How/where do you get your parenting advice/local family-related information, if not social networks?

[Anonymous]

When I was a FTM I found forums like this really helpful, and I still do. I used Facebook to connect with local parents and find out things about classes, schools, resources, services, etc. But with the recent Facebook blow up I am thinking about whether I will leave that network. I am not DC-based and I don’t think something like this exists in my area. How do you all connect to that info? Especially if you are both working parents with little time who didn’t grow up where you are raising your kids. I really feel it takes a village and sometimes online community is a good option.

[Anonymous]

My daycare provider.

[Anonymous]

Once my kid started preschool, I started chatting with other parents and that's where I get most of my local info.

[Anonymous]

I used Google, and talked to other parents. Like when my daughter was doing handstands and cartwheels at a playground a dad came by and asked if my DD took gymnastics classes. When I said no, he suggested the place his daughters went. I looked at their website, read their reviews on Yelp, checked out the place with DD, and enrolled her.

I got parenting advice from friends with kids a bit older.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, almost every school, activity, and sport my kids are involved in are on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) Those are for the general, bigger messages. Teachers and coaches use e-mail for specific things. Teams usually use an app for blasts to the entire team (like TeamSnap)

Additionally, most organizations use social media to notify the public about their events, classes, updates, etc. so it's really difficult to avoid social media altogether and receive the same level of information.

For parenting type things, it's usually through talking and texting with friends. My kids are older now.

[Anonymous]

Interesting . . . so most of you don't use FB for parenting/family stuff?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Interesting . . . so most of you don't use FB for parenting/family stuff?

I post pics for friends and am not bothered about the privacy implications of that, but I feel like anything I would want advice on is something it would violate my kid’s privacy to throw out there.

[Anonymous]

The only reason I'm still on FB is because it's a way to keep up with friends I don't see that much. So sine I'm already on it, I joined a couple of local mom's groups, as well as a great group for people with kids the same age. That place has actually been amazing, and it's a big reason I'm keeping FB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Interesting . . . so most of you don't use FB for parenting/family stuff?

No, that's not where I get information about places to send DD.

[Anonymous]

I'm a member of a secret group on FB that is for parents. I don't think people are realizing that you are talking about Facebook groups.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a member of a secret group on FB that is for parents. I don't think people are realizing that you are talking about Facebook groups.

OP here. Yes, I mean FB groups. Is there any good online substitute for that platform? It's been really helpful for everything from used clothes to pediatrician recs and school info.