Does it seem like you spend more time with your online friends than your IRL friends? Is your BFF in another state? Do you discuss the TTC issues of sue_tryin4one (made up name) with your DH? Is your website booming because of all the connections you have on the web?
If you are like most modern moms around today you probably answered yes to at least 2 of those questions. And that is not a bad thing.
I have been an “online mom” for about the past 8 years. It all started on iVillage when my quest to have children started. Since then I’ve been on various social networking sites, but I have always maintained a connection with the first few women that I “met” on the CAM (Conception After Miscarriage) board on iVillage. Many IRL (in real life) friendships have sprouted from those connections. We have visited each other’s homes, been on the phone to POAS together, vacationed together, and sadly even buried 3 of our sisters that were taken from us too young over the past 3 years. I don’t know what I would do without them.
It is important for everyone to have a support network. For some busy moms these days that are juggling businesses, households, and family, the web is a godsend for making those connections both personal and business. Sites like Type-A mom are perfect.
A few tips for those new to the whole online support thing.
- Don’t share too much personal info in online profiles.
- Don’t believe everything that you read.
- Do be a giver and not only a taker. Those in support groups are more inclined to help you with your problem if they feel that you are giving back to the community as well.
- Don’t neglect your family or IRL friends! Take a break and spend some time with the real people around you.
- If you have a business, do use your new connections to drum up some business!
Where do you spend most of your time online? Have you made any real substantial relationships that you cannot do without?
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LittleTechGirl
Kris Cain is Chicago area mom to 2 sets of twins, photography nut, gadget addict, web designer, and blogger who has worked in IT for over 13 years. On her blog, LittleTechGirl.com she writes about her love of gadgets, technology, and her children.
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