a North Dakotan girl through and through, wife, mother and die hard Catholic.

As mothers, our days are often full of quick errands, park trips, library visits, or a slow afternoon walk with our little ones in tow. These moments are often so sweet and shareable, and it can be tempting to post them right away—especially when we’re proud of how brave or joyful our children are, or when we want to connect with others in the same season.

But over the years, especially as I’ve shared more of our lives online, I’ve become very intentional about how I protect both our real-time safety and our long-term privacy, I think it a conversation that takes place at home between you and your spouse to discern what’s best for your individual family at the end of the day. If you’re a mom navigating outings on your own with your children—and also someone who shares glimpses of life online—I hope these simple safety rhythms serve you as much as they have me.

1. Never Post in Real Time

If we’re out and about, I never post where we are while we’re still there. I’ll wait until we’re back in the car—or often, not until we’re home and the kids are resting—before sharing. This isn’t just about privacy; it’s about presence too. People who wish harm often target distracted parents. I’ve learned to be very aware of my surroundings, especially when I’m out with all the kids alone.

The only time I might take out my phone is for a quick snap or short video, often just to send to Mason throughout the day so he feels a part of our little adventures. Otherwise, I leave sharing for later.

2. Avoid Location Identifiers

This includes more than just avoiding tagging locations. I’m also very careful never to post photos that include:

• Street signs near our home
• Mailboxes with our address
• House numbers
• Kid’s Locations extracurriculars we attend and what times/day of the week those take place
• When they start school name’s of the school they attend or maybe if they attend daycare which facility they are at.

Family and trusted friends know where we live—they’re the ones we share real life with: for playdates, letters, and porch drop-offs. But strangers online don’t need access to those details. It’s a small thing that can make a huge difference.

3. Talk About Safety Often (Not Just Once)

Our kids don’t need to be afraid of the world—but they do need to be equipped. I build safety conversations into our regular rhythms: in the car before we leave for an outing, right before we get out of the vehicle, or even while we’re walking.

Some reminders I use:

• “We always stay where I can see you.”
• “Younger siblings look up to you, so let’s show them how to stick together.”
• “Hold hands or a hand on the stroller, especially in parking lots or crowds.”

This conversation can and should evolve as your children grow—but it’s never too early to begin.

4. Kindness & Caution Can Coexist

Sometimes strangers will talk to our kids in passing—at the store, the library, the park. I want our children to grow up kind and polite, not fearful—but also not naïve. So we practice phrases like:

• “You can smile and say hello, but don’t walk away or give them any personal information.”
• “If you’re unsure, look at Mommy first.”

By practicing these gentle but clear responses, I want my kids to learn how to balance courtesy with awareness.

In Closing: Safety as Stewardship

At the end of the day, my role as mothers is one of both love and stewardship. We’re not called to live in fear—but we are called to live wisely, especially in the world our children are growing up in. That includes the real world and the digital one.

Let’s protect what’s sacred. Let’s share stories and memories in ways that invite others in without compromising the security of the ones entrusted to us.

And if you ever need a reminder: it’s okay to share less in real time, to slow down your posts, and to be discerning. That is motherhood too.