When Facebook and Reality Collide

I’ll be the first to admit that I post photos of my family, especially of my kids, on Facebook. 

And I don’t post the fights, the tantrums, the dirty house…I post the fun things, the happy things…the best things.

I don’t do it to be unauthentic, but because I like to share highlights of the things I love doing with my kids. 

But, I’m gonna keep it real today, folks. Here’s a little dose of “reality meets Facebook” where the pictures didn’t tell the whole story. 

Reality Dose #1: My son builds a shelf.

The caption reads: We had a little shelf that needed to be put together so Superman gave it to Michael and he did the WHOLE thing all by himself! We didn’t help him one bit. #futurecarpenter #proudmommy

What I didn’t mention was that this boy had been in trouble ALL. MORNING. LONG. 

He was constantly arguing with his siblings, purposefully causing problems, and just didn’t have a kind word to say about anyone. So, Superman, in all his brilliance said if he wasn’t going to think of something nice to do for the family, he could build this shelf. And build it he did. But I didn’t mention that in my Facebook status.

Reality Dose #2: We play a family game of kickball.

The caption reads: Morning “kick – ball” game!

What I didn’t mention was that this game was not very fun at all. It was Superman and I against all five of our kids. They are pretty much the worst team players I’ve ever met. If one of them made a wrong move, the rest of the kids would yell at the one who made the mistake. If Superman or I scored a point, a couple of them cried. If one of them got out, they cried. There was really not a lot of “team building” going on. This picture does not show Superman telling the kids, “If you guys don’t want to play with good attitudes, we’re not gonna play with you!” But I didn’t mention that in my Facebook status.

Reality Dose #3: My sons snuggle on my lap for head rubs.

The caption reads: I’ve got two boys laying on my lap asking for me to rub their heads. They’ll always want their mommy to rub their heads…Right? #growingup #boys

What I didn’t mention was that a few moments before this, my son on the left (who’s love language is most definitely physical touch) was irritating me to no end by rubbing his head on my arm and getting all up in my personal space. It was driving me crazy. But I didn’t mention that in my Facebook status.

Reality Dose #4: We take two of our kids to Great Wolf Lodge. 

The caption reads: Having a blast in North Carolina!

What I didn’t mention was that two seconds before this photo was taken, both these kids were crying because we wouldn’t let them go in the water yet. We had literally just arrived and were not ready yet. I felt like I was dealing with two spoiled children and wanted to make them wait even longer so they would actually appreciate being there. I know, I know…they’re kids. But still. I didn’t mention that in my Facebook status.

Reality Dose #5: We take a nice family photo while on vacation

The caption reads: My fam bam. Having SO much fun at Mount Hermon!

What I didn’t mention was that it was like pulling teeth to get this kids to smile for this photo. They were all tired and exhausted and had absolute no interest in getting their photo taken.  But, I didn’t mention that on Facebook. 

Facebook isn’t reality, people. 

I intentionally leave out the dirty details. Not because I’m being fake but because I think a piece of me wants to capture the good moment from the photograph…the unrealistic ideal that I wish would really be there. 

So, today, as you’re scrolling through your newsfeed, remember this post. If my pictures aren’t really quite reality, then everyone else’s probably aren’t, either.  

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