The Scary Parts of Honesty and Social Media

Sometimes social media makes me feel bad. Specifically Instagram.

Don’t get me wrong. I love seeing adorable kids, beautiful homes, and flawless faces…but…sometimes I feel a little less than perfect.

Just last night I searched the hashtag #19weekspregnant and was hoping to see baby bumps that looked like mine. I saw perfectly toned and tan women in crop tops with six packs.

That’s not me. And as much as I want my 37 year old, mother of 3 body, to be perfect, right now it’s packing on weight like a bear preparing to hibernate. On the plus side I grow amazingly healthy, beautiful newborns with huge cheeks and thighs you can eat.

It’s a skill. I swear. But I’ve lost my perfection in the process.

I also have a toddler who doesn’t sleep. I mean, he did. But he stopped.

He seems to developed a fear of missing out at bed time. And needs hugs and kisses in the middle of the night. Lots of them. Repeatedly.

I’m exhausted. So is his dad. He’s two for goodness sakes. Why is this happening? Are we being punished? Because it feels that way right now.

I get scared to share that stuff because EVERYONE else’s kids sleep. At least that’s how I feel.

If I dare say we have sleep struggles, people try to tell me something is wrong with him. Or something is wrong with our parenting. Which I feel is wrong because we are definitely strong B grade parents.

Being real and honest is scary. Anyone else feel that way?

I guess my point is…social media is a hard place to have less than perfect kids and be a less than perfect parent.

I mean I make three dinners a night sometimes. I let my kids have cookies for breakfast. Not every day of course. But surviving a week right now deserves a cookie on a Saturday morning. Am I right?!

My baby still has a nuk at bedtime. I can’t remember the last time I showered. I really need to change the sheets on all of our beds. And clip everyone’s nails.

And that’s all ok. At least I think it is. Because my kids are happy, healthy, and loved.

I am telling myself we will figure out this sleep stuff. And that by sharing our struggles, we are helping other families feel normal.

If not, we can always hope the fourth one will be perfect.

Just look at that mischievous face…I swear this ones gonna put me in an early grave.

Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.