Monday, September 23, 2013

Kids Online... Yeah, I know... here we go.

When a Facebook status gets too long... move it to the blog, Deb.

I sometimes feel like I'm the only parent on the planet who doesn't let their kid have Facebook, or a cell phone. Am I so weird?  Am I too up tight??? Feel free to comment below, I want to hear what you think.

 I will say this; I don't think anyone is wrong, everyone parents differently. This is how I feel personally.

To be honest so far it hasn't been an issue, my kids are pretty awesome about it and they don't complain.  I told them both several years ago; the rules on the website say 13 so I'm just following the rules, and they accept that.
I can see a few advantages - friends they used to go to school with, friends who live further away that they don't see, family that they don't see... but I think there's way too much on there that I can't control! As much as I trust my kids, and they've so far been really responsible online and know what's appropriate and what's not... Seriously - do you trust every single one of your family members to make their posts PC so your kid can safely read them? Or to refrain from posting inappropriate GIFs on their walls with things your 8 or 10 year-old shouldn't see? I know I don't! I don't even trust ME to do that. I have my dad on a filter in case I get angsty, but I've forgotten a few times and get the "I wish you wouldn't talk like that" speech from him when I post a rant. True story. And we all have our moments, right?

Now... Bri's only mentioned a cell phone twice so far, but I'm like - what does a 10 year old need a cell phone for anyway? If she's not with me or some other parent/step-parent, she's at school - so what exactly is the need?  Besides - I can still barely convince her to answer the house phone, say "Hello?" and give it to whomever they ask for.

Thank goodness my kids are good with rules (for the most part). But... am I too up tight or something?
I feel a little BAD, like I'm being the mom that won't let their kid have a Super Nintendo, and I'm SOOO MEANNNN...!  (ya, I'm old. shh.)