The bright side of social media Parents find support for wide variety of issues

BY KATHLEEN MURPHY

It’s no secret that our society has become increasingly digital. Social media, instant-messaging, constant connection — it can feel a bit much at times. Throw raising a family into the Pinterest-perfect mix, and parents can feel a lot of pressure to appear constantly under control.

The truth is, no parent has it under control all the time. Parenting can be hard, and meeting other parents who share your concerns isn’t always easy. Fortunately, this is where social media shines as the helpful tool it was created to be.

“It’s so easy for a parent to think they’re alone,” said Stephanie Goldfarb, owner and founder of Duluth Moms Blog. “It can be difficult for a parent to meet other parents who are dealing with the same issues. That’s why I started this blog, to give moms a place to connect and find others who understand them.”

Duluth Moms Blog tackles this in a variety of ways: It has a website, an official Facebook page, and a Facebook Community + Conversation group. The website and the official Facebook page share articles about parenting, written primarily by local mothers in various stages of parenthood, from infertility to empty nesters.

“One of our most popular articles was about postpartum depression,” Goldfarb said.

“The amount of people that commented and said

‘Me, too!’ was significant, and some people even offered suggestions and help. I think this ability to quickly connect with other people who understand can be a lifesaver for parents.”

Duluth Moms Blog aims to connect moms online through their stories, through finding a common bond, then giving them the opportunity to connect in real life on the Duluth Moms Blog Community + Conversation page. There, the conversation flows organically, all parenting topics on the table. Often, people ask for recommendations. Other times, they share experiences and frustrations in a safe, non-judgmental place. The page takes that connection a step further by organizing meetups and events, such as their monthly Moms Night Out. Other groups narrow their focus, to help parents who have niche questions or needs. There are several local exercise groups aimed at parents, for example, such as Duluth Moms on the Run, and Fit4Mom Twin Ports. These groups use their Facebook pages to connect parents looking for the support and motivation of other parents to continue their exercise habits. Exercise groups are scheduled, and Fit4Mom schedules several events just for kids, such as an obstacle course, spring puddle jumping, and even craft days.

Perhaps someone wants to explore natural parenting? Look up the local Facebook group, Crunchy Mamas, which focuses on holistic and/ or alternative methods of parenting — everything from medical practices and parenting tips to environmental concerns and food choices.

“‘Crunchy’ is a colloquium that encompasses a large number of beliefs and viewpoints,” said Sharon McMahon, mom of four and Crunchy Mamas group founder. “But at its heart, most crunchy parents seek more holistic methods of raising their children and addressing their family’s medical care.”

AJ Axtell, a local mom of two with one on the way, is also an environmental coordinator at Western Lake Superior Sanitary District.

“Being an environmentally minded mama, I try to make good decisions for my household and my family,” Axtell said. “I joined Crunchy Mamas because it can be helpful to belong to a community that shares some of the same views. I frequently see new suggestions and ideas for how I can improve my family’s well-being and lessen our impact on the world around us.”

Several sites simply provide a space to sell or donate used children’s items, such as toys, or outgrown children’s clothing. One Facebook group, Parents in Need in the Twin Ports, functions as a donation site that connects parents who have items to give away with parents who are in need but cannot afford to buy them.

Michelle Nelson, a Duluth mother of two, originally joined the Facebook group Moms and Dads of Duluth, MN in an effort to find support, but also resources. One of her sons is autistic, the other son transgender. She did as much research as she could to help herself and her children navigate the world, but soon realized she needed to connect with real-life parents who had already been down her path.

“You can’t go to the library anymore and count on finding a flier that will help you,” Nelson said.

“Almost every community keeps their information online — primarily on Facebook — because it’s easy to find and easy for a parent to connect with others who can help. Facebook groups have a lot of people all in one place, willing to share their knowledge. Parents should take advantage of that.” — MDT