I have a lot of mom friends on Facebook and I love that we can support each other and laugh together about the ups and downs of our days with little ones. Commiserating with other moms has helped me get through many a rough time these last several months. But know what’s not helpful? Mommyjacking.
When I post on Facebook I’m having an awful day, the last thing I want to hear about is how much worse your day is. That’s for YOUR Facebook wall, not mine. I’m looking for someone to tell me it will get better, to offer me encouragement, to connect with me as an adult so I can feel like motherhood is not making me insane. I’m not looking for someone to try to “beat” me in whatever area is challenging at the moment.
Mom friends, please don’t think I’m pointing the finger at you. Actually, I’m pointing the finger at all of YOUR mom friends who I see doing this constantly when I look at the comments on your status updates. Who are these narcissistic women you’re friends with? Are they so insecure in real life that all of your conversations are about them when you’re face to face as well, or do they just reserve that for your wall so all of your online connections can see how awesome they are as parents for persevering through whatever trial is SO MUCH WORSE than what you’re going through that day?
There’s a time and a place for trading parenting war stories. Sociolinguist Deborah Tannen calls it “troubles talk” or “trouble sharing,” and it’s a way women in particular relate to one another. But there’s also a time and place for listening or offering a simple “Hey, that sucks” rather than turning the spotlight on yourself YET AGAIN.
For some hilarious (and at times sad) examples of massive mommyjacking, visit one of my favorite blogs, STFUparents. And while you’re at it, submit your own favorite examples of mommyjacking. Together, we can put a stop to this horrible epidemic of bad manners.
What’s your worst mommyjacking experience? Leave a comment with what you posted and how you were mommyjacked!
What’s my favorite story? Well I’d tell you, but then I’d have to kill you. Bahaha!
P.S. If you ever catch me mommyjacking (because I know you stalk me in your spare time) please virtually slap me in the face.