Some Things HAVE to be Remembered
If ever there was a story that was perfect for the internet, this was it. The story came to a hilarious conclusion as Alexis and I were standing in line with friends, waiting our turn to order brunch. Before that moment, I knew it was a funny story, but that was when it became the funniest dumb thing a smart kid has ever done.
The story involves a very large sequin and a really bad idea and ... that's all I can write.
Yup. That's it. I've actually probably already said too much.
You see, Miss Alexis clearly stated, "You aren't allowed to blog this, mom." Later, she added, "Don't put it on twitter or facebook either."
I could probably jump through the tiny little loophole she left me and put the story on plurk, but that would be wrong. She was clear and I understood her message. But that doesn't mean I can't leave a bread crumb for us to find later when she's ready to laugh her butt off at herself.
(Hi, Alexis!)
The whole thing is a perfect example of the crossroads I'm at when it comes to blogging. I write to remember and I want to leave a history for Alexis, but I also have to respect her privacy. I often create posts that stay in draft forever. They are little tidbits I want her to know but that don't belong where other eyes can see them.
But then there is the stuff she chooses to edit.
I've been open about what blogging means and who can see what for all of Alexis' life. It's a purely selfish act in that I figure if I teach her about what is appropriate on the internet now, I won't have to have the "don't text photos of your boobs to a boy" conversation with her when she's a teen.
The crazy thing is that she gets it. Now. 100%.
The sequin story proves it.
I already knew, though. She sits with me when I copy photos from my memory card to my computer. She insists that I delete any that she doesn't feel are up-to-par. She also sometimes picks out photos that she WANTS posted here. She'll even tell me what story I can tell to go with the photo. Sometimes she reads over my shoulder to make sure I've done the story justice.
I don't know what the future holds for all of these kids who grew up on the internet, but somehow I'm not worried about Alexis. Something tells me she's going to be just fine with all of it.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Reader Comments (11)
You're awesome.
Indeed. BB will ask me to post certain things and, at other times, he is very specific that I can't share a photo or story. I respect his wishes in both directions. LB is still of the not-caring age, but I am still respectful.
I think we've done good thus far. High five.
she didn't say that i couldn't post or tweet it, but i would never do that to her. i saw how strongly she felt about it not getting onto the internet and wouldn't disrespect her wishes to keep it private. (alexis, when you read this, know that i am always in your corner and love you so very much. xoxo)
i love that alexis get it. you are doing a great job teaching her about life. she is smart and knows to trust you.
also, bwaaahahahaha about the sequin and bad ideas! ::still funny::
You know, one of the things that is awesome about your blog is precisely that you don't blog for us. You blog for you, and your family, and you pick & choose what we get to peek at. Well done, momma.
Sometimes when I take Juliana's picture she tells me I am not allowed to post it on the Internet, so I don't. I will then ask permission to post to the family photo stream instead and she gets to decide. I agree that it is good practice for thinking about what should be posted when they have control in the not so distant future.
Sometimes when I take Juliana's picture she tells me I am not allowed to post it on the Internet, so I don't. I will then ask permission to post to the family photo stream instead and she gets to decide. I agree that it is good practice for thinking about what should be posted when they have control in the not so distant future.
I seek approval now, too. It's a fine line and I am ALWAYS looking for those loopholes!
Sounds like you are raising a wonderful young lady there. and I hope she changes her mind about the sequin story! lol
My oldest is like that now, he will say, "Don't put that on facebook!" Or "Let me see the picture!" You have a great daughter and it's so interesting to see how kids develop with the idea that anything can be shared and now they have a say in what does get broadcasted.
I'd say you are pretty lucky to have such an awesome kiddo, but I know luck is only half of it - there's some pretty awesome parenting going right along with it. Knowing when to laugh at yourself is such an important lesson, even if you don't want the whole world to know why you have the giggles. :)
@Kyfirewife -- Now I feel tempted to post some sort of ridiculous attention-seeking link bait crap!