Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Christmas cards or Facebook pokes?

After a several year hiatus, we sent out some Christmas cards this year. No particular reason for not sending them in years past, just the typical excuses of not getting around to it, not getting pictures developed in time, feeling awkward sending them out in April, etc…

It seemed like we were getting fewer cards in the mail ourselves this year, and at first I attributed it to the lack of our reciprocation for the last few years. However, it seems to be a national trend. The Washington Post chronicles this movement in their 2009 Holiday Guide section, so now perhaps I don't feel so bad, hearing that it's not just us! But is it a sign of the current lackluster economy, or of a larger shift in behaviors?

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Home Alone - 2009 Edition

Here's an article from the summer, but it's equally applicable now that everyone is heading away from home for the holidays... This article is an interesting view on how your online status can tip off potential criminals that your house will be empty...

Now perhaps you don't update Facebook or Twitter with your every move, but your kids might! Double check their status before you head out of town, and if they grumble about how 'it's not a big deal', perhaps you can come to a compromise; rather than posting when they are leaving, suggest that they post an update when they get back - 'Just got home from Christmas at Grandma's!'

Sunday, September 20, 2009

A Ringing Endorsement

"A Facebook class for parents? I'm not telling my parents about it..."
-- S. and K., college students

I don't think I could have asked for a better recommendation!

I will be teaching "Web 2.0 for Parents" in Mechanicsburg PA, on November 2 & 9.

Click here to register, or go to http://www.mbgsd.org/recreation and search for the "Web 2.0 for Parents" course.

[Update - this class is now complete!]

Not Their Parents' Online World

This item from PBS shows the big differences between how parents and their kids use and see the Internet differently. While we grew up with the web as a place to 'get stuff', our kids are using is a place to 'put stuff'.

Not a bad thing, just different! It also goes into the 11 skills that kids will need, in order to use these new technologies to the fullest.

If you think this technological leap is big, just think back 20 years or so, where the Internet was only known by those guys in the basement of the science building (yes, that was me...).

Monday, September 14, 2009

WSJ: The Helicopter Parents Are Hovering on Facebook

Being 'un-friended' by your own flesh and blood? This article in the Wall Street Journal tells the tale. OK, perhaps once your offspring is 25 years old as in this article, you can't force them to be your 'friend', but what about when they are 14 and living under your roof?

Is being locked out of your kid's Facebook page like being locked out of their room? Where should the line be drawn? Let's hear what you think in the Comments...

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Facebook, Twitter Revolutionizing How Parents Stalk Their College-Aged Kids

Very funny from The Onion - a segment on the ficticious "Today Now" show, where the resident 'E-Mom' shows you how she 'writes to her son Jeffrey five or six times per day', and can learn about his female friend 'just by the look of her trampy picture!'

A few profanities on the screen, be warned, but none in the audio. Enjoy!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

"Web 2.0 for Parents" course now available!

Attention parents! A new course is now available in central Pennsylvania for those of you who are trying to keep up with your kids and their Facebook escapades...

Are your kids blogging, tweeting, and friending? Do you have no idea what this means? With great power - the Internet - comes great responsibility - as a parent! Learn about all the social networking tools and trends, with the goals of keeping up with, keeping an eye on, and encouraging more communication with your kids.

Click here to register, or go to http://www.mbgsd.org/recreation and search for the "Web 2.0 for Parents" course.

[Update - this class is now complete!]

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Welcome!

Hello, and welcome to Facebook Dad... It's here where you will find information about social networking tools like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube etc, and how they relate to kids and parents - some good, and some not so good.

Check here for ideas on how to use these tools to better communicate with your kids, learn about current trends and issues, and more.

Hope you enjoy the site!