A Lecture Latte

My son will be 11 this summer.  I have recently realized that it is time for "the talk." Not that talk, that's another latte, but the texting talk.  I have the joy of raising kids in the digital world we call home.  We had a small incident last week with texting, and he knew that a talk was coming.  Like many pre-teens, I suppose, he tried to avoid us hoping to avoid getting a lecture.  Since I come from a long line of passive aggressive, non-confrontational people, I offered to write a letter in lieu of a verbal lecture.  Here it is:

"Dear M - You asked for your lecture in the form of a letter so here goes.  Please read and re-read this and try to take my words to heart.  Read it often to remind yourself that I am watching you, and that daddy and I love you very much.  If you keep this letter and read it when you have a 10 year old child of your own, you will really understand all that I am trying to say.  

You are among the first generation to grow up in the digital age.  It is an exciting and scary place - the world of texting, YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, and others.  I'm not sure if you and your friends fully understand the responsibility and maturity needed to use this technology.  Here are a few tips:

1. It's not a joke - even if you think you are joking when you send something, the person in the picture or recipient of the text might not see it that way.

2. Delete is not forever.  Even if you get rid of a text or picture off of your device, there is still a record of it.  Once you send it, you have no control over who see it but you are fully responsible if someone gets hurt (either emotionally or physically) because of your actions.

3. Don't forward things.  Again, once you send something out, anything could happen.  Make good decisions and don't sent out bad, mean, or offensive messages.

4. Parents are watching.  As you have seen, parents do monitor your devices.  We are not as clueless as you think.  We will judge people who seem to be making bad choices and sending offensive messages.  Don't be one of those people.

5. Take responsibility for your actions.  If you did it, don't try to blame someone else.

6. Don't lie, EVER!  This should be #1.  Always tell the truth, I promise you will get into so much less trouble in the long run.

7. This of how other people feel.  Before you send something out, think about how you would feel if it were being sent to you.  Yes, this includes being nice to your sisters.

I realize that this is alot of information to take in all at once.  It is all so important.  You are such amazing young man, and I don't want anything bad to happen to you ever.  You are your own person, though, and all I can do is hope that I have taught you how to make the right choices.  Try not to worry too much.  It has taken me 40 years to become this uptight about life.  You are young and you should just go with the flow.  If things don't happen exactly the way you planned, that is alright.

I hope you understand what I am trying to say to you.  Daddy and I are learning as we go.  We know that you are a good and kind person.  Don't put yourself in any sort of position where people might think something different.  Look people in the eye, and always speak clearly and politely.  Manners will get you further than you might think.  Always hold the door for people, and let ladies go first (even your sisters).  Most of all, never forget how much we love you!"