New York Mom: “I Just Stopped Caring!”—Her Tips to Ignore Social Media Parenting Pressure!
A Brooklyn mom shares her journey to freedom from the overwhelming expectations of online parenting culture. 🌐 #News #BrooklynNY #NewYork #Parenting
BROOKLYN, NY —Blake Friedman, a Brooklyn, New York, mom of two, used to spend hours scrolling through social media, comparing her parenting choices to the polished posts of influencers and fellow moms. The pressure to be the “perfect” parent—complete with organic homemade meals, Pinterest-worthy crafts, and flawless family outings—left her feeling inadequate and exhausted.
One day, she decided enough was enough. “I just stopped caring!” Blake says with a laugh. Now, she’s sharing her six practical tips for tuning out the noise of social media parenting pressure and embracing a more authentic, stress-free approach to raising kids.
Tip 1: Curate Your Feed Ruthlessly
Blake’s first step was to overhaul her social media feed. She unfollowed accounts that made her feel inferior, whether they were parenting “experts” showcasing unrealistic lifestyles or moms posting curated highlight reels. Instead, she followed accounts that shared humor, honesty, or practical tips without judgment.
“I wanted my feed to feel like a supportive friend, not a critic,” she explains. Blake suggests taking 10 minutes to audit your follows and keep only those that spark joy or add value.
Tip 2: Set Time Limits for Scrolling
Social media can be a time sink, and Blake found herself losing hours to mindless scrolling. To reclaim her time, she set strict limits—15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night. She uses her phone’s built-in screen time tools to enforce these boundaries.
“It’s amazing how much mental space you free up when you’re not constantly checking what other parents are doing,” she says. This habit helped her focus on her own family’s needs rather than comparing herself to strangers online.
Tip 3: Embrace “Good Enough” Parenting
One of Blake’s biggest revelations was accepting that “good enough” is more than enough. She stopped striving for the perfect birthday parties or Instagram-ready family dinners and focused on what truly mattered: her kids’ happiness and well-being.
“My son’s store-bought cupcakes at his party? He loved them, and that’s what counts,” she shares. Blake encourages moms to let go of perfectionism and celebrate the small, imperfect moments that make parenting real.
Tip 4: Find Your Offline Tribe
While social media can feel like a community, Blake found that real-life connections were far more grounding. She started hosting casual playdates with other Brooklyn moms who shared her laid-back approach. These meetups became a safe space to vent, laugh, and swap tips without the pressure of online judgment.
“Talking face-to-face with moms who get it is so much better than scrolling for validation,” she says. Blake recommends seeking out local parent groups or even starting your own.
Tip 5: Trust Your Instincts
Social media is flooded with parenting advice, from sleep training methods to discipline techniques, and Blake often felt overwhelmed by conflicting opinions. She decided to trust her instincts instead.
“I know my kids better than any influencer does,” she asserts.
By tuning out the noise, Blake gained confidence in her decisions, whether it was letting her toddler watch an extra episode of Bluey or skipping a trendy parenting hack. She advises moms to lean into their intuition and ignore the endless stream of “must-do” tips online.
Tip 6: Celebrate Your Unique Family
Every family is different, and Blake learned to embrace what makes hers special. Instead of chasing the aesthetics or routines she saw online, she focused on creating traditions that fit her family’s vibe—like impromptu dance parties in their Brooklyn apartment or weekend bagel runs.
“Social media can make you feel like you’re doing it wrong if your life doesn’t look a certain way,” she says. “But my kids don’t need a perfect mom—they need me.” Blake encourages parents to define success on their own terms.
Breaking Free
Blake Friedman’s journey to ignoring social media parenting pressure is a reminder that authenticity trumps perfection. By curating her feed, setting boundaries, and trusting herself, this Brooklyn mom found freedom from the comparison trap. Her six tips offer a roadmap for any parent feeling weighed down by the expectations of online culture.
As Blake puts it, “When I stopped caring about what everyone else was doing, I started enjoying motherhood so much more.” Take her advice, tune out the noise, and rediscover the joy of parenting your way. Have any tips of your own? Share them in the comments!