The One with the Cyber Mom-Bully

To be completely honest, I used to throw a huge eye roll at the term “Cyber-Bully.” I saw the term used (and dare I say, over-used) again and again by what seemed like every teen and twenty-something out there. To an extent, I still believe the term is over-used. However, after experiencing a very small form of the term, I knew it was time to step up and join the stance against these bullies.

The other day I posted a short video of my 20-month-old son putting away dishes. I found the video adorable, primarily for the fact that my son isn’t even two years old, yet wanted to help me out. A complete stranger found the video horrifying, primarily for the fact that my son isn’t even two years old, yet “was forced” to “work” for me.

Perhaps through one of the hashtags I used, that stranger harshly reprimanded myself and my friend whom I had tagged. She called us out on being horrible mothers and said we were ruining our children for forcing chores on them.

Her comment has since been deleted.

Different points of view and knowing all the facts can change the story drastically. I, too, would find it horrifying if a toddler was being treated as someone’s slave and forced to do work, but that clearly was not what was happening in my video.

In this age of social media, it can become all too easy to forget that there is an actual person – someone’s actual loving mother – on the other side of that Facebook or Instagram post. If you are like me, you follow quite a few Influencers, Bloggers and Celebrities. Nearly every day I see or read a post from one of them that I either don’t agree with or find odd.

But you know what…I DON’T COMMENT ON THE POST!

Why?

Well, the Golden Rule “Do unto others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31) is more than just a Sunday School saying to me. It actually means something to me, so I think before I type. I think about that fact that the mom behind the post has feelings, a family, a past, a future.

I share my experience and thoughts here today to encourage all of us moms. The next time we are scrolling through Instagram and run across a post from a friend or Influencer that rubs us the wrong way, let’s agree together to just keep scrolling. Writing a snarky or hurtful comment is not going to make you feel better. It will only do harm to all involved.

Be an adult woman and choose to do good. Be the example your kids need. Act in a way you would want others to act toward you.

Have you ever experienced a similar situation? Share your story in the comments if you need to, or simply use this space as an opportunity to encourage another mom in your life.

Previous articleThat One Time at Church…
Next articleI Already Miss It
Clancey Stewart
Oklahoma City has been home for me from day one. My husband Chris and I met at our church in OKC in 2013, and were married a year later. He works for the FAA, and I work my Real Estate and health and wellness businesses from my home-office. We have two boys under two years of age and our big fur-baby, Solomon. You’ll find lots of family time, DIY projects, cooking, a balanced lifestyle, and love in our SW OKC home.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here