Getting Your Kids Engaged: Parenting Advice for New Parents
My web developer friend Dave and his wife had a baby on Friday and have posted a few pictures to their Facebook pages. Being a father myself, I thought I should lend a few words of friendly advice so that this couple can be the most successful parents possible. Here’s the note I left him on his Facebook Wall that hopefully will go on to help other new parents as well:
I know you and Jessica are new to this parenting thing, and I don’t want to seem critical, but I’ve noticed in all of the pictures you’ve posted so far that Jonathan just doesn’t really seem engaged. At this point I’m concerned about the long term success and monitization of this venture. (Remember that depending on overall success, this could be a significant part of your retirement portfolio down the road.)
Consider adding a social aspect that really encourages him to not only give feedback, but easily share his thoughts on your parenting with others in his demographic; possibly a button that allows him to Like your parenting interactions on Facebook or a way for him to easily pin his favorite toys, clothes, nursery furnishings, and other baby accessories on Pinterest.
Also consider some sort of social badge system to encourage favorable behaviors like sleeping through the night or hours without being fussy that can easily be shared through the Twitter and Facebook APIs in line with the Foursquare and GetGlue models.
Above all, remember that your parenting is an interactive conversation, not a one way soap box like parents enjoyed back in the late 50s.
Just a few thoughts.
SW
PS – I also think in the long term he’ll appreciate it if you Instagram his pictures before posting them.