Social Media 05: Should I Share This Picture of My Kids?

Nov 10

As proud moms, most of us can’t resist sharenting. (Yep, that term is real! If you haven’t heard it before: it just means sharing pictures of our kids online.) Whether we have a small, private account for friends and family or share lifestyle content for thousands of eyes to see, let’s at least ask the question—why are we posting this? What are the rewards? What are the risks? In this episode, Emily and Laura chat through questions to consider the ‘why’ behind our sharenting. While the takeaway will look different for everyone, when the gospel guides our thinking, we’ll share with love and wisdom.

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As a part of our Social Media mini-series, we’re digging deep into the impact of social media—on our brains, bodies, and hearts. In light of this, we’ve created “Wake Up! A Social Media Workbook.” This podcast companion helps you take Laura and Emily’s conversations further and apply them to your own life. In the workbook, you’ll find Scripture, questions, and a prayer relating to each episode. We encourage you to follow along week by week, completing the questions for each topic after the corresponding episode’s release.

For a complete list of all our recommended articles and books on social media, head over to our Social Media page

Mentioned on the Show:

This mini-series is brought to you in part by Crossway, publisher of Bread of Life: Savoring the All Satisfying Goodness of Jesus Through the Art of Breadmaking by Abigail Dodds. This book is filled with eleven devotionals along with eleven easy-to-follow bread recipes all designed to show you how to find your ultimate fulfillment in Christ, the all-satisfying bread of life. Pick up Bread of Life wherever books are sold or visit Crossway to find out how you can get 30% off with your Crossway plus account. We’re so thankful for Crossway’s sponsorship!

R|M Apply Questions:

Verse 1: Luke 6:31 “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”

Wake Up:

Take an assessment of moms you follow on social media. What types of posts with children make you uncomfortable and why? Realizing it’s just speculation, take a few minutes to consider the different ways these children might feel about their online presence as adults.
Take an assessment of your social media posts. How often do you “sharent” (or post pictures of your children) and what is the nature of those posts? What motivates you to share pictures of your kids? How might your children respond someday?

Verse 2: James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

Wisdom:

Write down some of the risks and rewards of sharenting. Talk with your husband or a trusted mentor about these things and consider how those should impact the way you sharent. If you’ve already taken this step, write down some of the principles you use to determine when and what to post.
Brainstorm specific ways you want to model healthy social media use for your kids and train them to be “counter-cultural” kids. How are you training them in these things or what will you start doing?

Walk in His Ways:

Father, help me to use discretion and wisdom as a mom on social media. Protect me from sharing my children in ways that are risky or harmful, and convict me if or when I leverage them for my own gain. Teach me to consider their long-term needs and love them well.

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