Not fitting in with other new moms

Dear Readers, Some days I feel like a square peg in a round hole when I venture into new mom social media groups. I believe shared experiences bring people together, so I generally welcome the presence of other new moms or new parents. That includes the virtual space. I often just lurk and only chime into to a discussion that is particularly interesting, entertaining or relevant. This is where I face palm. And yes, I'm feeling a bit cheeky as I write this blog toward the end of the week. I may have shared that my career and graduate education all center around marketing, communication and new media fields. I think social media is incredibly powerful and can be used as a force for good. That doesn't mean it's immune from toxicity and general ickiness.

As I scroll through some of these niche groups geared toward first time moms, stay at home moms (SAHM), older first time moms ('older' in this world usually means 35+), I'm seeing passionate discussions that frequently revolve around topics that just don't concern me... at all. For example:

1. How to make the perfect TikTok backdrop (you know the kind, where every house is monochromatic, perfectly tidy with no personal effects and looks like a display piece).
   

2. Wine and why it's essential for #momlife. I made the decision to stop drinking almost two years ago. No judgement and it's an individual choice but it seems the new-mom-wine-obsessed culture is going overboard. Products like discreet wine containers for young moms to get through kids' sporting events don't quite sit well with me.

3. Secrets to a perfect 'Gender Reveal' party. Oops, I guess we missed our shot with that one. Have I mentioned that I thought I was having a Grant?

4. And my personal favorite, the MLMs (multi-level marketing companies). I am not interested in your essential oils...

I don't fit in to this. And that's okay. The beauty of social media forums and message boards is you can scroll by if you aren't interested and move on with your day. No harm, no foul. I have befriended dozens of highly intelligent women and selfless new moms, both locally and virtually. They have interesting stories about their background and their journey to parenthood, some of which make it into my writing. Meeting at coffee shops, formal meet up groups, stopping by the house and walks around town have been such a joy for Evangeline and me over these past several months. I am thankful they are a part of our village.