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Parenting & Information Overload in the Digital World

Sarina Shirazee


When you read or hear information/advice online, you might think, "This is too much. No one can do all of this”.⠀

And you’re absolutely right. No one can do it all, all of the time. Please don’t think anyone expects this of you! The expectation is that you take the information that works for you. ⠀

When reading advice, you might think "That makes sense! I want to try and implement this" (and then either try and succeed, or try and fail - both are okay). ⠀

Other times you might think, "That makes sense! But that's just not a priority for me right now, so I'm not going to implement it".⠀

Or, "That doesn't make sense to me. I want to research this further".⠀

Or, “This doesn’t resonate with me at all. I’m going to move on”.⠀

Or, “I’m experiencing a strong emotional reaction to this. I need to look inward to figure out why”.⠀

And sometimes you might be in the mood for learning information so you scroll through social media pages, and other times you may know you’re in a state where you just can't take on any new information.⠀

Recognising what you need and don’t need, and what is and isn’t meant for you on social media can be difficult, especially when you throw anxiety, exhaustion, unhealed trauma and conflicting messages from friends, family and society into the mix. ⠀

We live in a digital world that means we have information at our fingertips whenever we need it. This of course has its advantages however I think it's important to know yourself and the way you interact with information online. ⠀

It’s great to be open-minded, but do unfollow accounts that are consistently sending messages that don't resonate with you (keeping in mind that they may not work for you, but they do work for others). Take breaks when you need to. Don’t forget that social media doesn’t substitute seeing a health professional in person.⠀

And when it comes to child development information and tips specifically, know that you were never meant to do it all, all of the time. Take what you need. Prioritise. If you feel triggered, look inward.


Commend yourself for what you’re already achieving (even if it doesn’t feel like you’re achieving anything - I can guarantee you, you are). I want to say follow your instincts, but I am aware that some people don’t have instincts, and others know that they can’t trust their instincts. Do what works best for you.


We all do what we can with the resources we have, and that’s enough.

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Perth Children's Occupational Therapy is a mobile practice, servicing central and coastal suburbs between Hillarys and Fremantle in Perth, Western Australia.

Unfortunately, due to high demand for services, we currently have a long waitlist and are unable to estimate the wait time. We really appreciate your understanding. If you would like to go on the list, please fill in the form, but we do encourage you to seek services elsewhere in the meantime.

E: info@pcot.com.au  |  M: 0414 657 142

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Thank you for the information. You have now been added to the waitlist and will be contacted when a therapist is available.

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