The New Age of Parenting

Things sure have changed drastically since I was 16. It's not like that was that long ago. Well, not in my mind anyways. Seventeen years ago! When I made plans with my friends to go over their house I actually had to open my mouth and utter the words to my parents. But this is a new day and age with internet and social media sites and now apparently all conversations are done with a middle man known as the electronic device!
I witnessed it for myself!
One of the very few non adult friends I have on my Facebook page is one of my best mommy friend's 16 year old daughter. I was a little surprised when I saw her write on her mom's Facebook wall that she was going over a friends house this week. I got a chuckle out of it because of course she still lives at home and it was probably a matter of her going downstairs to tell her mom what her plans were.
Is this what I have in store for me?
So my oldest turns 13 in 2 months. For the past 3 years she has been begging for a Facebook page. I wouldn't allow her to have one until she is 13 because that's what Facebook's Terms Of Service state. I am sure the second it's her birthday she will be on the computer ready to sign up for her very own Facebook page. And this will begin the lack of communication between me and her. At least in person.
Who am I kidding it has already begun!
My husband lets her play games on his Facebook page and the other night I was playing Words With Friends against her. We were in the same room and she started messaging me on the game. I guess it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise because my husband and I do chat via Facebook sometimes when we want to talk about something we don't want the kids to hear. It's definitely a different day and age from just two decades ago. I'm just happy that I'm in the know on most of these social media sites so I can still keep close tabs on my children.
What do you think about children asking permission to go to a friend's house through social media sites instead of in person?