"If You're Happy and You Know It....": November 2008

It was raining outside, as it always is when something bad is about to happen; there was a chill in the air that sliced you to the bone. I have always done my best to protect my family; I make my kids wear their helmets; we wear our seat belts; we talk about sex, drugs & rock 'n roll; I try to know who their friends are; I make sure they are fed and in bed at a decent hour etc.... It was none of these things however that incited the dread I felt inside, rather it was the blasted computer that has wreaked havoc in my "happy" home.

I have never been a big fan of myspace, facebook, yearbook and whatever other spaces and books are out there to expose yourself on. There have just been too many kids--too many times that get themselves into deep trouble on these sites. I've talked to my kids about not setting up accounts on these sites, don't put your picture or personal info. on these sites--because there are predators out there who can search you down and hurt you. Well, apparently my words fell on deaf ears because last night, to my horror, my kids yearbook.com sites were discovered. Not only had they set up accounts, they had posted pictures and given out where we lived as well. Harmless? Maybe. Maybe NOT! I felt like someone drew a giant target on my house saying this is wear naive little children live--pedophiles look here! I deactivated their accounts, but we all know that once you put something online it's there for good. I was horrified at the quizzes that are on these sites, all about sex, the kind you should have and whether or not you're bi. Ahhhhh! My kids aren't old enough for this! I'm not old enough for this! Girls in scanty dress sending my son messages wanting to be his "friend." Yeah right, more like a fat old greasy man, stuck to his arm chair by his own sweat, surfing the net for gullible kids.

I had a long chat with my kids, they were not very happy with me--but I think they understand the danger. I couldn't believe it though, lots of the kids around here had sites, and I was appalled at the things these kids were saying and posting. PARENTS BEWARE! Your kids might very well be doing things you don't know about. My computer in in the center of the house, they aren't allowed on it without us knowing, so, how did this happen? I do let them use the computer while I'm cleaning the house, not playing Gestapo and staring at every screen they look at--it happened right under my nose. It could most certainly happen to you.

While we were talking, we got a message from a buddy of mine--an Amber Alert actually. It was for a lovely little 13 year old girl from Rolla, MO. She had been abducted. We opened it up and this led to an entirely new conversation. I went online to try to lock our computer out of these sites, no luck as of yet, however, to my great relief (NOT), it has a pointer for parents--it says to warn your children that people may not be who they say they are online--duh! duh! duh! Thanks for the insight! Then, if that doesn't make you feel all warm and cozy, they then give you the link and contact info. for missing and exploited children. Yes, they know what they're doing and they allow it anyway. I am sick! I feel like there is a monster lurking in the computer--I just hope and pray that this lesson serves us well and they actually listen this time!

I have a wonderful friend, who will most likely read this, whose husband is in law enforcement, and I have heard him say on many occasions that these sites are dangerous! This is so serious! We only get one chance with our kids, take this one to talk to them and warn them--no matter how uncool of a parent it makes you! Please talk to your kids, I thought my kids weren't participating in these site--I was so wrong! "Cool" can go take a flying leap as far as I'm concerned, if it means being the most uncool mom on earth I'll take if it keeps my family safe from the predators that surf the net looking for kids that think "it will never happen to me!" Until it does.