Comments on: How Using Social Media Has Helped Me Be a Better Dad

By: The Many Ways Social Media Affects Parenting Online & Offline! | Thoughtpick Blog

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:54:36 +0000

[...] a more positive outlook on this matter, and with disregard to the pressures social media can impose on parents, there seems [...]

By: Connecting With Your Child, Without Distraction | Remarkable Parents

Connecting With Your Child, Without Distraction | Remarkable Parents — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:52:04 +0000

[...] How Social Media Has Taught Me To Be A Better Dad (RemarkableParents.com) [...]

By: Jon Dahl

Jon Dahl — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:05:20 +0000

What you’re describing is exactly why we created Tumblon (tumblon.com), but you put it better than I could.

I’m with @charlie et al, that it is important for parents to understand what their children are using online. My daughter is still young (toddler), so it will be a little while before she wants a Facebook account. But even now, she loves the computer – if my wife or I are working on it, she’s there, trying to grab the mouse and see if she can affect any change on the display. It’s big excitement if she accidentally starts music or opens a photo.

By: Jeremy (Discovering Dad)

Jeremy (Discovering Dad) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:00:37 +0000

Thanks for all the comments! Good to know that other parents see the value of social media and how it crosses paths with parenting. Haven’t heard of Runescape – I’ll have to check that out. Thanks!

By: Vicky H

Vicky H — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:15:12 +0000

I am so glad to hear from all our dad’s!

@Writer Dad I agree that computer usage needs to be monitored, do you use software? Do you directly monitor them by watching them on the computer? Our computer sits in the dining room, that is the most traveled through room in our house, keeps the kids on their toes!

@Cory Huff I think awareness is probably one of the most important factors. That is one of the reason’s I’m glad business is getting into Facebook and social media. It’s a good venue for parents and small business to get acquainted with these tools.

@Jeff Tincher Your so right, I heard on the radio yesterday that most kids entering college don’t even know or remember that Johnny Carson use to host the Tonight Show… I’m feeling old

@Deafmom That’s the best way, teach them before they get started.

@Charlie Runescape, my 12 yo son loves that game. Is it fun? Should I try it?

@Scott Hammond 9 kids, wow! I’m glad you liked the site, please visit often, we need our dad’s opinions

@Ben Murphy I know, I hardly ever even read my RSS reader anymore, I only have a limited amount of time and there are so many great sites recommended. Can’t remember the last time I read something older than one week…

By: Ben Murphy, TheFatherLife.com

Ben Murphy, TheFatherLife.com — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:37:34 +0000

Social Media (facebook, twitter, etc.) definitely helps me stay in the loop on breaking new ideas and developments in fathering and other areas… it’s becoming indespensible for staying in the know! -Ben Murphy, TheFatherLife.com

By: Scott Hammond FO-9

Scott Hammond FO-9 — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:16:18 +0000

I love your content and the site in general.
Much of your stuff really resonates with this father of 9 great kids.
Best,
Scott FO-9

By: Charlie on PA Tpk

Charlie on PA Tpk — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:27:43 +0000

I mostly use social networks as a way to become familiar with them ahead of my kids. In the same manner, I now have a Runescape account, as my 12 y.o. son is into that RPG.

Beyond having a familiarity to them, I struggle not to let them overtake what little free time I have!

By: Karen Putz / DeafMom

Karen Putz / DeafMom — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:13:59 +0000

I freaked a bit when my oldest created a MySpace page but after I calmed down, I sat with him and gave him tips on what to do. I figured I would make him a more responsible kid by teaching him what’s good about social media and how to protect himself. I did the same with my daughter when she ventured into Facebook.

By: Jeff Tincher (DaddysToolbox)

Jeff Tincher (DaddysToolbox) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:38:38 +0000

great article. i always enjoy the topics you write about.
I’m in the same boat as Writer Dad, my kids are 4 and 2, and I do expect them to be computer savvy since I am and enjoy being social on the web with my Dad community and other friends!

I’m also pretty smart and know how to block certain sites using the host file (young kids won’t look there! or maybe i’m naive). but I will want access to their profiles only to monitor for their safety. that is a parent’s responsibility, we have to look out for our kids even if we have to snoop. But snoop nicely. I know it would be hard to read something a teen posts on their Facebook or MySpace page and not react, but if it’s not a threat to their safety just note it and turn your head. Life is different now. Most of us didn’t have the internet when we were teens!

By: cory huff

cory huff — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:56:04 +0000

Great article Jeremy. We shall continue to do our part helping parents understand & utilize the internet, even if it’s just being aware of what our kids are into.

By: Writer Dad

Writer Dad — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:03:56 +0000

My children are still too young for social media to be a factor (six and four), but I’m not oblivious. It is the future, and unless I’m planning on moving to one of the poles, I will not likely escape it. However, rules and proper government are important. Both of our children get computer time every day. It’s the skill of the future and they will be prepared. But it is monitored. By the time they’re on their own, hopefully, we would have done everything to give them the toolset they need to make the best decisions possible.