I received an interesting response on my blog the other day asking about where I recommend parents draw the boundary in talking about their kids online. What information is OK for them to be spewing about their kids. The writer gave the example of a highly respected guy at his church who is constantly on Facebook talking about how his kid doesn’t want to listen to him and how his kid needs to be “more Godly.” Some parents use social media to indirectly lecture to their kids when they think they won’t listen to them in person. Guess what? They don’t listen to your Facebook posts either. It only embarrasses and humiliates them in front of family and friends. You’re essentially driving the wedge even deeper.
I remember when Kathleen and I started on Facebook. We were very sensitive that our daughters, Kelsey and Bailey were already online and were really careful about “friending” them and what we said. Even now, I’m careful to have fun, but not “make fun” when it comes to posting comments about family.
Never forget that Facebook and other social media sites are a public platform, and that by posting updates about your kids or other family members, you’re broadcasting it to the world.
My advice? If you want to keep the connection with your kids, then shut up online.
