We can’t control the actions of others but we can control (at least somewhat) our relationships with our children. I can only hope that the open conversations that I have with my girls will help them to make smart and safe decisions when the time comes to open this can of worms.

Very well written post. Thank you so much for sharing it!

Thank YOU Kathy and my pleasure! It can’t be emphasized enough that communication is key, especially the verbal kind that seems to be a lost art these days. Thanks so much for having me. 🙂

Oh my! If I left the impression that parents should just accept the culture as it is and not offer their input and create boundaries, that is concerning because that is quite the opposite of how I feel. The relationship you described with your daughters is the ideal and the goal in my opinion, but it is also not the norm unfortunately, which is why generalizing behavior is always a risk. I’m so glad the communication in your home is working so well and is well received and hoping you can be a model for others around you. The point I was expressing was that the desire to share on FB is on par for development, but it is NOT on par as a valuable means of expression for those who want to share what is most personal to them. And I too, completely agree that parents CAN and should set boundaries- especially for teens.

I totally agree with you! However, I think I likely won’t let my daughter on social media as a teen. The only reason being, that as a teen I remember having great boundaries set for me that I would be horrified if my parents knew I broke – which I definitely did. However, as an adult I quickly came around and grew out of that. The only issue is, with this whole online world we now have, it’s a bit more permanent when you make a mistake than our pre-windows 95 life!

agreed! i also talk with my son extensively so he knows exactly what i think is okay and not and real reasons why! so he is able to understand and be on board too.