Father Blogger

Hi everyone,

I am a blogger obviously and a father too. My blog is about parenting tips which also attracts some kid bloggers. Yes, kids as young as twelve years old and mind you, very serious in blogging. I realized then that blogs can also help kids learn and interact with others.

However, being a concerned parent, I give them a strict advise to blog only when their parents are around. This is because of the devils on line that may harm them.

While I agree that kids can practice their communication and writing skills through blogging, we cannot deny that they can be easily influenced by what they read on other blogs. Not to mention the irresponsible sites who intentionally broadcast pornography and violence.

For me, I agree when kids blog but with the approval of parents and their very strict guidance. If parents cannot be responsible enough or have no time to watch over them, they must not allow them.

How about you? Will you allow your child to blog?

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[i][b]Children are angels in disguise!

Sirk

I will. It would be hypocritical for me not to.
Besides, how else will I be able to snoop and find out what they're keeping from me?

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Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.
- Mother Teresa

http://www.crowdgather.com

Trina

Sure, but only if strictly monitored by DH and I. My kids are both fairly computer savvy and can type well, but neither has shown any interest in blogging.

AnKsMommy

I would let my child blog. The thing is I would want to monitor what they are blogging about at a certain age, like pre-teens. When they become older teenagers...I don't know...it sounds horrible, but here's the thing.

I'm pretty young and I had livejournal whenever I was 15 and wrote private things in there for my friends to read....and I remember being SOOO mad whenever my dad would read it and comment on it. But then again, I should have been smart enough to make it friends only.

My point is that I think at a certain age we have to allow kids to have some privacy...although if it's public I would check it to make sure there is nothing I would disapprove of. I know I posted things that my parents didn't like sometimes lol.

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Ali - Mommy to Alenya and Kaitlyn

Mindy

Most definitely. A blog is a diary. An online diary. Blogs can also be password protected, so either, it's like their diary, which only they can read, or they give the password to parents and family members they want to read their stuff. Most people blog about their everyday lives and I know a lot of families who live across the country from each other, who enjoy being able to "feel" like they are still close to their loved ones by reading their blogs.

But since it's the internet, yes it can be dangerous, but you just need to explain to your child, (and they probably already know) there are all kinds of nuts out there, so while they can go and read every blog out there, they need to keep it in perspective and know when to say, "Hey that's way far out there" as opposed to "Wow, I hadn't ever thought of that before, interesting" There are several blogs I check daily. Most are private and you have to be invited, but WOW, do they contain some powerful writings Beautiful stuff. It's a way for a child to show their creativity. If your child WANTS to write, I say it's always a bonus

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"Someday, maybe, there will exist a well-informed, well considered and yet fervent public conviction that the most deadly of all possible sins is the mutilation of a child’s spirit.”

Dr. Erik Erikson

Father Blogger

I am glad to hear the above positive comments. At least, I am confident that I am not wrong with my decision. Some of my kid followers even tell their parents to read my blog because they find the posts useful.

However, some parents disagree with me when I asked the same question on a famous social site.

Anyway, I also want to hear some opposing comments here and their valuable reasons.

Anyone?

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[i][b]Children are angels in disguise!

Kaytee

agree

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If you can't stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them!
http://www.spcnicholasidalski.com

etceterae

Blogging is extremely different from social networking. It's the latter you should be worried about. Rarely will blogging put one into contact with sexual predators, unless the subject of one's posts are just "asking for it".

I've been blogging since I was nine, but I've never been contacted by some creepy old pedophile. That may have to do with the subject of my blogging, though - I'm sure if I was posting pictures up of my semi-naked self instead of talking about politics and parenting, then I'd already have a slew of gross people in the comments.

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Want more advice from me and other teenagers? Go to teensonparenting.blogspot.com for cool challenges, projects, and help on communication.

Aunt

I let my niece read any blog she wants because i am reasonably liberal about censorship. I think the best way to deal with kids reading some crazy ideas is through discussion and ebate. She can have a facebook page set to private & the rule is as long as they are a person she knows from the "non cyber" world she may be their friend.
She may not blog though because it is to public. It is too easy for any kind of private details to come out for any crazy sicko to see. Thsnkfully it is not something she has pushed for. I may revise this when she is older say 16 or 17 but for now this is the rule.

Father Blogger

Blogging can also lead to social networking someday. Blog commentators may appear like angels but in reality, they are devils from hell and you are lucky not to be in danger.

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[i][b]Children are angels in disguise!