Let's Discuss: Mom of Boys or #BoyMom?

Where's the line between stereotype and toxicity?

Recently, a mom of boys wrote the post above, and it went viral. Some said it was satire, pointing out the problems with emotionally enmeshed “boy moms.” Others maintain it never claims to be satire and that the photos Jenny Mollen posted on Instagram (of herself tussling with/embracing her 12yo son) were inappropriate. On Threads, a few users threatened to report Mollen to CPS.

What do you think? Is Jenny Mollen using cringe humor and absurdity to highlight some real feelings mixed with a larger societal problem? And what is it about self-proclaimed “boy moms” that so quickly ventures into uncomfortable territory? Where do we draw the line between goofy jokes and being creepy about children?

P.S. Lindsay Fickas wrote about one particular aspect of being a mom of boys (not a #boymom) earlier this year, and you might find it interesting in light of this topic.