I am thinking about making bracelets, you know WWMCD. Who's Mrs. Cleaver you ask? I guess I am dating myself, but she is the mom from the very entertaining Leave it to Beaver show I used to watch as a child. Now I watched it in black and white, and I am not that old, but I did enjoy the humor of it. I guess you could also ask, What would Mrs. Brady do? or maybe you would insert Mrs. Cunningham or Mrs. Duncan or Mrs. Dunphy. Am I loosing you? I guess my point is where do you go when you aren't sure what parenting move to make next.
The game of child versus parent is in full force at our house. Unfortunately for me, I am outnumbered. I do my best to keep the peace, but there are times where I wish there was an 800 number to call to find out what to do next. Trying to stay a few steps ahead is exhausting.
Lets discuss social media for example. There is Instagram, Vine, Kik, and snapchat. I can't keep track. Every time I get a minute to rest, someone is asking for my password so they can download a new app. If I approve the purchase, then I have to monitor the content. Right now I have one 12 year old girl very into social media. No Facebook yet, but the rest is in full force. As of now I have not allowed Snapchat. Sending pictures that disappear after a minute or so, never to be seen again, has me worried. I guess I should admit, the rest has me worried too. But for some reason I feel better with this "no snapchat" line in the sand.
I do talk with other moms. Some agree, and some don't and then some don't have a minute to even know what is going on. If you read any of my blogs you will know my motto "make a minute." If we don't, I feel like it will be what destroys us. It's hard, I for one know that, but I feel it has to be done.
So when you make a minute, let me know your thoughts on social media and pre-teenagers. I have heard stories that taint my view, but I am always looking for more information. I am that consumer, who researches everything twice before she buys, and really like to read reviews. I would love to hear what your young children use, and if you have protection in place to keep them from getting into "internet trouble."
This year is the first year my children's school talked about social media. From the conversations with my kids, the main focus was on internet bullying, but it's a start. I really feel more schools should broaden the education to include, predators, and inappropriate pictures. How images can make it out into cyber space and across the globe if you aren't careful. Also discuss how words, once texted or commented, can't be taken back or denied. Children should know that law enforcement agencies can track computer activity, so they should think long and hard before they post something hateful or inappropriate because deniability is not an option.
So what would Mrs. Cleaver do about this particular problem? In the black and white television days, before internet and Instagram, I guess it wouldn't be an issue. Gosh, sometimes I wish I was Mrs. Cleaver.
