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I’m fully aware that there’s a good chance I might get stoned for writing this piece. Still, it’s a question that’s been lingering on my mind for far too long now. And I have to ask the question.
I notice on social media there are two types of mothers…maybe three. There are the type of mothers who post pictures of their newborn babies, with amniotic fluid still caked up on their faces. There are those who wait months to reveal their new bundles. And there is a third category. This type of mother doesn’t reveal the baby right after he or she is born. They may make an announcement with the name, birth weight and even a quick little anecdote about how their new loved one entered the world. There may even be an announcement that she and her partner have chosen not to reveal the baby just yet.
I certainly understand that. It’s your child and perhaps you don’t want every moment of their lives, from the time they were born, documented on social media. I get it. What I don’t understand is how these very same mothers then go on for weeks posting, what I like to call, detail shots. It’s not an actual image of the baby’s face but rather their fingers, toes, or blankets. I’ve seen one mother go so far as to darken an image to obscure her child’s face. And that’s what I really don’t get. I understand being proud and showing your baby fresh out of the womb. And I get trying to protect your child’s image for a little while, since you can’t exactly ask them if they want to be on Facebook. What I don’t understand is the in-between game. Why tease and taunt people with details? We know you had a baby. Many of these mothers have made an announcement that they are not ready to share the baby’s face yet. Even if they hadn’t, the last image of his lock of hair, made it pretty clear.
So what’s with all the mystery and secrecy?
My coworker suggested that people don’t want their children to be exposed to bad juju or those who would wish evil upon them online. Like the baby’s spirit is too young to be able to fight off bad spirits.
I can’t help but wonder if it’s the need for attention and validation even in the midst of trying to protect your child.
What do you think this is about? And more importantly, am I the only one annoyed by this behavior?
