Moms Talk: Facebook

Welcome to Moms Talk, a feature here on Dixon Patch dedicated to reaching moms and families. We invite you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support here in Dixon. Additionally, you will have opportunity to ask questions or offer answers on issues and hot topics that concern you.

So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today with a question from your Moms Council:

My 14 year old daughter has a Facebook account that I heavily monitor, even to the point of checking her messages and adding her friends as my friends to see what type of kids she is surrounding herself with. She sees this as a major violation of her privacy. Am I going to far?

My Answer: If you are up front about letting your daughter know that her Facebook account is subject to checking, there is no violation of “privacy.” It is important to let her know what the rules are and what she can expect when on Facebook, so she knows what is expected of her. She might not understand, or be so upset that she doesn’t want to understand, but the goal is to help her make good decisions for herself. Take time, where you can, to explain to her when she seems to be showing poor judgment, and encourage her when she is making those good decisions, as well.