On(line) parenting.

I'm not a parent. This isn't a post/blog for me to give parenting advice (so please don't comment on me not knowing until I'm in that situation), because I'm clearly admitting that I'm not "in the know" here. But here's the thing, I have been in leadership and I have worked with youth for quite a few years...

Frustrations lately:

Anon 17 yr old female's facebook status: F*** off, unless your important to me. (This is one of several status updates using profane language, along with pictures of herself being dressed in less than modest attire.

Response from both parents who are both on facebook and can see this: No response.

It is your job as a parent (even when your child is 16+ in age!), ...to PARENT. Not to be your child's best friend, not to turn your head the other way and say "oh that's just little Johnny expressing himself". Like hell it is.

First of all, you should be doing the following things:
1) Privileges should be removed, computers and phones are not a given. If you do not act responsibly with such item the consequence is that it is taken away.
2) Explain that things on the internet stay/follow you forever. Future employers/educators may let this information inform their decision on your job, or acceptance to said school.

Also, this behaviour should not be tolerated. It most likely got this way because of (lack of) boundary issues a lot earlier (i.e. when said child was 12).

This is not a post to say kids who make bad choices are making said choices because of poor parenting, because that's the complete opposite of what I'm trying to say. I'm saying, that it is your job to parent however and not tolerate behaviour. (Such as inappropriate facebook pictures, comments, language, etc.)

With love,

Heidi