4 Social Media Tips for Alienated Parents

Ryan Thomas

4 Social Media Tips for Alienated Parents

Tweet This: [bctt tweet=”4 social media tips for alienated parents”]

Social media is such a presence in our lives today, and many of your alienated children have social media profiles. While this provides and opportunity for you to look in on your child, or see what they’re up to, it also gives them more opportunity to shut you out and make you feel rejected.

Some parents have access to see their child’s profile, others have been completely blocked and other parents ride the roller coaster of being “friends” one day, and completely blocked the next. These mind games can be maddening! What changed? What did I do? Why is this happening?

Here’s my take on using social media as an alienated parent.

#1 – Don’t Be Pushy

If you have access to see your child’s profile, let it be! Don’t post on their page or repeatedly ask them to officially connect/friend/follow. This may feel like you are invading their space and interfering. They may be ok with you being able to see their life, but don’t bring attention to that fact. Most importantly, often a direct request or following will be easy for the alienator to spot and insist it be shut down. Play it cool, do no harm and let things be.

#2 – Create an “Open” Profile

Allow anything you post to be seen by anyone, without needing permission. This will allow your child to look in on YOU and get a glimpse of your life without having to publicly commit to connecting. While this may seem odd if your child treats you like crap, it doesn’t mean they aren’t nosy and want to check in on you.

#3 – Beware of What You Post

Since you profile is open, be very careful what you post. Don’t turn your child off by posting old pictures with a countdown of how long they’ve ignored you. Don’t post pictures and stories where the child will think you’re airing the families dirty laundry. Nothing will re-enforce negative thoughts about you then going to your profile and seeing lots of drama and guilt associated with the alienated child.

#4 – Post Your Positive Life Perspective

Think about it, this strategy allows your child to see and listen to what you have to say! This means you can influence them with what you post. So think about insights and perspectives you’d like to share and post them. Inspirational quotes, positive messages, uplifting ways to live, etc. In addition to shocking them with this type of content, they’ll be able to see a different side of you.

In all, if you know what to say, what not to say, how to approach social media, and the advantages you have, this can be a great tool to reach your child!