Starflower

[primsong]

V-Day: Not a bad holiday, as such things go - my son saved up some of his allowance and bought me sugar-free chocolates that he hid in my sock drawer for me to discover, the sweetie. He did the same for his sisters, as they came to me wondering why there was a candybar in their socks. Let's hope he can just hold that thought for when he is older! My dad sent me a big box from Hawaii with "do not open until Valentine's Day - Mahalo" on it full of goodies like pikake soap, guava jelly, exotic spices for cooking and tropical teas. Mmmm!

TrebleMaker is a barbershopper, so he was gone all day serenading other women in his quartet, the singing valentines being their main fundraiser, but I didn't feel neglected at all. :-)

I spent most of the evening working on a couple web pages for my youngest, Starflower. She began writing poetry (of sorts) last year, and wanted a site like her older sister has for her poetry. We had to spend quite a bit of time slowly taking down all her 'air castles' first, like wanting interactive games, dancing animation and music until she understood all she was getting was pictures and text. Sorry - that's as far as this ol' mom goes! They aren't finished yet, but when they are I'll upload them and have them on Bookloaf along with her sister's "Bluebell's Corner"

Who would've thought it would be a childhood milestone to have your "First Website" ? So the world is going. I don't keep a personal info page online (to be honest, it disturbs me when folks put their children's pictures, real names and all sorts of info just...'out there' like that), so as long as they stick with handles and no identifying info, I'm okay with it.

Thoughts on young children having their own webpages?

Comments

[meneleth.livejournal.com]

I think it would partially depend on what you mean by "young children". I do completely agree that, no matter what the age, the real name, address and other identifying info should be kept off line. I'd think the minimum age would be around 3rd grade or so - when they can read and write a bit by themselves. On the one hand I can see it might be a way to encourage creativity and computer-literacy. On the other hand, wouldn't it be better to encourage personal contact - i.e., playing with friends, writing real letters...? In the end, of course, it's the parents' decision (at least, one hopes they're paying enough attention to care) and hopefully they'll keep an eye on it for safety's sake. DH and I are very protective of Pip as far as on-line. She doesn't have a separate mailbox, can only go on-line with permission, and our computer is in the living room, so when she's on we can easily see where she is. Since I started my journal she's indicated wanting to do one and I told her she can when she's a little older.

[estellye.livejournal.com]

I think its a wonderful idea so long as the parent remains involved to an appropriate level for the youngster in question and no identifying information is ever posted.

Just like anything, there has to be balance and the child's personality must be taken into account. A particularly shy child for indtance, may find this a safe way to express who they really are. On the other hand, a particularly shy child may also "hide" there from more challenging social situations.

I don't think there is any inherant danger in having a website of ones own, it is the way in which it is used that will determine whether harm of any kind can come of it.

Here is a situation in which we as adults can't relate to our own experience in order to make the decision. How much video game playing is too much? How much internet access should be permitted? My parents didn't know how to regulate television watching because they didn't get TV until they were teenagers. They used the rules of moderation, supervision and appropriate participation. I think I turned out OK, lol!

Posting info;

[syrcleoftrees.livejournal.com]

I get aprehensive when I think of posting my picture on the boards,more my fear,than a reason to fear you guys.

Though I cannot see why anyone would want their children hi-lighted online.So much meaness in the world,so many missing children.

makes me shiver to think of it. If this ole spinster elf had children,,,,,, :)