Unplugging on Mother’s Day for the #SocialBlackout

By Kenda - May, 9th 2013

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for MetLife. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.”

“What are you doing for Mother’s Day?” I’ve heard that question a lot the past few days. While some families go out to eat, to the park etc – I like to chill out. My family is already very much on the go the other 364 days of the year. So, when it’s officially ‘my’ day, I like to sit still and relax. This year I’m even more excited because our stone patio and landscaping is finished in the back yard. I can’t wait to pull out the picnic table, watch my husband fire up the grill and watch my boys play catch while I sip an ice cold Mojito. Ahhh yes. You can keep the crowded breakfast buffets – give me my family and stretching out in the sun.

Granted, I do go out back even when it’s not Mother’s Day, but I’m usually working on my laptop or my tablet while the kids play. Always going – going – going. If I’m not working, I’m posting photos of the boys to Instagram or Facebook. It’s amazing how often I have some kind of electronic in my hand that connects me to social media — no matter what I’m doing. My husband is the same: texting, phone calls or checking ESPN for whatever game score is going on that day. And just when you think it’s just the adults hooked up online — my teen has his cellphone and our toddler likes his Kindle Fire almost as much as his favorite stuffed dog.

This year is going to be different.

MetLife has created the #SocialBlackout movement, which challenges everyone to log off of social media on Mother’s Day (May 12th) and give Mom the time and attention she deserves! But let’s admit it, Moms – we’re on social media as much (if not more) than our kids and spouse. So, for my family, this isn’t just about mom – it’s about everyone unplugging and reconnecting.

I signed up for the #SocialBlackout on May 12th – you can too. Click HERE to attend this ‘event’ and say “Yes! I’ll unplug for Mother’s Day” and join in. Then, on May 12th, change your Facebook profile image to show your participation and let your friends know, “Sorry – today is family day. I’m unplugged!” (you can save the image below…)

 Will you be unplugging for Mother’s Day? Why or why not?