Every parent seeks valid and reliable information about what they can or should do when it relates to their children. No parent wants to err, ending up being in a precarious situation pertaining to their children. In doing so inputs are sometimes also sought from any sources that may be accessible to us and these often include in today’s times various blogging platforms that are run utilizing current and expectant parents themselves, sometimes but not always in collaboration with experts.
Things have shifted
In olden days families were large and mostly extended families stayed together or very close by. As a result, there were a host of adults available to listen, understand, provide information and help in determining the best course of action when it came to taking decisions and making choices. The times have changed and family sizes have reduced substantially. Simultaneously, the amount of time one has available to connect with friends and family is compromised given the busy schedules that everyone follows. In such a scenario, many parents turn to online platforms which appear to provide much needed information and support.
The positive of being associated with such a platform is the ease of availability of information and the presence of rather large number of parents who have either experienced a similar or the same situation or are in a position to redirect one to a source through which information or help can be gathered. In fact the number of people who do turn to such platforms is enormous and oftentimes the advice received can aid quick action.
The challenge nevertheless appears when the platform and the people present on it become experts on subjects which they are not experts in. Often parents are observed discussing problems experienced by their children, seeking help and remedies that they can utilize and apply to their child. What can be forgotten by the parent is the uniqueness of their child and the fact that anything that relates to a physical or a mental health related or well-being related issue should be redirected to an expert who would be able to factor in the unique variables relating to the specific child and make suggestions accordingly.
What also often does happen in the creation of a state of panic. Parents can be quick to extrapolate and visualize problems with their child on the basis of what they are reading. The discussions they see happening on these online portals can fuel their own thought process about what can or may be happening sometimes leading to false diagnosis in the mind of the parent, resulting in unnecessary stress and anxiety.
The role
It is important for parents to be aware of the role that online blogging platforms can and should play in their cognitive processing of situations and the decisions they need to take relating to them. The platform can provide alternatives, act as a support mechanism, provide information on where to or who from to seek help, which products or substitute products can be available and where you can procure them from but it cannot act as a substitute for professional opinions and expert queries. It can provide enormous support in the form of individuals who can hear you out, who you may be able to lean on emotionally, but they would not be able to supplant the role that can be played by family, friends or therapists’ who can play a role in helping you actually work through the problems you face in a consistent manner.
