Networking

I recently had the chance to speak to a friend who had just given birth to baby number three.  It was rare occasion that all three children were napping at the same time.  She is home on maternity leave and I asked her how it was going distancing herself from work while away.

“Work’s fine, it’s Facebook that’s the problem,” she said with a tone of exasperation in her voice.

After some probing, it seemed that she had spent the better part of the last three weeks connected to Facebook as a source of sanity.  “I never used it before my maternity leave.  Now, I can’t get off of it. I’m an addict.” 

Apparently, Facebook has become the primary way for moms, especially those holed up during the long winter hibernation to stay connected with one another.  “Without Facebook, I would lose my mind.  It’s the only way I know what’s going on in my friend’s lives,” she went on to say.  Keyboard clicking in the background.

Being a proud member of the Facebook community, I decided to go trolling for status updates in and amongst the parenting set.  Here’s what I found:

Sally “is waiting for the husband to come home.  And he better back me up on this one.”

Julie “just tried to cut her own bangs.  With safety scissors.  Needs a day at the salon, but is too embarrassed now.”

Connie “needs a break.  From everyone.  Except Facebook.”

John “just spent half an hour fishing tub toys out of the toilet.”

Beth “is considering duct tape as a parenting device.”  

Jen “thinks that if talking back were her son’s job, he’d be eligible for a raise.”

Liz “can’t believe the price of braces.  And when did they start coming in colors?”

Sheila “thinks people share too much on Facebook.  When did posting pictures of your latest surgery become necessary?”

And my favorite:

Shawn “just got home to a smiling daughter who was screaming, “I love you Daddy!” … the rest of the day’s stress just wiped away.”  

Facebook: not just for career ending photographs and Farmville anymore.