Time To Sweat?
Online preditors, ivasion of privacy. Threats coming in all directions. What is a parent to do with the way of the world today surrounding our children? I am a realist, a woman, living in todays world. A woman who is also a mother of two teens and one pre-teen. The first time you see your child all of your selflessness dissapears. This inner strength that you have carried your whole life and didn't know existed, surfaces for the world to see. At that moment you realize that you will do anything and everything to protect your child. And you do, to the best of your abilities. You keep them warm at night when the darkness blankets our earth. You fill their bellies when hunger calls upon them. You teach them to walk and talk and to never talk to strangers. And then you pray that everything that you have taught them sticks with them.

When your child reaches an age when they "think" they have more knowledge than you and even before this point, walks out that front door and enters the world, anything can happen and we have no control. As a parent we do all the research on sexual preditors. Find their locations, pin them down. We learn about gangs and try to keep our children away from danger. We talk to them about drugs, sex and alcohol. But in the end, it is up to your child. It is up to them whether or not they will keep your words burnt into their brains.
When I first learned about chat rooms, my space and other internet locations that our children turn to for entertainment I was scared witless. The thought of giving my children permission to invite strangers into our home, to give access of my child to preditors made me dispise the internet. I would never allow my children to be a part of this. That is until now.
My oldest child who is a beautiful young woman, sat me down and showed me the pluses of these internet sights. "Pluses?" You are probably asking yourself if I am crazy. I am not. As much as this bothered me before it doesn't anymore. It actually gives me a more stress and worry free life. Everyday after school I watch my children run to see who can be the first on the computer. At times this can drive me nuts, but anyways, it is an everyday race that happens in my home. I have full access to see and hear what they are talking about and who they are talking to. That is called being involved. Don't be afraid to ask questions, don't allow yourself to feel like your being nosey. Your keeping an eye on your child and there is nothing wrong with this. I would much rather have them sitting at the computer, listening to their ipods, than be out running the streets, running into who knows what.
I have changed my way of thinking completely. Although at times I wish that life wasn't so techincal, no so busy, the reality is that this is the world we live in today. So if your child is running to the computer today after school before they stop and say hello, stop them. Tell them you love them, give them some milk and cookies and count your blessings that they are home, that they are safe and are not out on the streets leaving you worried.

Learn more about this author, Stacy Adams.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for staying connected with teens in a computer age?
We want to hear your view. Write now!