One thing I learned in my 40-something (can’t remember the specifics) years on this earth is that you will never regret being kind. Imagine how beautiful the world would be if everyone just had something positive to say. Wishful thinking? Maybe. But I still believe in the good of humans and I still want to always see the best in people. Social media and online bullying sometimes make that tough to do.
I love what I do. And I love sharing my life within our City Girl community. But I don’t love haters. I don’t love internet trolls attacking my son for living authentically in this world. When it’s pointed toward me, that’s one thing. But when you come after my son? That I won’t stand for. When I see a negative comment about Brody or myself, or any other member of my family, I always wonder what’s going on in that person’s life. I wonder why they feel entitled to share an opinion on someone they’ve never met. I just don’t get it!
About 37 percent of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 have been bullied online. Thirty percent have had it happen more than once.
The Social Media Switch
When I started my blog all those years ago, social media was a different place. I didn’t log in every detail of my life on Instagram, I didn’t have as many followers as I do now, and my Boss Baby Brody certainly didn’t either (he wasn’t even born yet!). But for better or for worse, and I like to think for absolute better, our social media platforms have developed into what it is today—a place for us to communicate almost instantaneously, a place to be creative, to get inspired.
But with all of that good comes some bad. The negative comments. The online bullying. And the judgment. It’s so much easier to stay safe behind your phone screen and say cruel things knowing you’ll never have to face that person. Social media has given us that power. I just wonder why some choose to use it.
More kids experience cyberbullying on Instagram than any other platform at 42 percent. With Facebook following close behind at 37 percent. Snapchat ranked third at 31 percent. YouTube was only responsible for 10 percent.
Ignoring the Haters
I don’t want to spend my time or energy on the haters, but I do think they need to be acknowledged. For as many lovely, supportive, awesome comments as we get from our community, there are always a handful spewing hate. And when you spew hate and ill words to other human beings, you’re keeping yourself engulfed in a toxic cloud! What a shame! I can’t imagine living so miserably.
Check out more parenting tips on the City Girl Gone Mom Pinterest board!
One million children were harassed, threatened, or subjected to other forms of cyberbullying on Facebook during the past year.
What I’m Teaching My Kids
Most importantly, I’m making this a teaching moment. I won’t shine a light on people’s hatred, but I will encourage my kids to always treat people with love and compassion and that they rise when they lift others! It starts at home! Instilling a sense of kindness and respect in our children is my and Bobby’s biggest lesson. The golden rule holds true for a reason—treat others as you wish to be treated, and only kindness can follow!
I think we can learn so much from our kids, those who naturally want to love and accept people as they are. So please stay kind and take a page out of Boss Baby Brody’s playbook and just dance it out!
I think you are such an inspiration to all moms, friends, wives, siblings, daughters and more – keep up the awesome. Work and keep growing legends – I know I did 🥰
Wonderful blog and Brody is a testament to a loving non judgemental family!
Thanks
XX
Love love love that you’ve launched National Check Yourself Day…which of course should be celebrated 365 days a year, 24/7! Blessings to your Boss Baby ~ he’s a genuinely talented phenom! I love that he already knows @ such a young age what God created him to pursue and be, and that you and Bobby and your entire family nurture his life w/such genuine support and love.
May our dear Lord continue to bless you; and may God help the haters…they need way more prayers for sure!
I am so sad to hear this we LOVE ❤️ #bossbabybrody !!! I will continue to fallow you .