Facebook Comfort

I believe that facebook has changed the moods of stay at home moms nationwide.

When my children are behaving badly or when I have (again) failed as a parent, I find myself turning to facebook.  From the moment that I click on the status button and express my feelings, I take comfort in seeing how many likes or comments I will receive from the other moms who are going through the same thing.

It makes me feel less alone.

This week was a great example.  Noah had an explosion two nights ago.  You all know what I mean.  The kind where the diaper fails to hold it all in, it ends up on the pajamas, the sheets, the stuffed animals, the pillow, the actual crib...just so awesome.

As I placed the little culprit in the tub and stripped him down in order to spray off the chunks (I told you-so awesome), I thought about how comforting this would be to write about on facebook later.  Instead of feeling alone (Nick was working late...because that is when these things happen...when Nick is working late), I knew other moms would feel my pain in facebook land.

Same thing happened last night.  I was getting ready to check on Abby before going to bed when I heard her crying in her room.  I walked in and saw vomit-everywhere.  On the bed, the side of the bed, the floor, on her American Girl doll, on a handmade scarf, on another doll, on some toys...shall I go on?

As I carried each item to the tub to rinse off, I thought, "I am not alone-other moms have to do this-I will share my misery with them in the morning in facebook land."  While my husband comforted our little girl (funny how that was his job and mine was to take chunks of puke off of stuff), I had to find the humor in it and keep on going. 

Not only did I find camaraderie in other moms in the same boat, but I also found helpful hints on how to get the stink out and how to clean certain items.

What did moms do before facebook?  Seriously?  I would have been so lonely.

In fact, I was.  I went through the sleepless, newborn nights with Abby long before I heard of this online social networking place.  And I felt alone.  Yes, I had some mom friends at our former church, but I often felt left out and on my own.  We lived in an apartment and I was lacking the kind neighbors that I am now blessed with.  I was very tired, very discouraged, and had no idea what I was doing.

I am not saying that facebook saves the day in all cases.  But, I am saying it is a comfort to know that other people are going through the same struggles and joys on a daily basis, no matter how far away they are.

To my friends on facebook that are not in the same stage of life as me, my apologies-you probably do not want to hear about poopy diapers, vomit, and day to day frustrations from mommyland.  But, please keep in mind that other moms do want to hear about it-it makes them feel less alone, too.

Say what you will about facebook ruining the way that we communicate.  For this mom who can never finish a conversation on the phone while children are nearby, it has been a blessing.