I love social media–twitter, blogs, facebook, mesageboards and more. I’ve got a profile on all of ‘em. Most of my interaction comes from other bloggers and people like me. So, when I talk to normal people (yes, as opposed to geeky wannabes like myself) they always seem to ask, “Why would I use that?” Or “I don’t get it.” OR “I don’t have time to do that!”

Well, for all of you who are wondering how and why you should use social media, here are some fun ways to make social media work for your family! You don’t have to be geeky, techy or even own a nice computer.

1. Start a Facebook Group. It’s as easy as clicking on Create Group and following the directions. You can write on the Family Wall, start discussions about who’s bringing what for Easter brunch, post photos of Uncle Jim Bob’s recent birthday party and even add events like holidays, t-ball games and ballet recitals. Not to mention how this may keep your crazy Aunt Judy from commenting on everything you post on YOUR wall.

2. Twitter Baby Book. Sign up for twitter and instead of tweeting “I’m going to the gym” type what your kiddo is up to. “Watching Elmo while stuffing face with waffles.” OR “Mommy loves to tickle my tummy. I love her!” OR “HELP! I JUST GOT A TOOTH!” You can chronicle the firsts from your phone or computer and you’ll never have to dig out that silly baby book again. You can even use twitpics to upload regular pictures. Even if no one else knows this account exists, you’ll love to look through it one day!

3. Flickr. Flickr is a photo sharing website. But unlike Snapfish and Photobucket, it’s a community, too. Photographers and other people like to showcase their brilliant photography. I like to showcase my kids’ chalk drawings. Once you’ve uploaded pictures, you can do so many great things–edit, organize into sets, view by date or location, share via a private link with friends or family, tag people, make comments and even print copies! How fun if your grandma could just click over to your Flickr page and print off whatever pictures she wanted–she’d never complain you didn’t send her pictures!

4. Replace Google. I use Twitter and Facebook to find out almost anything I need to know. This morning I decided to make some frosting for some cookie bars I made with my daughter. I only had a bag of chocolate chips, half a bag of powdered sugar, no butter and no cream. I tweeted out “HELP ME MAKE FROSTING”. Within minutes I had 3 recipes. And one of my twitter followers even walked me through the recipe! I ask my peeps on facebook and twitter about everything from cooking to local finds to computer questions.

5. Skype. You may have heard that skype is a way to ditch your phone and talk for free through the internet. Well, that is one great feature. But I use Skype to chat. Yeah, just old school chatting. My friends and I use it to say hi, to bounce ideas off each other and to plan events. Plan events? Yup. You know how it takes like 3000 emails to figure out a night on the town? (Or is that just me?) On Skype, you can create a private chat room and while you’re each on your own couches watching The Biggest Loser you can figure out where you’re going to meet, how much money to take, who’s driving, who’s carpooling and if you need to bring a camera.

Skype also has a video chat feature. I don’t use this as often because, let’s face it, that means I’d have to wear make up every day. But my friend Mandi lets her kids video chat with their aunt so she can cook dinner in peace. That is virtual babysitting, y’all!!

So, what are you waiting for? Jump into social media!