The internet is increasingly filled with self-styled “awakened souls”, “mentors of mentors”, and “enlightened coaches” who turn their families into a stage, casting children as props. At first glance, this may seem harmless – even charming. Yet a closer look reveals a more concerning pattern.
Behind the polished images and carefully worded captions, these posts often represent a performance rather than a genuine sharing of experience: children displayed as instruments, education side-lined on ideological grounds, and family life repurposed as a marketing tool to build a following or attract clients.
When childhood is directed like a theatrical production, and family life becomes a marketing campaign, the impact on children is far from fairy-tale.
Why This Column Matters
In this new column, Chronicles of Enlightened Parenting, I explore why these picture-perfect portrayals are not always what they seem, and how so-called “enlightened” parenting can sometimes amount to little more than advertising… for Mum.
I aim to reveal the other side of these stories:
- to analyse how such posts are constructed;
- to translate them from “Hollywood” into human;
- and to offer alternatives for parents who might otherwise feel pressured or misled.
If these reflections help even a single parent pause and consider a different approach, that alone is a success.
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This is only the beginning. In the upcoming case studies, I will continue to shine a light on the stories and assumptions presented under the guise of “enlightened” parenting online. This is not about naming or shaming individuals – it is about analysing patterns, unpacking rhetoric, and understanding their impact. The goal is clear: to steer the conversation back to what truly matters – the real lives of children, their development, and the exercise of thoughtful, accountable parenting. By focusing on ideas rather than personalities, we can learn, reflect, and protect the next generation without fear of unjust accusation.