The Facebook

I'm sorry if this is a beat-up topic, but it's newish for me.

My kids are 4, 7 and 10, and outside of video games, Hulu and Webkinz... my kids are only just beginning their love affair with technology. None of them have phones, we (my husband and I) are just beginning to discuss giving the older two email accounts, and though my 7 year old has a URL, her blog is not set-up just yet.

My son is entering an age where a fair number of his peers have a Facebook page. I think most, if not all of them, have requested my friendship. I just ignored on tonight, in fact.

I feel like I am delivering a heavy boot of real-life disappointment when I click "ignore". These kids are sweet, but they are not my friends.I feel a little frustrted at the parents for putting us both in such an awkward spot. It's not that I don't care about these kids, but, but...

My poor boy. He has asked more than a few times recently, "Are you going to put that on Facebook? Don't put that on Facebook." His reason? He doesn't want his friends knowing whatever it is he thinks I might be posting. It depends on his mood.

I keep reminding him I am not friends on Facbeook with his classmates or friends. Their older siblings? Perhaps.

Today he asked, "If I was on Facebook, would YOU be friends with me?" I said, "Not when you're 10." He asked, "Is it becuase you're embarrassed?"

I told him it's not because I am embarrassed or becuase I am doing anything wrong. It's because I am an adult and it is for the same reason he cannot listen in on every phone conversation I have. Some things are for kids, and some things are intended for when we get older.

Just today his teacher and I became friends on Facebook. I know this is a hot topic -- teachers and parents. She sent her information home on a post-it so I'd be able to find her. I had never asked if she was on Facebook. I didn't want to put her in an awkward spot. I think it'd be hard to be a teacher and have to make a decision on whether to friend my student's parents.

The thing is, we really connect. My son was in her class in last year too. I think we have a unique situation, and my son loves the fact that we have added this connection. So I have the green light there.

How do you handle Facebook and teachers and friend requests from young people? How about the worker/boss scenario? I don;t think I could friend my boss... If I had a boss :) Are you even ON Facebook? Am I over-thinking this?

-- Jenny On The Spot --