I am.
Over the past two years (since I became a mom) I without realizing have slowly become addicted to mom influencers on Instagram. I think about it when I wake up. I thoroughly enjoy watching their stories and seeing their latest “finds” all the things you start to believe you need. One day I was watching this one mom talk about something she’s been “loving” recently and of COURSE has a discount code for us to use. I thought to myself. I feel like I am watching a continuous advertisement. Does she even like this product or is she “advertising” this product to create a profit? As I continue to “like and comment” on all their post to win a giveaway which is usually filled with items I would thoroughly love to have. She is making hundreds of thousands of our likes, comments, saves, and shares.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Like I said in the beginning. I do like watching the lives of all the mom influencers. I love watching them. I would go as far as to say that I am addicted to watching them. At what point is it unhealthy? The past weekend I took a break off social media. It was hard. And also so refreshing. I went to reach for my phone an unhealthy amount of times I’m not gonna lie. But why did I feel the need to reach for my phone so much? Watch these mothers live their life while I can be missing out on mine that’s happening RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME.
Let that sink in.
It kinda makes me sick. I do have very much mixed feelings on Instagram. While I do post on stories daily and create posts weekly. Apart from me is happy for some of the moms who have figured out a way to leave their 9-5 corporate job and stay home. Some mothers do create a much better life for themselves and their families. There are some influencer’s I follow and feel like they are genuine. They are not continuous advertisements. When they do share something, you can tell it’s because they actually love it. I try to create content to encourage mothers and help them simplify and enjoy motherhood.
I believe the scariest part of mom influencers, is comparison.
They make it almost impossible not to compare. Their gorgeous white houses, huge kitchen, beautiful hardwood floor, and rooms are perfectly decorated and look untouched. While they have 5 kids running around making you feel crazy for having 1-2 and you can’t figure out how to keep the towels off the bathroom floor. They are advertising beautiful clothing, home decor, makeup, and skincare products that I believe we buy in hopes to create a life that’s more like theirs.
The comparison game is dangerous. You need to bring yourself down to earth and realize that most moms who are, what we would consider ourselves to be “ordinary” do not live a life like this. Not that there is anything wrong with having a beautiful home. I would love a huge white house where my laundry was always folded. You need to be strong in the beliefs and build a strong foundation of the mother you are meant to be. Stop trying to live your life through someone you are following on Instagram. Be present for your kids. They see you looking at your phones more often than you should. They need YOU, mama. YOU need you. Be cautious with the swipe up. Think before you purchase. Here’s something that is not talked about much. Be happy with what you have RIGHT now. Stop scrolling and start living.
This blog post is a little all over the place. I apologize for that. I am working on all of this myself every day. I do thoroughly enjoy using Instagram. I am opening my eyes more each day to how it’s affecting my life. My family’s life.
You only get this one life. Be present and make it worth it mama.
bosssybabe says
I know what you mean, I can be the same too… I feel like we are fascinated bc we want to see that others are going through the same things we are… And it gives us hope we’re not alone and will get through it!
mamasimplified01 says
Yes, I agree with you. There’s so many different emotions in regards to influencers. I do love watching and learning from them. I think it’s hard when we compare ourselves to the really successful ones. I feel like we often need to step back into our reality and not compare or miss moments. But there’s been so many inspiring women I have learned so much from too.