The Natick Mom’s Group is a Facebook group, formed in 2014, is comprised of just over 2,235 Natick moms who seek and offer advice on anything from choosing childcare, kid-friendly restaurants, medical practitioners and house painters to job networking. New moms join the group each day.
Natick resident Samantha Goldberg, a mom of a second grader at Brown and a college freshman, loves using the group. “The best part [of using the site] in my opinion is twofold,” Goldberg said. “First, there is a connection you feel with these other moms who may be going through some of the same things you are. We are able to give and take advice freely, most of the time without judgment. Second, there are connections for the best of everything, from electricians, to embroidery services, to pet sitters. There’s something comforting in knowing your fellow townies have made a referral.”
More and more, community leaders and businesses are using the site to get important messages to local moms. For example, Anna Nolin, the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for the Natick Public Schools, has posted several items on the site, and local businesses have capitalized on the specialized audience.
While the site does offer great information, local referrals and general support, a Natick mom of two who wishes to remain anonymous pointed out another side. “I prefer to be an observer and not comment directly on most things because there is a lot of drama on the site, and some of the moms can be mean.” She referred to a set of postings on the site in July when group members were essentially telling on each other for breaking the rules of the town-wide water ban.
Also, some moms said they are overwhelmed by the amount of notifications they receive when members post on the page. This issue can be easily solved, however, by “unfollowing” the groups’ posts. If you unfollow the group, you are still a member, but the posts don’t show up in your newsfeed.
Site administrator Cara Caissie feels that overall the group has made significant positive contributions to the community. “I don’t see any disadvantages to the group, honestly,” Caissie reflected. “It’s such a warm, compassionate community loaded with resources and a wealth of information. Moms in the group have connected in the most unexpected ways. With any type of group dynamic, there are sometimes disagreements. The women have always been able to voice themselves respectfully and remain a supportive network. These women have sought solace in one another while they navigate parenthood and all of its challenges. It has been a pleasure watching [the group] evolve.”
Some local businesses have offered discounts when customers mentioned their association with the site, Caissie noted.
Despite some differing opinions about the content of the site, the Natick Mom’s Group grows daily and is proving to be a useful source for local information. Whether members want to find out about a school policy, a new healthcare provider or recommendations for new appliances, there is always a mom on the site willing to offer helpful advice.
Issue Date:
January, 2017
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