If and how much to share of your kids on social media is one of those big discussions that parents have these days that didn’t exist ten years ago.
Now, though, there are all kinds of ethical questions about things like privacy and identity theft and the like, but still, few parents are going with the same zero-tolerance policy as Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes.
The couple has been together for nine years, but there are very few images of the two together – and even fewer instances of them talking about each other, their relationship, or their two daughters (5-year-old Esmerelda and 3-year-old Amada) in interviews or online.
They never post photos of their personal lives online, and when asked about why she never posts pictures of her “immediate family” on Instagram, Eva took a few minutes to graciously offer a reply.
Photo Credit: Instagram
“I have always had a clear boundary when it comes to my man and my kids. I’ll talk about them of course, with limits, but I won’t post pictures of our daily life.”
Photo Credit: Instagram
The reason? Simple consent, which has become such a big talking point in recent months.
“Since my children are still so little and don’t understand what posting their image really means, I don’t have their consent. And I won’t post their image until they’re old enough to give me consent.”
The actress could have gotten backlash if people had thought her stance was in some way judging their own decision to post whatever they wanted about their own children, but most have been supportive.
Photo Credit: Instagram
“As far as Ryan and I, it just works for us this way. To stay private.”
A hard thing to do these days for anyone, nevermind two people who are very recognizable and loved by so many.
Her statement should ring true for all of us, though – we need to make the decisions we feel like our best for our family, best for our children and their futures, and feel comfortable with any explanation we’re going to have to offer them when they’re older.
Easier said than done, but there’s no wrong answer.
This is a brave new world, and we’re all choosing our paths.