Instagram can be a loud place. Three years ago, as a brand new mom, I followed countless handles in search of tips and advice. Over time, it became clear my feed was a stressful place.
Too many cooks in the kitchen, I suppose.
After reading Emily Ley’s When Less Becomes More, one of my strategies for simplifying my life was simplifying my feed. I unfollowed anyone who did not bring value, happiness, or wisdom to my table.
The following five recommendations are parenting accounts that have truly helped me as a mom.
For Feeding the Kids
Jennifer Anderson of @kidseatincolor is a registered dietician with two young boys. Anderson’s feed offers practical and science-based pediatric nutrition information. Many accounts share ideas for little people meals, but Anderson’s account goes beyond meal planning. Her advice on navigating picky eating behaviors has helped me feel more relaxed as a parent when my child refuses certain foods or suddenly balks at a past favorite. Anderson’s account is informational and offers direct strategies. Most importantly, she continually reminds us that our children’s eating habits are not a reflection of them or our parenting.
For Car Seat Safety
Michelle from @safeistheseat, is someone that EVERY mom should follow. Whether you are expecting for the first time or a seasoned parent, there is never a bad time to learn about correct car seat use. You don’t know what you don’t know, which is why she became a certified car seat technician. Michelle’s account focuses on the ins and out of correct car seat use, from installation to proper strap use, to making sure everything is adjusted to fit your kid as he grows. I learned from Michelle why I need to remove my seat protector — it gives a false sense of installation tightness. Also, she taught me the dangers of projectiles, and I have worked toward keeping items in my car stored and secured. Most importantly, she has helped me feel confident every time I buckle up my son.
Ninety-five percent of new parents leave the hospital with their baby unsafe in their seat. Her goal is to empower and educate parents to decrease these types of statistics.
For Behavior and Tantrums
Best friends Deena and Kristin of @biglittlefeelings are the down-to-earth pair that any toddler parent needs to follow. A parent coach and a child therapist, these two women aim to give parents the advice and resources to thrive through tantrums, big toddler feelings, and behavior. These women are nonjudgmental and remind parents that we are all doing our best. My favorite takeaway from @biglittlefeelings is the “mental script” I use for calmly walking my son through a tantrum.
For All The Activities
There is a reason Susie from @busytoddler has been featured nationally, including on Good Morning America. During quarantine, Susie was a walking lesson plan as I attempted to keep my toddler engaged. Susie is a treasure trove of low-key, educational activities, many of which require minimal and low-cost materials. She is an early childhood expert focused on play-based learning. When running out of ways to keep a two-year-old busy in quarantine, Susie taught me the simplicity of pouring stations, sensory rice, and the resiliency of pom pom puffs.
For When There’s Never Enough Time
I went through a big stressful struggle of trying to keep up with home cleaning tasks. I felt like I was spending my Sundays or a whole night after work trying to do it all. Somewhere I ran into the handle @cleanmama. This account made me finally feel on top of keeping a clean home, on top of working a full-time job. She provides a schedule for cleaning – one main task a day – which has kept the mess from building up. Additionally, she reminds us of the small daily tasks that make a difference. I love how @cleanmama also provides simple non-toxic material recipes, such as her nightly sink scrub. The best takeaway- one load of laundry a day changes lives.
[…] by the amount of information I was consuming. My endless Google searches and scrolling time on social media caused me to be more unsure of myself as a […]