Recently in Teens Category

It's what you've been simultaneously dreading and looking forward to for years - the day your teenager leaves for college. At this point, your living room probably resembles a staging area filled with essentials, maybe must-haves and should-we-take-this or-not piles. Here are some hints on what to leave at home, what to hold off on buying, and even what you might be able to be return, if you still have the receipt.

Less is more, especially in dorm rooms that are stingy on space. They are smaller than you remember from the campus tour, so think about what's really necessary. And just because you might be able to clear something out of your house now doesn't mean it won't show back up later, where it will just collect dust in your basement or attic.

"First year college kid's parents tend to over indulge," cautions Tina Shoulders, founder of furnishings and lifestyle company, Laidback. Her recommendations on what to bring include:  "A good duvet set, a few sheet sets, table lamp, rug, a few towels, under the bed storage bins, desk accessories." She suggests coordinating with the roommate to check and see what he/she is planning on bringing along so there isn't duplication on appliances.
Keep the décor simple. Let your son or daughter make their own decisions, even if you don't agree. You won't have to see it every day, so don't worry about it. Try to hold off on buying too many accessories, which will only clutter up the room. Instead, try to focus on one or two main items. Shoulders says, "Design is a great conversation starter. Always come with one conversational item or design. Buy at least one new throw pillow, lamp, cool poster or knick-knack that sparks interest."

In terms of closet space, try and leave some of your kid's clothing at your house instead of piling the entire wardrobe in the car because not all of it is going to fit.  "First, try to picture the residence hall closet.  If you don't remember how miniscule it is - picture 1/4 of your current closet  (less if it happens to be a walk in.)  College closets are tiny," says Eileen Roth, speaker and author of "Organizing For Dummies(R)."

"Chances are they already own 4-5 pairs of jeans, and that will probably be what they will wear 90% of the time.  Pair those with seven tops, some exercise clothes, add a sweater or two, and wait until you get to campus," she suggests. If you do take more during this trip, be sure to take some plastic tubs for storage. "To save space, buy an under-the-bed plastic storage box and store some things there - great for the 'too many shoes' person," Roth advises.

So take a deep breath and enjoy the remaining time with your kids before they head off to school - and don't forget, you'll see them along with mountains of their laundry probably more often than you think.

Photo: Austin Anderson, Executive Director Chic Galleria Publications

Years ago back to school shopping trips with Mom to update my wardrobe was a favorite rite of passage. Just because you're watching your wallet this year doesn't mean that you can't find great clothing for your kids  - and have fun in the process. Before hitting the stores or loading up on-line shopping carts, keep these five helpful tips in mind to help maximize the savings.

First, comb through your kid's closets and weed out any items that don't fit or they refuse to wear - like the bright green sweater with rabbits and matching green corduroy pants my grandparents had given to me. "Do as much mix and match as you can," suggests Eileen Roth, speaker and author of "Organizing For Dummies"(R).  "Are there items you can wear from last year?  Did a top get ruined but the pants or skirt are fine? Then take the good piece with you and buy a new matching top.  Remember, you can save money by buying two or three different tops to go with the same skirt or pants."

Second, brighten up clothes you already have at home. Nyssa Green suggests, "Head to the craft store to get crystals and monograms for sneakers, jeans and backpacks.  Even if they're left over from last year, this will give them new life." She adds, "If you splurge on one major thing [I'd suggest] a great pair of sneakers for boys, a great purse for girls."

Third, think before you buy. Clarky Davis, The Debt Diva, says, "students in most climates are still able to wear their summer wardrobe as they head back to school, so avoid purchasing the full-price, fall clothing items. You may want to invest in a sweater or light jacket that can be layered with summer capris and pants as the weather cools.  If you must purchase a few back to school clothing items, start your shopping trip at an off-price retailer like Steinmart or TJ Maxx, where you can find in style, on-trend clothing already discounted off retail price."

Fourth, think about changing where you buy. Be sure to check out local consignment stores and Goodwill for selections of reasonably priced clothing instead of going to the mall to pay full price. You might find your kids' favorite brands in those stores. Suzanne Kay-Pittman, public relations & communications manager, Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc, comments, "I worked with two TV stations in Nashville in the last few days on back-to-school stories and searched our stores and found Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Seven brand jeans, Old Navy, Gap, Abercrombie, American Eagle and numerous other brands that kids will want to wear."

Fifth, don't try to buy everything now. You can always add as more sales crop up later in the season. Hopefully when you reflect back on the experience years later, you'll think about how much fun you had getting ready for the new school year with your kids. 

Photo Credit © Monkey Business Images | Dreamstime.com

It finally happened... I never believed that this would surface but my kids have fully hit adolescence. Four burning - churning little people with opinions, convictions and the absolute ability to make big mistakes. As young kids they did all the usual things, yell at each other, not always tell the truth, break things etc. But for as many frustrating things they did, they also have been stellar kids with great qualities to be proud of.

The last couple of weeks have been more difficult, something is shifting. I feel the transition, the tempest brewing. How, as a known communicator and very involved parent will I transition with them and grow into the parent of four teenagers. I truly want them to hold fast to the trust we have developed over the years, to know they can speak to us about any subject and that we will remain objective as parents. I never want to hear one of my daughters scream, "You are the murderer of love!" as in the movie Dan in Real Life. Although I do not wear rose colored glasses with any subject, especially parenting, I do believe that we can foster a less stressful passage into this new season of life.

We're beginning this with the notion or philosophy that we should not expect our kids to innately become sullen impossible teenagers just because everyone says they will. You know the line along with the eye-rolling gesture, "oh just wait, the teen years are here, you're life will never be the same." Neither my husband or I were disruptive teens. Not to say we did not make mistakes or get in trouble, because I did! More than anyone I knew, in fact. But the culture of my home was to talk it out, to take personal responsibility and eventually come to a place of awareness. Actions always have consequences and I tested this more than I could ever count, but I never screamed at my parents or locked myself in my room, or wished I would die dramatically while laying on the floor. Well... maybe I did that once.

My point is this, I refuse to expect the worst, I refuse to let other people plant the seeds of inevitable folly in the minds of my kids. As I sat with my two sons this evening after a day of such imprudence, we had a very reasonable discussion about the merits of leadership and the foolishness of going along with the crowd to win favor. The younger son agreed that eating a worm on a dare was probably not the best decision of his life and that although everyone laughed, they were laughing at him not with him. We explained to the older son who instigated the whole ruse that as the oldest kid and leader of the pack, he should choose his ideas more wisely. As with any game the ante climbs and tomorrow the dares become more dangerous or unhealthy. When we side with folly, the ability to turn away from the bondage it creates becomes more difficult with each admission.

When it comes right down to it, my issue was not the worm or the dare or the group of kids but to let my kids know they can stand against the tide, calm the storm with wise choices and inevitably effect their world for the better. 

BarefootMommies.com, run by Angela Roy and Krissy Carr, is a bright, friendly blog for mothers. The blog spotlights great finds in jewelry, toys, crafts, and more; it also sponsors regular giveaways for its readers.

"I made this blog (BarefootMommy at the time) in November 2008," explains Krissy. "I met Angela through Etsy; I was asking her if she'd like to do a giveaway on BarefootMommy. Of course she said yes, and our personalities just hit it off. Since then, she's been my partner in crime and I don't know where I'd be if I didn't have her. Sure wouldn't have a great blog, I know that. She is one of my best friends and I love her tons!"  

Angela adds, "Barefoot Mommies has grown from just the two of us to a whopping 12 reviewers and five guest speakers. We have worked with so many great companies on our run. We branched our social media into Facebook, Myspace,YouTube, and Twitter, and those were the best desicions we've made. Our reviewers are the hardest set of people i have ever met. We stay up all night writing back and forth about great products. Our reviewers are moms, single ladies, even some high schoolers. We believe that everyone has a point of view, and so should our reviewers."

"We mainly market to moms and women in general," she continues. "We understand they are the prime shoppers in the household, and making the majority of the shopping decisions. What Barefoot Mommies does not endorse are any items not family friendly, or are religious or political in nature. We prefer to stay away from subjects or products that would offend anyone or tarnish our name."

Check out BarefootMommies.com for the latest fun products and e-mail Media@BarefootMommies.com if you would like to be featured on the blog.

As I write this, I am sitting here in a kind of quiet shock.  One week ago my second son, David, graduated from high school.  This seems ordinary to most people.  Just two years ago my firstborn son, Chip, graduated from high school. This year he graduated from junior college, so I should be very skilled at this graduation thing, right? Well, listen folks, I am here to tell you that I am in a strange feeling place in my life.

Almost half of my kids are going to be out of my house.  I guess I should feel lucky that Chip stayed around for a couple of years to prolong the separation anxiety-(mine). He moved out and is attending a university this summer.  I miss him terribly. I am no longer what you would call a "young mother". They all have whipped that out of me. I do not think I am "older" yet, either.  I still am strong and capable.  I do feel the impending change in my family dynamic, though.  My "big" boys are going to be gone.  Probably never to live in my house again, (unless, God forbid, they "boomerang".  Please, NO!) I pray for success for them.

I feel so different right now.  I cannot put it into words.  I know we hear this all of the time from
other parents whose kids are graduating and moving on, but it is so very true, "They were just
babies!" They were!  I wonder how all of the years went so quickly. I guess that is what happens when you are in the thick of earaches, spelling tests, school field trips, baseball games, and dance recitals.  You do not realize that they will not be with you very long.  I just realized that I have now been married to my husband longer than I ever lived with my parents.  That is the natural way it goes. My job is to get these kids ready for the world and then let them go.  I always thought this moment was lightyears away.  (It IS when your toddler is up with a tummy ache, or an earache, and all you want is a minute of rest!)  Now I am noticing some quiet times that I am not used to.  Times when I used to be yelling upstairs to get the music turned down, or for them to stop wrestling.  Now it is just quiet.  I guess I am saying that I miss it. (Which is another thing I thought I would never say!)  

I am not the only one who will miss them.  Their siblings who adore them will be lost without them.  David was Mary Kate's "bodyguard" at school!  Nobody ever would bother her as long as he was around.  Will, the youngest boy, learned so much from the boys about sports and how to be "cool".  He will certainly miss them both.  The girls, Mary Kate and Maggie, always loved it when the boys would give them rides and take them for a soda.  I liked the fact that they could go get milk when we were out, or a forgotten ingredient for something I was cooking. I will miss the laughter, the talks, even the arguments!  Our family will be so different.

Next month we take my second son to The United States Military Academy to start on his college journey.  I will be so proud and sad all at once. I know when we say goodbye it will be like someone punched me in the heart and in the stomach all at once. I have been there before, as a girlfriend. I was there 25 years ago saying goodbye to his father when we were kids.  I will miss him so much, but I have to do this. This is his life and what he has worked so hard to achieve. Now I am in the support mode.  

Cherish your kids.  They do not live with you long.  Remember that they have lives, too. Do not wish them away. There are some extra minutes I may have since they will be gone. Hey, I may even get to read books again! I may get caught up on projects I have put off.  Nah!  Who am I fooling!  I will just keep parenting the three kids I have left at home. Maybe, though, I will stop to "smell the roses" a bit more than with the first two. Maybe I will take in everything a bit more carefully with the first two before they leave college and really break out.
As I said, this is hard.  This is something I have never done, but many mothers and fathers have done it before me. I am in good company. Godspeed, my boys!  Mom and Dad love you. Forever.  

Understanding the Vulnerabilities of Social Networking: Teens

 I do.  I'm one of their friends on Facebook.

I am also a mother of a teen and owner of a safety education company, Executive Defense Technology.  Last week, my teenaged daughter and I were discussing, once again, the downfalls of technology.  My attempts to protect my teen from herself are failing as she secretly joins one more anime chat group.  I know as a parent, it is impossible for me to monitor what she is doing on the PC 100% of the time.

As a business person, I have enjoyed my journey into MySpace and Facebook and have had the pleasure of networking with so many incredible people that I would never have been able to communicate with in the past but what about our teens?  My 15 year old would like a Facebook of her own.    My answer -- no. Definitely, NO!  This is a weekly, okay, daily argument of ours.  My daughter has been drilled day in and out with a long list of important safety and privacy lessons: look both ways before crossing the street; buckle up; hide your diary where your nosy brother can't find it; don't talk to strangers and don't post any information on the internet that you don't want the whole world to see & know.

I am assured over and over that Facebook is "safe" because you only let people become your friend if you know them.  Is that true?  I made her a bet.  I bet her that I could become popular at her school through Facebook.  I bet her that in 5 days I could have at least 300 friends and would know what everyone at school was talking about.

She just doesn't realize that in addition to being a wonderful tool as a homework aid, the internet is the world's biggest personal information exchange.  By providing information about herself and using blogs, chat rooms, email, or instant messaging, she can communicate, either within a limited community, or with the world at large. But while the sites can increase her circle of friends, they also can increase her exposure to people who have less-than-friendly intentions. We've both heard the stories about people who were stalked by someone they met online, had their identity stolen, or had their computer hacked.  The reality these days, for her, is that she is far more likely to become a victim of a cyber crime than a physical crime.   For any stalker, physical or cyber, information is dominance and power.   If a stranger approached your teen on the street, demanded their phone number and asked to be their friend, would they do it? Of course not, because that's insane and it violates the basic tenets of human interaction. so why are they giving away information so readily on the internet? I'm sorry, I can't answer that question for you but from one parent to another, I can warn you about the ease of access to your child and their information.

My daughter now owes me a week of vacuuming and clean dishes with no complaining - I won the bet.  Unfortunately, I won the bet faster than I had expected.  How?  I built a 16 year old sophomore.  I used a Fotosearch.com stock photo, I made up a female personality and within less than 24 hours, I had over 300 friends.  It was easy.  Too easy!

First, I targeted boys who had a lot of friends on their "friend list ".  They allowed me into their world immediately.  Then as my list began to grow, I targeted girls with a long list of friends.  After that, I targeted some of my daughter's friends. It was easy at that point.  I was now friends of friends - we had so much in common.  I was approved by all of her friends.  My list continued to grow.  After that, people began to invite me to be their friend.  Not one of them knew me for who I was or even knew the 16 year old at their high school.  The thing that shocked me the most? Only 3 kids, 2 boys and one girl, asked me who I was.  I told them I was transferring to town with my dad's job and was trying to meet new friends.  That was the end of that. I instant messaged with several people and had a wonderful time - for a few moments I was reliving those high school days.

Not much has really changed since my time in high school. Still the same worries, still the same concerns. Except now they are easily accessible - by EVERYONE.  No more fighting over the call waiting at home.  It's all about instant messaging, texting, cell phone numbers.  By being a friend of theirs online, I have access to all of that information.  Easy as anything, I can now find your child.  I know their school and sports schedules. I know who is dating whom.  I know who broke up with whom and I know all of their personal contact information.  I don't have to look up mom and dad's information to find them.  I know that when they are bored in school they are secretly sitting in the back of the classroom, ignoring the teachers and communicating on Facebook.  I have their homecoming pictures and videos with friends goofing off.  I can share this with any and everyone.  I am not a stalker.  I am just a mother trying to make a point to my child but it truly shocked me how very easy it was to access so many of your teens in such a short period of time.  If I can do this when I don't know much about computers, their lingo or short cuts, imagine what a perpetrator with a little knowledge could do. Imagine what someone who wants to do your child, you or your residence harm can do.  How easy it would be to access all you are trying to protect.

Our house rule:  If you can't pick up the phone and talk in person, you have no business communicating with that person via computer either.  As I mentioned earlier, I can't watch her 100% of the time and statistics show that teens have at least 3 email accounts that their parents don't know about.  On the anime sites, my daughter has a variety of code names she uses.  I try to keep up with all of it but it's a full time job (thank goodness her little brother is a snitch).  We keep the computer in the kitchen so I can peek over her shoulder at any given time and she knows it (she's gotten good at switching screens quickly).   As parents we can just hope we have done our job sufficiently as educators.  I would love to see more programs in schools on the subject - showing kids what an easy target they truly are (without them rolling their eyes as if to say - "It won't happen to me".  Denial is a dangerous thing)  Right now my one saving grace?  She is afraid of whom she is now sharing information with.  No, she isn't really thinking it might be a stalker or anyone out to do her harm - I am realistic.  She is more afraid that it might be ME on the other end of the conversation.  Whatever keeps her safe!

Your Safety's at Stake
The FTC suggests these tips for socializing safely online:

* Think about how different sites work before deciding to join a site. Some sites will allow only a defined community of users to access posted content; others allow anyone and everyone to view postings.

* Think about keeping some control over the information you post. Consider restricting access to your page to a select group of people, for example, your friends from school, your club, your team, your community groups, or your family.

* Keep your information to yourself. Don't post your full name, Social Security number, address, phone number, or bank and credit card account numbers and don't post other peoples information, either.

Be cautious about posting information that could be used to identify you or locate you offline. This could include the name of your school, sports team, clubs, and where you work or hang out.

* Make sure your screen name doesn't say too much about you. Don't use your name, your age, or your hometown. Even if you think your screen name makes you anonymous, it doesn't take a genius to combine clues to figure out who you are and where you can be found.

* Post only information that you are comfortable with others seeing and knowing about you. Many people can see your page, including your parents, your teachers, the police, the college you might want to apply to next year, or the job you might want to apply for in five years.

* Remember that once you post information online, you can't take it back. Even if you delete the information from a site, older versions exist on other peoples computers.

* Consider not posting your photo. It can be altered and broadcast in ways you may not be happy about. If you do post one, ask yourself whether its one your mom would display in the living room.

* Flirting with strangers online could have serious consequences. Because some people lie about who they really are, you never really know who your dealing with.

* Be wary if a new online friend wants to meet you in person. Before you decide to meet someone, do your research: Ask whether any of your friends know the person, and see what background you can dig up through online search engines. If you decide to meet them, be smart about it: Meet in a public place, during the day, with friends you trust. Tell an adult or a responsible sibling where your going, and when you expect to be back.

* Trust your gut if you have suspicions. If you feel threatened by someone or uncomfortable because of something online, tell an adult you trust and report it to the police and the social networking site. You could end up preventing someone else from becoming a victim.

For More Information
To learn more about staying safe online, visit the following organizations:

Federal Trade Commission
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Author: Kimberly Cheryl is a master public speaker, successful salesperson, business owner and author. She is the founder of Executive Defense Technology, an anti-victimization education firm. She actively speaks out for better healthcare in the U.S. and advocates for education on rape/molestation prevention. She is also a Nationally Certified Rape/Aggression/Defense Trainer (RAD) who provides the basics of hands-on defense training to clients ranging from elderly church group members and housewives to employees of law firms and Fortune 500 Corporations. She can be reached through her web site: www.execdeftech.com.
Photo Credit © Jarenwicklund | Dreamstime.com

Wow!  I never thought I would be writing an article about having an EXCHANGE STUDENT!  I mean, we have five children and we are so busy that one more could just put us over the top!  My husband, Scott, and I always said that we don't know how people did it, taking on extra kids like exchange students, foster kids, relatives, etc.  We absolutely did not search this one out! Then it happened!  Our son, David, is a senior in high school.  He plays football and there was a new exchange student from Germany on the team.  He is the kicker.  David became fast friends with him, and we saw him at our house lots. We got to know him well.  He was staying with a wonderful lady whose niece got her involved with the exchange student program.  It turned out that her work situation changed and she was out-of-pocket.  She was a great hostess, but he was alone often.  Well, he asked us if we could keep him! He wanted to experience life with an American family.  Well, mine sure is one to pick!  He hit the crazy jackpot! We automatically said "yes", not knowing exactly what we were getting into.  His hostess understood, and he moved in with us a few weeks ago.  

We had to pass a background check.  The CETUSA organization coordinator also came and inspected the student's prospective room.  We also have monthly get-togethers with other exchange students in the program that are staying with families in surrounding communities.  He has insurance.  He can't drive, though.  We do not get reimbursed for what we spend to keep him, but I do believe we can write some off on our taxes.  The experience of having him with us cannot be put into dollars and cents anyway.  We are required to provide him food and shelter.  He pays for all of the other stuff, like entertainment, and toiletries, etc.   When he is going to be gone with us for more two days or more, we have to get parental permission by fax.  It is really no big deal.  I email our student's parents weekly and send pictures.  I am going to ask for some recipes from his mother so he can have some of his favorite foods.  He is expected to do a few chores, too.  He does his own laundry and bedding. He is such a great addition to our family so far.  He gets along well with our family and is so eager to try new foods, movies, and books.  I help him with his homework sometimes.  

By having him around, I know my children will learn about his culture and be better for knowing him. He has become dear to all of us.  I know my son has a friend for life. By the same token, I hope he will learn from us, too.  It has certainly been a positive experience so far.   Having met other host parents, I know some students have a more difficult time adjusting, but all-in-all, I believe it works itself out through time.  I never thought we would be in this situation, but we are so lucky to have this fall into our laps.   I hope we do right by this boy from Germany.  He told me he had hoped to end up in California, but the poor thing ended up in Perry, OK.  He told me he got the best!  I certainly hope we live up to his expectations.  If craziness and chaos is what he wanted, he certainly will get more than his wildest American dream!

So you ask why I am so excited for Thanksgiving this year??  One word------"TWILIGHT"! 

Now I am not a reader.  I would rather go to the gynecologist then sit down and read a book.  But on August 7, 2008 while on vacation that opinion changed.  That is the day I picked up and started reading "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer.  August 8, 2008 I had finished "Twilight" and picked up her second book in the series "New Moon".  Well you can guess what happened---August 9, 2008 I was finished and picked up the third book "Eclipse".  Yep you can see the pattern--On August 10, 2008 while on my way home from vacation I picked up her final book in the series "Breaking Dawn".  It was official---I was a complete mess and Twilight addict.  Everything ceased to exist until I finished that fourth book. 

My family believed I had been taken over by aliens because I could not put these books down.  I could not stay off the internet either.  I just had to get my daily fix of anything Twilight.   To catch even one glimpse of the upcoming movie on Youtube sent a fire thru me---pitiful huh??  Well I am proud to say I am a Twilight Mom and completly aDDicted!

Well here is the skinny on "Twilight".  Bella Swan is a 17 year old girl that has moved from Phonenix, Arizona to live with her father in Forks, Washington (um-where???).  Quickly she is intrigued with the Cullen family and in particular Edward Cullen.  Edward appears to be 17 but in reality is a vampire that is over 100 years old.  The book tells the story of their forbidden love, conflicts that arise from their relationship and an encounter with evil vampires that are opposite from the Cullen clan (the Cullen's don't kill people only animals---how nice of them).

Twilight is a great read that largely targets the young adult female market but has found a devoted fan base thru all ages and genders.  If you are not a reader like me give it a shot.  Pick up a copy of Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, get a hot cup of coffee or tea and relax into a great story of love and romance.  Oh and don't forget to follow it up with the other books in the series and mark your calendar for November 21st----That is the official release date for the movie "Twilight"!!!  Thanksgiving can not get here fast enough.
 

Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, what do these mean? 

You hear horror stories of computer identity theft, abductions by online predators, and abuse by peers, connected to use of these types of sites.  I fought these types of social networking sites in my home for years.  I lost.  And you will, too, because kids are so smart these days.  They will figure out a way to have one of these accounts whether you want them to or not. 

I attended a briefing given by a detective in the OSBI, (Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation) and learned lots of things about our kids and the internet.  It scared me to death, but now I know what to do, and what not to do.  You actually can allow your child to have one of these accounts, but there are some guidelines you must follow.  I will list them here:

1)    Get yourself an account and insist that your child is "friends" with you, so that you can monitor their site.   You must figure out how these sites work and your child won't have this "mystery" place he or she goes.  Part of the attraction to these places for kids is that they think parents are lame and aren't watching. They can create web "personas". For some reason, some kids like to appear as something they are not; sexy, experienced, worldly, etc. Some of these can be quite shocking. If you are there watching, they can't accomplish this.  Please remember that you cannot restrict their email, either.  They will just go to some free webmail like gmail, hotmail, or yahoo, and make another and another account.  Be open and honest and then there will be no secrets. You must have email to open one of these social networking accounts.

2)    When your child makes a screen name, it must not have their first and last name, location, or age in it.  Like, saraJames12tul is not a good and safe screen name because it has a full name, age, and location in it.

3)     Also, internet predators are slick; they look for towns, teams, NUMBERS on jerseys, classes, schools, and messages stating times and places where their victims plan to be.  Be careful not to let them divulge any of these things on their site.  Never have the child's whole name on the site.  It is hard to keep up with, but it can be done with diligence from both of you.  Your child should catch on to the rules quickly, too.

4)    When a picture is posted of your child, make it too far away to tell any details about the child's appearance.  Also, you could put a hat and sunglasses on your child.  Anything to keep them from being recognized by strangers.  Also, on Facebook, if somebody posts a picture of your child and tags it with their name, the child gets a message asking if they want it to stay, if not, it will be taken down.  Facebook is pretty safe. Also, it is harder to select your child from a picture if there is a group picture posted. 

5)     Remember that posts must not reveal anything racy or suggestive, even if it is a private joke.  Some posts are permanent. Be careful what you post!  Everyone is reading! For older teens-remember- colleges and companies check out these types of sites as a screening process.  CLEAN THEM UP!  They can jerk great offers based on what your MySpace says! Or better yet, "commit Facebook suicide", and just close up shop for awhile.  Don't allow anything on your site that could not be viewed by your grandma!

Photo Credit © Sonya Etchison | Dreamstime.com