When Mulamwah and Carol Sonnie’s family moments go viral, they’re celebrated as #CoParentingGoals—a beacon of hope in a digital landscape often dominated by parental conflict. But behind every heartwarming photo lies a complex web of digital consequences: the pressure to perform, the invasion of privacy, the creation of a “perfect” narrative that may not reflect daily reality.
This blog moves beyond celebration to critically examine the power and perils of public co-parenting in Kenya’s digital age. When does sharing become oversharing? And what are the long-term effects on children when their childhood becomes public content?
1. The Power: Why Public Co-Parenting Can Be Positive
A. Shifting Cultural Narratives
Before: “Baby mama drama” was the default storyline.
Now: Mulamwah & Carol show cooperation is possible, helping reduce stigma.
Impact: Normalizes diverse family structures and encourages others to choose peace.
B. Creating Accountability
Public harmony can incentivize both parents to maintain respectful behavior.
A positive digital footprint can strengthen brand image for celebrity parents.
C. Building Community & Support
Followers offer encouragement and validation.
Other co-parents may feel less alone, finding inspiration in shared stories.
D. Advocating for Modern Parenting
Challenges traditional expectations that parents must be romantically together to be effective.
2. The Perils: The Hidden Costs of Viral Parenting
A. The Performance Pressure
Once a “perfect co-parenting” image is established, there’s pressure to maintain the façade.
Risk: Parents may avoid necessary conflicts or discussions to keep up appearances.
Child’s perspective: They may feel they must always be “on” for the camera.
B. Loss of Privacy & Autonomy
Keilah’s childhood is documented and scrutinized by thousands.
Future impact: She may resent her personal moments being public property.
Digital footprint: Her childhood is permanently online—no option for consent.
C. The “Highlight Reel” Effect
Followers see curated joy, not the mundane or difficult moments.
This can create unrealistic expectations for other co-parenting families.
Comparison trap: “Why can’t we be like them?” leading to frustration in less “photogenic” co-parenting situations.
D. Monetization & Exploitation Risks
Family moments can become content for brand deals or clout.
Ethical question: Are children being used as tools for engagement and income?
Case in point: Some influencer parents globally face backlash for commercializing childhood.
3. Keilah’s Digital Legacy: A Child’s Right to Her Own Narrative
The Numbers:
Photos shared now could be scraped, memed, or archived forever.
By age 13, she may have thousands of images of herself online posted by her parents.
Psychological Research Suggests:
Children with heavily documented childhoods can experience “digital identity fatigue”—feeling their story is owned by others.
May lead to rebellion or withdrawal in adolescence.
The Consent Gap:
Keilah cannot consent to her public presence now.
Future digital erasure is nearly impossible.
4. Comparative Cases: When Viral Co-Parenting Goes Wrong
International Examples:
YouTube families where children sued parents for exploitation (e.g., McCall family in the US).
Influencer divorces that turned ugly after years of “perfect family” content.
Kenyan Context:
Some celebrity parents alternate between harmony and conflict online, confusing the public and likely the child.
Pressure to maintain branding can delay or distort healthy conflict resolution.
5. Navigating the Tightrope: A Balanced Approach for Public Figures
Guidelines for Responsible Public Co-Parenting:
Do Don’t
Share occasional, positive milestones Post child during vulnerable moments (tears, sickness)
Keep child’s face/name private sometimes Use child as a prop in partnership promotions
Set clear social media boundaries with ex Air disagreements or logistical issues publicly
Plan for child’s future digital autonomy Assume they’ll be okay with their online presence
The “Future Test”:
Before posting, ask:
“Will my child thank me for this in 15 years, or resent me?”
6. The Role of the Audience: From Consumers to Ethical Engagers
As Followers, We Can:
Celebrate privately without demanding more content.
Avoid intrusive questions about the child or parental relationship.
Respect boundaries—if parents stop sharing, don’t pressure them.
Report invasive or exploitative content concerning children.
Shift from:
“Show us more of Keilah!”
To:
“We respect your family’s privacy.”
7. Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Parenting in Kenya
Potential Trends:
Rise of “sharenting” laws protecting children’s digital rights (as in France, Portugal).
Co-parenting digital agreements—contracts outlining what can/cannot be shared.
Child influencers’ rights movements gaining traction.
For Mulamwah & Carol:
Their choices now could pioneer ethical public parenting in Kenya—or serve as a cautionary tale.
Conclusion: Beyond the Filter—Parenting in the Real World
Mulamwah and Carol’s viral moments give us hope, but they also invite us to think deeper about the intersection of parenting and digital life. The true measure of their co-parenting success won’t be in likes or shares, but in Keilah’s ability to grow up feeling loved, respected, and in control of her own story—online and off.
As we double-tap on those sweet family photos, let’s also pause to honor the unseen, unshared, beautifully ordinary moments that make up a child’s real life. Because childhood is a season to be lived, not just a story to be told.
