The Burgh Baby Wants a Blog
Alexis sat at the desk, her hands poised over the computer keyboard. "Momma, can you show me how to make a blog?" she asked.
I choked down the OH HELL NO by replying, "I don't know how." That, of course, got me absolutely nowhere with She Who Knows Too Much. She whined and she pushed and she fussed that she needed help. I think the idea originated from an episode of Monster High, but I can't be sure. All I know is OH HELL NO.
"What would you write about if you had a blog?" I finally asked. I was hoping to convince her that a journal was the way to go, but I needn't have worried because she was moments away from a complete meltdown.
"Hmmm..." she tapped her chin as she thought, thereby proving she is the most adorable kid ever. The adorable fell from her face as she pondered, though. In it's place came tears. Lots and lots of tears.
"Momma, what if the kids at school find my blog and read it and make fun of me?" she began to wail.
"Then don't have a blog," I replied. These things ARE that simple, internet. If you don't want people to make fun of you for your words, DON'T PUT THEM OUT THERE. Alexis didn't seem to think it was that simple, though. She continued to sob and cry and throw a fit.
"But, Momma! What if nobody reads my blog!" she added. Hey, you know what makes sense? Having a meltdown because people might read your words and then continuing your meltdown because people might not read your words.
I spent the rest of the night trying to negotiate with the confused human who didn't seem to be able to find her way to the very simple solution -- just don't have a blog, kid. Logic and reasoning didn't get me anywhere, so eventually I turned to The Mean Mom.
"You know what, Alexis?" I said. "It doesn't matter if you want one or not because you aren't old enough. You have to be 15 to have a blog. Those are the rules," I told her.
Shut up. It's not a lie. It's the new rule in our house effective that moment I thought to say the words.
That seemed to resolve the issue, at least for the time being. Or, that's what I thought until the following morning when Alexis showed me something she had written. "Momma, I started a blog but I'm going to keep it in this notebook until I'm old enough."
Her first "blog post" was a fantastic one. I might even ask her if I can share it here, but if anyone makes fun of her, they'll have me to answer to.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Reader Comments (7)
I would read her blog in a second. I'd also go mama bear on anyone who dared to be ugly
15. I'm good with that. Except 15 scares the hell out of me
Hell. My 9 yo scares the hell out of me
Ditto what Rachel said!
It's OK Alexis, at almost 30 years old I still bounce back and forth between what if they read my words and don't like what I have to say, and what if they never read my words at all.
young girls have been keeping journals since the invention of paper. probably earlier...i've seen some of the ancient petroglyphs hieroglyphs! i think it is fantastic if she keeps a diary or journal. on paper. :)
considering teen angst, i hope she doesn't have a blog until she is 25. heh.
she is gorgeous in that photo.
You're lucky the meltdown didn't continue into "But what if Tom Riddle comes out of my journal and eats my soul?!?!!" Heh. (Hey, I can only laugh because two of Alexis's twinners live at my house.) We went the journal route, too, but I bought Gracie a journal with a lock on it so she can share only when she wants to. It also helps for venting all the (mean, hateful, completely age-appropriate) things she's not allowed to say outloud.
I know this inner conflict all too well and as irrational her melt down was I think it is the foundation for every blogger. You need to be aware that your words are public - for good and for bad. Way too many people do not think about this properly and good for her if she does although the outcome for now is confusing.
I would love to read what she wrote and I can honestly promise not to laugh. Whatever it is - putting your thoughts the first time in written words is a big and serious step.
I would certainly read her blog, now we just have to wait until she turns 15