Have you ever looked at an account and wondered, “What do the kids think?”.
Featured in every post, their little lives digitally documented online, often before they’re old enough to say “yes” or “no”.
On the other hand, you might have noticed a lack of photos of my kids in my content. Sure, I share stories from our lives, but you’ll never see them.
My work, both as a coach here and as a Social Worker in the Child Protection and Family Support Space, is centred around supporting women in their roles as Mothers.
Having worked with families experiencing violence, addiction, mental health issues, homelessness and sexual abuse, I’ve learnt one thing:
ALL Mother’s are doing their best.
And this is why the question of digital safety for kids is so important to me and my business.
If you’re abroad with your kids, all you want to do is share the experiences they’re having. Those beaming smiles and the stunning backgrounds are worth sharing! And I understand why you’d want to.
I know what it feels like to want to shout your joy from the rooftops—to say, ‘Look! We’re doing it! We’re thriving abroad!’ That instinct is beautiful. I feel it too.
In this post, I want to share my reasons for not sharing my children’s images online and challenge you to start posting pictures of your children with clarity and intention.
Family Is at the Heart of My Work
Breathe in Between grew out of my desire to support other women struggling to find their groove as Mothers abroad or as families on the go, wherever they are in the world.
As a new parent living abroad, I struggled without my social network. It was awful.
My mission is to support you to be the strongest, best parent you can be in your new home or on the road.
But it’s not just from my personal experience that I draw my perspective in creating support programs for you. The foundation of Breathe in Between comes from my professional training and experience.
My content combines my raw personal experiences with my professional tools like assessment frameworks, trauma-informed strategies, and an understanding of children’s rights—including their right to privacy.
I’m not just a Mom-blogger.
I am a professional and a Mother.
If you want to learn more about my motherhood journey abroad, check out this post.
Why I Don’t Share Photos of My Kids Online
When I was pregnant with my first (it feels like ancient history now!), I knew that this baby wouldn’t be shared online.
Why? I considered my job to protect their privacy as a protection of their future.
This decision goes beyond the (very real) risk of predators and straight to the question of a child’s rights, specifically a child’s right to privacy.
Children have the right to choose.
They have the right to decide how their image and voice are used. Children have the right to say “no”, too.
It is a child’s right to decide how their story is shared. Not ours.
A relative once asked me if I was proud of my kids because I never post about them online.
I was stunned! Of course I’m proud of them. I adore my children.
Pride doesn’t need to be performative. Visibility online is not a measurement of love.
There was a moment, spending a quiet afternoon in the Albanian Alps, when my children were swinging in a hand-crafted swing in the yard of our Air B&B with the soaring mountains behind them, when I instinctively reached for my phone.
I snapped the photo but I paused before sharing it online.
Not because it wasn’t beautiful—it was. But because I want those memories to be theirs, not part of my brand.
So, although my business is built on my experiences of being a parent abroad and on-the-road with my kids, it doesn’t mean they have to be shown in my business content.
While this approach doesn’t fit for everyone, it’s what’s right for us. As I always say to my kids “Every family has different rules” and I respect parents’ right to choose.
My Content Celebrates Family but Without Faces
While you won’t see photos of my children in my content, the stories that I share from my parenting journey still revolve around them.
My content is grounded in real experience and professional guidance. Whether you’re navigating bedtime routines in a new country or facing emotional overwhelm, I’ve been there—and I’m here to help.
Do I think photos of my kids would make my posts more relatable? Maybe. But they wouldn’t make them more valuable.
Instead of showing off my “why,” I want to help you reconnect with yours.
Why did you search for parenting support abroad? What are you hoping to feel more confident about today?
My two little “whys” are what fuel this work. But helping you feel more empowered in yours—that’s the reason I’m here.
What This Means for You and Your Family’s Story
So, why am I sharing this? Why, if it’s “no big deal”, am I dedicating a whole post to the topic?
Because I know it’s unusual to see someone online, especially in the family space, without photos of their family.
I also know that these questions are becoming more and more common for families as they navigate the new world of parenting online.
The next time you want to post an image of your kids online, consider:
- Why do I want to share this? Is this for me, my friends/ family or for the person in the photo?
- How would I feel knowing that my childhood photos had been shared with hundreds (or thousands) of people before I understood the internet?
- Am I happy with this photo remaining on the internet until my children are parents themselves?
You may still decide to post. That’s your right. But let it be an intentional act, not a default one.
For me, the answer has always been clear. My business, Breathe in Between, is mine. The choice to share my story was mine. But their story? That’s theirs. And protecting it—that’s my job.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Sometimes sharing can connect us, celebrate growth, or help others feel less alone.
But when we pause, we give ourselves the chance to make that choice consciously.
Last Comments About Why I Don’t Post my Kids Online
This isn’t about fear. It’s about long-term respect. It’s about teaching my children that their story—and their boundaries—matter.
I’d love to hear how your family navigates this. Do you share images online? Have your thoughts changed over time?
Join the conversation in the comments or send me a message. We’re all learning—and your story matters too.
