Spot checking their phone....

I talked to a lady yesterday that said she was opposed to parents who read their kids text messages. She felt that it was an invasion of their privacy. She felt the same about logging in to their facebook and myspace pages. I immediately thought of the teenagers that have taken their own lives and left clues all over these online journals. Wow....I am sure those parents feel much differently now. I guarantee you they wish they would have read their childs words.

If our children are posting words or pictures for the entire world to view, why do we feel we are invading their privacy if we view them? As parents it is our responsibility to be in the know.

It takes effort, patience and self control. Why patience and self control? Well, its that reactionary thing we have that sometimes BUSTS out. As parents, when we see something that we know is not right or needs discussion, we have to take hold of that teachable moment. We need to try to react less and parent more. Think about that.....reactions are sometimes involuntary and they can just explode with emotion. When that happens we lose a teachable moment. We've all been there....don't deny it.

My kids know I spot check their text messages and online journals. And even though they know that...I still find things from time to time that we have to discuss. Things that they think might be funny......sometimes aren't. Sometimes I am able to share how things may hurt them in the future. I have to remind them that what they share online is so important. Not just their personal stuff, but pictures too. They have to think ahead to what might effect someone else. What can effect them in the future if someone is looking at them for a job. You know most large corporations now use google to do image and word searches with someone's name to see what pops up. No surprises...... So, be certain before you post your craziest moments online, better yet...maybe don't document each crazy thing with a picture. That might be a better idea anyway.

So, if you haven't checked their phones lately, or their myspace or facebook - do it today. Its Saturday, and it might be raining where you are. (Its raining here...so I don't want to get out just yet) That means you've got some time. Ask your kids to sit with you while you view their pages. And maybe....get your own facebook page. The benefits? I'll post that on another blog....but not only will you learn how to use one of the primary communication tools of the teens today...you'll also be updated daily on the activities of the 'friends' in your network. Activities can mean pictures too...so every time your kids (if they are your facebook friend) upload new photos....you'll know and you'll have a chance to view them without happening upon them at a later time. Just a thought....