Metro Parent / July 2010 / 10 Reasons Parents Should Be on Facebook

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10 Reasons Parents Should Be on Facebook

Metro Parent magazine Facebook fans share the benefits of belonging to the fastest growing community on the web

We are a part of the Facebook generation. From signing walls to sending instant messages, it's pretty apparent that more and more people are relying on Facebook as their main form of communication with the outside world. Metro Parent asked our Facebook friends what they loved about the social networking site. Here are the top reasons that moms and dads all around southeast Michigan love Facebook:

1. Stress management. Whether you need to vent about issues with your kids or you're looking for a way to decompress by playing a few games like Farmville or Family Feud, many parents agree that Facebook provides them with the perfect way to de-stress. "It's better than counting to 10," says Jennifer Keith Benando.

2. Getting connected. Maybe you just moved to a new neighborhood or you're looking for some parent groups in your community. Either way, there are so many pages and groups to join that you will meet people in no time. For pregnant mother of twins Nikki Lixey Klosinski, Facebook has given her a way to stay connected with the outside world with just a few clicks of the mouse.

3. Win free stuff! There are so many opportunities to score some things for your kids. Becoming a Metro Parent Facebook fan allows you the opportunity to win free stuff – sometimes, daily! It's a great way to get the latest items on the market. And let's be honest: Who doesn't love free stuff?

4. Reconnecting with people from the past. From old neighbors to college buddies, parents are bound to find someone from their past through Facebook connections. Now that mom Shannon Lynn Curtis has reconnected with an old classmate, they have set up play dates for their children, with hopes that they'll become great friends.

5. Stay informed. With so many groups and pages for information, moms and dad can keep their information up to date. "As a parent of a child with autism, it assists me in keeping up on news within the autism community," says Carolyn Gammicchia. From asking other parents for advice to reading up on the most recent news, more and more parents are finding a new way to stay informed.

6. Time management. Can't reach someone on the telephone? Turn to Facebook to shoot them a quick message or write on their wall. Mom Jessica McKenna-Snyder says that is one of the perks to the site. Or, if you want to get information quickly and efficiently, it is just a few clicks away.

7. Keeping tabs on your kids. OK, so we're not saying that you want to spy on them. But truthfully, what parent doesn't want to know what his or her child is doing? Once you get past the hurdle of becoming his or her "friend," you can stay up-to-date on the day-to-day experiences of your child. Take a look at their photos, things they've been tagged in and what others are posting on their wall. It's a great way to stay involved in your kid's life.

8. Parent-to-parent support. You are enduring the trials and tribulations of parenting, and for the times when things get tough, it's nice to have a way to share problems and solutions with parents all around your community. Ask for tips on how to cope with the day-to-day drama or give advice to other parents when you can.

9. A few good laughs. The good old News Feed can supply countless laughs to parents who need a pick-me-up. Toni Brubaker-Flood gets a kick out of reading her friends' statuses regarding their children and all their daily antics. From the crazy things kids say to the interesting and sometimes odd things they do, taking a peek at these posts gives people a much needed giggle.

10. "Me" time. You spend all day taking care of other people and neglecting your own needs and wants, but now you've got a completely free way to spend some alone time. Unwind in front of the computer, chat with friends, play some games and share stories. There's no better way to spend some "me" time in this new age of technology where Facebook is king.