We’re all familiar with the standard Facebook friend status updates sharing work day woes, vacation photos, likes and dislikes and links to videos and media stories. Lately I’ve noticed a new sort of share by my Facebook friends who are parents; shout outs for babysitting and play dates.

Here are some of my favorites:

"Need more 2 year olds for Haven to play with, he is full of energy and I am wilting away!!"

"Any aunties or uncles wanna hang with our little one today?"

"If anyone wants to pick up my cute little lady & cruise with her today, feel free! Mom needs a break! Call or text me. Please & thank you!"

"Can someone grab Luke today from basketball and drop him off at our place—nanny’s car broke down argh!! Thanks TONS!"

"It’s a beautiful sunny day; my kids want to hang with your kids-holler if you’re up for a last minute play date!"


As always, I’m sure there are going to be two schools of thought on this whole parents posting pleas for play dates and childcare coverage on Facebook; those who judge and those who are supportive.

Years ago, when my sister first became a mom, she reported to me one day “all mommies are liars.” Translation: no one really wants to outright admit things are tough.  Instead of coming clean, and being honest about their experiences, a percentage of moms act as if they’re living the dream day in and day out, which eventually causes awesome resentment within the community.

For example, during the terrible twos, when we all know the wheels are falling off for most parents, moms will say “Oh, Joey is not really going through that. He gets cranky now and then, but he’s really just such a mellow kid.” Whereas “reality mommy” will be brutally honest and admit, “Jennie is driving me nuts. She has constant meltdowns and has been a complete nightmare the past few days. I really need a break.”

When Zuckerberg created Facebook, I’m sure he didn’t have saving parents souls in mind. Let’s be honest; he never really imagined anyone over 22-years-old being on Facebook. Yet here we are. This far-reaching outlet offers parents the slightest hope for the possibility of relief. I’m delighted to see the postings for kid support pleas getting tons of support, positive feedback, and friends offering their services and time.

My fellow Savvy Aunties, let’s expand our hearts even further than we already do and say “yes” to those random pleas for play dates and babysitting. Let’s support moms and dads who are reaching out for support, and asking for what they need.

I’m not a mom, however, come February 2012, I will be joining the ranks of parenthood. Who knows, maybe I’ll become a liar too, but at 43, I sort of doubt it -- I’m just too old to bother with the lying shenanigans. Let it be known, I will be asking for what I need, when I need it, whether it’s on Facebook, via text, Twitter, or old-school telephone. I may even rent my kid out every now and then.

It was my cousin Tehani who lives in Hawaii who posted, “if anyone wants to pick up my cute little lady & cruise with her today, feel free! Mom needs a break! Call or text me. Please & thank you!” My reply:  “Teh, if you can Fed Ex her this way, Kris and I will take her for the weekend!”

Fed Ex does this right?

Published: September 28, 2011