In today’s social media-driven world, parenting doesn’t just happen at home—it happens on screens. From the moment a baby bump appears to a child’s first steps, mommies are documenting their parenting journey in real time. Birth announcements, milestone updates, messy meal moments, even tantrums, and the list goes on.
But alongside the likes and heart emojis, there’s a growing sense of unease for some parents. As children grow up with digital footprints they didn’t choose, many parents are starting to ask: Where is the line between sharing and oversharing? How do we balance the desire to document memories with the responsibility to protect our children’s privacy?
I remember showing my son a video that we thought was cute– a video of him when he was 3; he was crying when his daddy took a bite from his ice cream. He’s now 6, and to our surprise, he felt embarrassed and immediately asked us to delete it.
This brings up the question of how much to share? How to keep kids safe online? And how do we set boundaries in a world that rarely pauses before posting?
The Age of ‘Sharenting’ & The Privacy Pushback
“Sharenting”—the act of sharing photos, videos, and stories about one’s children online—has become second nature for many modern moms. For some, it’s about connection. Posting helps moms feel seen and supported, especially during the early, isolating days of parenting. Then there’s the rise of momfluencers, where sharing becomes part of a brand—and kids often play a central role in that content.
As social media feeds fill with children’s lives on display, a growing number of parents are taking a more cautious approach due to concerns about digital footprints, online predators, and the long-term impact of exposure.
Some parents now choose to blur faces, use initials instead of names, or avoid sharing photos altogether. Others have shifted to private accounts or invite-only “close friends” lists to limit visibility.
The worry isn’t just about strangers—it’s about the permanence of digital life. A silly bathtub photo or an emotional outburst might feel harmless now, but how will a child feel seeing that online years later?
Setting Boundaries in a Share-First World
For many moms, the answer isn’t to stop sharing altogether—it’s to share smarter.
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According to Danielle Chong, mom to a 2-year-old girl and Founder of Super Mommie Club and Principal T Party Digital, she says, “I believe parents should have the freedom to share about their child online without being told they shouldn’t. Yes, we’re aware of the risks—but we also share because we love capturing these moments. Personally, I draw the line at things like home addresses or school drop-off locations. And I truly appreciate it when friends and family ask for permission before posting my child.”
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For Mama Yan (@yanyan_world_ on Instagram) who actively shares about her life and experiences raising a 7-year-old boy on Stories on a daily basis, she says, “I share our journey on social media, but I blur the lines where my son’s privacy begins. While I document our experiences to support and inspire others, I choose to keep my son’s identity private. It’s a conscious decision to respect his digital footprint before he can shape it himself – whenever he’s ready.”
Some parents have even created their own “rules of posting”, which may include:
- Avoiding photos that show their child’s face.
- Not sharing real-time locations.
- Limiting content to major milestones only.
- Using privacy settings more intentionally- such as “close friends” lists, private accounts, and content filters.
Others take the extra step to ask their older children for permission before posting—a simple practice that can build mutual respect and awareness.
Navigating Judgment and Finding Your Own Balance
In the world of digital parenting, everyone seems to have an opinion. Share too much, and you’re “oversharing.” Share too little, and you’re “too private” or “not relatable.” It’s easy to feel like you’re getting it wrong, no matter what you do.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every family is different, and so are their comfort levels. What matters most is being intentional and informed—making choices that align with your values, your child’s best interest, and your own boundaries.
It’s also okay for those boundaries to shift over time. What felt right when your baby was born may not feel the same now that they’re in school. The digital landscape evolves, and so does our understanding of it. Giving yourself permission to reassess and adjust is part of responsible, conscious parenting.
Above all, moms should feel supported—not judged—for how they choose to navigate this space. Whether you post every milestone or choose to stay completely offline, the goal is the same: to raise happy, secure, and respected children.
