### Social Media Stars Prepare for Parenthood, Prioritising Privacy Amidst Online Scrutiny
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Hannah-Burcaw-Shane-Burcaw-91126-a540dac382dc4046af55152af39f431c.jpg)

Hannah and Shane Burcaw, popularly known as Squirmy and Grubs, are embracing the joys and challenges of impending parenthood while being mindful of their social media presence. The interabled couple, who have garnered a massive following on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, recently revealed their pregnancy to their audience. The couple aims to manage how they share their parenting journey amid growing concerns about online reactions.
On September 8, the Burcaws announced that they are expecting their first child, a decision they made after a few months of keeping the news private. In their announcement video, they discussed the reasons for their initial discretion, highlighting the emotional importance of cherishing such a significant milestone in their lives. They emphasised that privacy was paramount, particularly regarding the child, who cannot voice their own consent or feelings.

“Our priority is to protect the privacy of our baby,” Hannah stated during a conversation with PEOPLE. This assertion reflects their commitment to being careful about how much they reveal online, especially given the potential for negative comments that can flood social media platforms.
Shane, who lives with spinal muscular atrophy, elaborated on their concerns about sharing personal information and the undesirable reactions they might encounter. He acknowledged that the couple had anticipated facing backlash over their pregnancy announcement, citing that many individuals might react unfavourably to the news due to Shane’s disability. “We know there will be people who think we are making a mistake,” he explained. The couple was particularly cautious about putting their child in the line of sight for public criticism.
In a world where social media is often a double-edged sword, both Hannah and Shane have learned to navigate it with care. They recognise that while they enjoy sharing their lives, the repercussions can be daunting. Hannah expressed the desire to avoid exposing their future child to the kind of negativity and hostility they often receive online. “We don’t want to subject a child to the kinds of comments that we get,” she said.
Despite their shared enthusiasm for becoming parents, the couple is acutely aware of the complexities of parenting in the digital age. They have made it clear that they intend to share aspects of their parenting experiences, but this will be done in a manner that respects their child’s privacy.
The couple also reflected on the reactions they have faced even before their child arrives. Recently, they posted a photo from a local art fair, which drew criticism directed at Hannah for her choice of snacks. However, Shane suggested that they have become adept at disregarding such comments. “People’s opinions don’t really matter,” he remarked, acknowledging that while the comments can be irritating, they do not define their happiness or parenting journey.
Hannah echoed these sentiments, noting how her perspective on online negativity has shifted significantly. “It affects me 0% now,” she asserted, suggesting that the couple has cultivated resilience against the disparaging remarks they encounter. She pointed out that often, negative comments stem from individuals projecting their own dissatisfaction with their lives onto others.
In addressing their audience, both Hannah and Shane remain hopeful about the future while highlighting the importance of a supportive environment as they transition into parenthood. Their experience has prompted an ongoing dialogue about the responsibilities that accompany sharing a family life as content creators, particularly when an innocent child is involved.
As the Burcaws prepare for the arrival of their baby, they are focused on crafting a balance between their public persona and personal life, underscoring the importance of love, privacy, and intentional sharing. With their unwavering commitment to protecting their child’s wellbeing, they are setting a precedent for what it means to navigate parenthood in an age dominated by social media scrutiny.
