texting and parents

How do we monitor communication today that we did not grow up with? What a challenge.  As parents we’re supposed to be the experts and teach. How can we do this when technology is evolving so fast? All great questions to ponder and to respond to if you have time and the wisdom to share with other parents challenged by our middle school children texting.

A parent of a middle school student opens up his son and daughter’s phone and scrolls through their text messages once in a while. Now this is not a perfect fix for issues that can come up, but he did feel this small act supports his family values of building healthy relationships with friends and communicating to each other respectfully. He reads through the communications between friends and feels the sense of their language to each other and monitor the goings on even if they are insignificant.  The parent went on to explain that his kids have informed their friends of this practice. Knowing that his dad monitors semi-regularly should allow him to have a small window into their lives.  Of course, our kids can delete anything inappropriate, but really at this age parents can keep very few inappropriate things from kids. This is an interesting effort on the part of that parent. What innovative methods are you using as a parent?

A list of texting abbreviations may be helpful as you communicate with your child. Also an article below explains that children prefer to text instead of make a phone call. Interesting how communication trends are changing so rapidly.

http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/textmessageabbreviations.asp

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/advice-for-parents/responsible-text-messaging-tips

http://www.technewsdaily.com/359-teens-prefer-texting-vs-calling-except-to-parents.html

Please share your parenting advice and suggestions that have been successful for you.

Children and internet use

How many screens do you have in your home? Think of your computer, your TVs, your ereaders and your phones. Limiting screen time for kids (and ourselves) can be daunting. There is no right or wrong answer, but we can encourage you to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of internet and gaming exposure and then you’re ready to make your informed decision that is best for your family. Please use these sites we found as support for your evolving thought process as a parent. Take time to take our poll and to leave an informative comment based on your own experiences that will be helpful to other parents. Here are a few  sites to begin your own investigations:

Teens and the internet: How much is too much?

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/stepmonster/201004/teens-and-the-internet-how-much-is-too-much

Risks, consequences of video gaming

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110119120550.htm

Are video games actually good for kids?

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/16/eveningnews/eyeontech/main4453801.shtml

Internet safety guidelines and suggestions

http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/net_safety.html

http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/parent-guide

How to spy on your children online

http://www.parenting.com/article/how-to-spy-on-your-child-online