Children haven't changed

I just finished up leading a parenting class using the series "Value Packed Parenting" from Dr Kevin Leman. A great series, one of many from Dr. Leman. The last session was on handling the influence of the internet and media. The discussion was wide ranging and included cell phones, video games, the internet, movies, etc. One thing that became clear was that kids have not changed much. They still want to get away for some privacy and to visit with their friends on their own. That is a good thing, as they develop into their own person. It can also be a time when they experiment with dangerous things and do things they shouldn't be doing. Always a concern for parents.

The thing that has changed is that now they can get that privacy with their peers - and others you as parent may never have met - right in their own house on the cell phone or computer. Calls come in on vibrate; calls go out (used to be one phone hooked up to a jack in the wall somewhere central in the house); lots of messages sent and received on the computer...and our kids has never left the house!

Another things has not changed: the need for parents to be involved in their kids lives and the need kids have for rules and limits. Have the computer in a central room with the screen facing so everyone can see (good also for the temptations parents face!). Have cell phones kept in a central location so the use is monitored. It will help your kids learn appropriate levels of use and it will help you keep tabs on who they are talking to, when, and for how long.