing multiple projects and juggling global time zones for work, all while being pregnant with my second child, leaves me perpetually exhausted and frustrated. Although I know I'll miss these precious moments with my daughter as she grows older, I often wonder if I'm somehow failing and if my daughter intentionally pushes my buttons.
In my quest for reassurance, I've sought solace in conversations with other moms, hoping to find common ground. But it seems everyone else’s children are little angels, never throwing tantrums, sleeping through the night, and behaving perfectly. It's as if I'm the only one struggling.
Driven by my expertise in social listening and consumer insights, I embarked on a personal study to uncover how moms really feel about their experiences as a parent. Knowing that blogs, forums and social media platforms are full of anonymous data of fellow mommas (who perhaps do not feel comfortable sharing with others about their challenges), I delved into understanding whether my experiences were unique or if others were grappling with similar challenges but were simply reluctant to open up about them.
By combining my knowledge with my passion for understanding people, I aimed to shed light on the untold stories of parenthood. Join me on this journey as we uncover the realities that lie beneath the surface, revealing the unfiltered truth about the rollercoaster ride we call parenting.
Understanding the Struggles
Through analyzing data from over 100 million sources, I discovered that parents commonly shared their challenges and joys of the parenthood journey on social media platforms. The "terrible twos" and “toddler challenges” emerged as the biggest struggles for moms. To express their experiences and seek support, mothers used the hashtag #momlife, generating an average of 3K posts per day. This digital community seems to also be the place for moms to share photos, videos, and stories about their daily lives with their children and what they enjoy the most about while lamenting on parenthood challenges.
A Fashionable Focus: Kid's Style Takes Center Stage
Interestingly, moms on social media often expressed their desire to ensure their children were dressed stylishly. Hashtags such as #outfits, #kidsfashion, #babyfashions, and #amazonfinds gained significant traction, showcasing moms' quest for fashion inspiration for their little ones. This highlighted how moms use social media not only as a platform to connect but also as a resource for finding creative and trendy outfits for their children. On the other hand, some mommas shared that they cannot keep up with the constant challenge of new trends among their kids, and the pressure from their children to shop for new items regularly.
(source: screenshot via TalkWalker)
Video Content Was A Window into Everyday Parenting
Video content seems to dominate the social media landscape when it comes to parenting. Moms share a wide range of video content, including baby food recipes, mom hacks, cleaning tips, and screen time alternatives were the most liked videos on social media by parents. Short-form video platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels are the go-to channels for moms to document their everyday moments and connect with other parents. Additionally, daily vlogs are also popular, and many young moms ventured into the content creators realm by sharing their parenting routines with the world. I know how much I depend on mommas’ vlogs and hacks for pretty much everything, so I was not surprised to see that video content was king when it came to sharing on social media.
(source: screenshots via TikTok)
Shared Struggles: Feeding and Naptime Woes
My absolute favorite topics of feeding and nap time seemed to be popular among other fellow mommas as two recurring themes emerged in the discussion: the struggle to feed toddlers and the challenge of getting them to nap. Twitter seems to be a hub for lively debates and conversations about what parents should feed their toddlers and how to establish healthy eating habits. Additionally, the topic of naptime sparks various discussions online regularly as parents seek advice and share their strategies for ensuring their little ones got the sleep they needed.
(napping)
Parent Priorities Are Around Education and Kids’ Diet
Unsurprisingly, family and parenting emerged as the top interest for those who discussed being a parent online, reflecting the importance of this life-changing role. General education and K-12 schooling garnered significant attention, indicating the desire for knowledge and guidance in supporting children's educational journey. Fitness and health, as well as food and drinks, were also areas of interest, showcasing moms' commitment to maintaining their well-being alongside their parental responsibilities.
(source: screenshot via TalkWalker)
Regardless of Occupation, Moms Shared Their Thoughts on Parenting Online
Working moms were particularly vocal on social media, sharing their experiences of balancing professional responsibilities with parenting. Among the authors discussing parent life, those holding important positions in their companies comprised the largest group, and mompreneurs also actively participated in the conversations. The prevalence of hustling moms in these discussions was both inspiring and reassuring to me, a working mom myself, knowing there are many moms out there juggling their business and taking care of their kids (while keeping their sanity).
(source: screenshot via TalkWalker)
Millennial Moms Were The Most Vocal Online
Within the discussions about parent life, the top age demographic groups were 25-34 years old and 18-24 years old. These young moms formed a powerful community, sharing their experiences, seeking advice, and providing support to one another. The digital landscape became a bridge that connected moms across generations, allowing them to learn from each other's insights and navigate the challenges of parenthood together.
(source: screenshot via TalkWalker)
Through this personal study, I've uncovered the power of shared experiences among parents on social media platforms. By embracing the untold stories of parenthood, we can perhaps all find solace in knowing that we are not alone in our struggles and triumphs. From the challenges of the toddler stage to the everyday triumphs and fashion inspiration, moms across the globe connect through digital communities to support, inspire, and learn from one another.
To all mommas out there → you are rockstars!
About The Author
Tsvetta Kaleynska is a mom, author, TV commentator, and entrepreneur. Her expertise is in unicorn startups and consumer insights. She is based in New York City and a mom of a baby girl, who keeps her on her toes at all times. Beyond her passion for female empowerment and entrepreneurship, she loves connecting with fellow inspiring moms to swap ideas, mom hacks, and provide unwavering support on the thrilling journey of motherhood. Connect with Tsvetta on her website Tsvetta.com and find her on Twitter (@tsvetta), Instagram (@tsvetta), and LinkedIn (Tsvetta Kaleynska).