I am bravely continuing on with my Facebook theme. Once again I want to remind you that this is meant to be funny and to give all my Singles out there a good frustrated laugh. I'm pretty sure that no one will change their posting habits after reading this.
Today we are discussing parents-to-be. Here is a good rule of thumb:
Everything in moderation.
You are pregnant and that's awesome. You should be able to share your happy news with the world. We'd just prefer if maybe you didn't share it every day. Or several times a day.
Seriously, is there anything else in life that you post about EVERY SINGLE DAY? Besides your wedding, of course.
Long, long ago, people used to do this thing called scrapbooking. You get an album, buy lots of cute paper and embellishments, print out some pictures, and then start creating! Now I realize that posting to FB is cheaper and faster than this option, but maybe it will help you decide which pictures are REALLY the most important to share.
Posting Do's
Again, we will start with the positive side!
1. Pregnancy Announcements.
These are okay under one condition: get creative. You don't have go all out, but at least think of a cute way to do this. I'm happy for you that you are pregnant. Really. But at least make me chuckle or say, awww, that's so cute, so I'm less likely to think, dang, ANOTHER ONE???? Now I'm depressed.
Hint: Posting an ultrasound picture is NOT a creative way to do this. I did have friends who posted a picture of their two kids wearing big brother and big sister shirts, while holding up the ultrasound pictures. That's probably the only acceptable use of the ultrasound picture.
Today we are discussing parents-to-be. Here is a good rule of thumb:
Everything in moderation.
You are pregnant and that's awesome. You should be able to share your happy news with the world. We'd just prefer if maybe you didn't share it every day. Or several times a day.
Seriously, is there anything else in life that you post about EVERY SINGLE DAY? Besides your wedding, of course.
Long, long ago, people used to do this thing called scrapbooking. You get an album, buy lots of cute paper and embellishments, print out some pictures, and then start creating! Now I realize that posting to FB is cheaper and faster than this option, but maybe it will help you decide which pictures are REALLY the most important to share.
Posting Do's
Again, we will start with the positive side!
1. Pregnancy Announcements.
These are okay under one condition: get creative. You don't have go all out, but at least think of a cute way to do this. I'm happy for you that you are pregnant. Really. But at least make me chuckle or say, awww, that's so cute, so I'm less likely to think, dang, ANOTHER ONE???? Now I'm depressed.
Hint: Posting an ultrasound picture is NOT a creative way to do this. I did have friends who posted a picture of their two kids wearing big brother and big sister shirts, while holding up the ultrasound pictures. That's probably the only acceptable use of the ultrasound picture.
Hint: Posting an ultrasound picture is NOT a creative way to do this. I did have friends who posted a picture of their two kids wearing big brother and big sister shirts, while holding up the ultrasound pictures. That's probably the only acceptable use of the ultrasound picture.
I have seen some really cute ways to announce a pregnancy, so I know you can come up with something. And stealing someone else's idea is totally acceptable. Try Google. I'll get you started with these pregnancy announcements.
2. Pictures of Your CLOTHED Belly.
Alright, these are okay. (See Posting Don'ts below for more on this subject.) It's totally fine to post pictures while you are pregnant, especially if they are really cute. But again, try to limit the maternity photos.
3. Pictures of Your Newborn.
I love babies and I love my friends who are having babies. But do try to keep it in moderation. Post an album with some photos. Don't post every day, every hour. This includes professional and non-professional pictures.
Posting Dont's
Remember - all things in moderation.
1. Create a FB Page for Your Unborn Child.
Apparently people do this. Which is just weird. Not to mention it breaks several FB rules, like the fact that you have to be 13 to use FB. Resist the dark side! And if you don't, FB will probably remove it anyway.
2. Ultrasound Pictures.
Don't get me wrong, I think ultrasound pictures are cool. It's exciting for you to see that first image of your baby.
2. Pictures of Your CLOTHED Belly.
Alright, these are okay. (See Posting Don'ts below for more on this subject.) It's totally fine to post pictures while you are pregnant, especially if they are really cute. But again, try to limit the maternity photos.
3. Pictures of Your Newborn.
I love babies and I love my friends who are having babies. But do try to keep it in moderation. Post an album with some photos. Don't post every day, every hour. This includes professional and non-professional pictures.
Posting Dont's
Remember - all things in moderation.
1. Create a FB Page for Your Unborn Child.
Apparently people do this. Which is just weird. Not to mention it breaks several FB rules, like the fact that you have to be 13 to use FB. Resist the dark side! And if you don't, FB will probably remove it anyway.
2. Ultrasound Pictures.
Don't get me wrong, I think ultrasound pictures are cool. It's exciting for you to see that first image of your baby.
Let me repeat that. It's exciting for
YOU
to see that first image of your baby.
YOU
to see that first image of your baby.
And if my family members have one, I will want to see it. But that's it. I don't need to see your ultrasound. And if you doing a FB pregnancy announcement, get a little more creative than that. (See Pregnancy Announcements above.)
3. Awkward Maternity Photos.
It continually shocks me how many people do these. I mean, really? Just because you are pregnant, that does not mean we suddenly want to see your bare belly! I have no problem with you taking these kinds of maternity photos. But it's called a scrapbook, people. And no, FB does not count as a scrapbook. Keep these pictures private.
Think about it this way - would you post this picture on the INTERNET if you weren't pregnant?
If the answer is no, don't post it.
If the answer is yes, still don't post it.
There was a woman who didn't want to get maternity photos for her second child, so her husband did it instead. (I know, what??). The photos have gone viral. I think he was trying to inspire her to change her mind (not sure how that was supposed to work), but he ends up making a spectacular point. You sort of cringe and avert your eyes when looking at these photos.
If you are still at a loss to know what is appropriate or not, here are some examples of awkward and creepy maternity photos that should not see the light of day.
4. The Weekly Belly Measurement.
So many people are guilty of this one. Every week (or sometimes every month) we are treated to a photo of the mom-to-be standing sideways with a big grin on her face, a little sign telling us how far along she is, and showcasing how her belly has grown.
If you want to keep track of this, that's great. Have a blast. But you don't need to post ALL of them on FB. I don't need a weekly reminder that you are pregnant and SO EXCITED. I got it. Thanks.
Put it in your scrapbook. (Again - FB does not count as a scrapbook).
Like I said, babies are wonderful and we are all so happy that you are pregnant (that is NOT sarcastic). But just remember - everything in moderation.
Next week I will tackle the Parents' version. Hopefully I won't get any electronic tomatoes thrown at me. Let me know if there is anything you'd like included on the list!
3. Awkward Maternity Photos.
It continually shocks me how many people do these. I mean, really? Just because you are pregnant, that does not mean we suddenly want to see your bare belly! I have no problem with you taking these kinds of maternity photos. But it's called a scrapbook, people. And no, FB does not count as a scrapbook. Keep these pictures private.
Think about it this way - would you post this picture on the INTERNET if you weren't pregnant?
If the answer is no, don't post it.
If the answer is yes, still don't post it.
There was a woman who didn't want to get maternity photos for her second child, so her husband did it instead. (I know, what??). The photos have gone viral. I think he was trying to inspire her to change her mind (not sure how that was supposed to work), but he ends up making a spectacular point. You sort of cringe and avert your eyes when looking at these photos.
If you are still at a loss to know what is appropriate or not, here are some examples of awkward and creepy maternity photos that should not see the light of day.
4. The Weekly Belly Measurement.
So many people are guilty of this one. Every week (or sometimes every month) we are treated to a photo of the mom-to-be standing sideways with a big grin on her face, a little sign telling us how far along she is, and showcasing how her belly has grown.
If you want to keep track of this, that's great. Have a blast. But you don't need to post ALL of them on FB. I don't need a weekly reminder that you are pregnant and SO EXCITED. I got it. Thanks.
Put it in your scrapbook. (Again - FB does not count as a scrapbook).
Like I said, babies are wonderful and we are all so happy that you are pregnant (that is NOT sarcastic). But just remember - everything in moderation.
Next week I will tackle the Parents' version. Hopefully I won't get any electronic tomatoes thrown at me. Let me know if there is anything you'd like included on the list!