How much do you use Facebook in the capacity of being a parent

[darkchocolatecoffee]

A bit of an odd question but since having my baby, I’ve seen a few of the parent/baby ‘groups’ are Facebook based - area type ones or support groups.

Do you find you use Facebook frequently in the capacity of being a parent - things like joining groups/communities, connecting with other mums, sending/receiving party invites etc?

I don’t have Facebook and deleted it a long long time ago as it was impacting my mental health so I’m not too keen to get it again.

thanks!

Yes, loads! I also had a deactivated account but became a Facebook user again on having my daughter - the two things in combination made me feel very old all of a sudden 😂. Used Facebook mostly for breastfeeding, car seat and babywearing advice groups in the early days and using FB more again now as I'm pregnant again. I use WhatsApp and Instagram for local mum chats/playgroup/ events advice.

Im In several breastfeeding groups. Local groups have been invaluable for finding out about baby and childrens activities and classes. Oh and school/class groups!

And not to mention aside from parenting, if you need a trade doing in your house etc I couldn’t be without it for recommendations

No, you don't need to use Facebook as a parent. Like you, I gave it up long ago and have no intention of returning. I have never used it as a parent.

But you probably do need some kind of social network ideally. That might be an NCT group, library club, baby class, playgroup, etc.

When your DC start school, you will have a more obvious social/support network.

There are a few active groups for people local to a few neighbourhoods or parents specifically that share or sell lots of stuff you need for your kids or share tips on days out, services you need for your kids etc. so I find them really useful. But probably best to avoid if you’ve had bad experience in the past.

Thanks everyone - so far I’ve seen a lot of the groups are WhatsApp based but there are times Facebook would be useful for the breastfeeding groups (and in pregnancy, the gestational diabetes group for me). I’ll give it a think, thanks!

I did the same, deactivated for years!

I made a new profile and only use it for local groups and finding info out. I don't have any friends on it as I don't want to use FB for that purpose.

Can't comment on instagram as I don't use it though