Privacy

I started blogging in 2004 as a way to share pictures of my son with family that was out of town and out of state, mostly his grandparents.  It was an easy way to get pictures online that they could see him as he grew, and I could add stories of our adventures and his accomplishments as they happened.  It helped them feel connected, and was a great option. 

I joined Facebook way before most people in my generation did.  I joined to stalk my high school and college aged nieces and nephews (and yes, I told them!) and keep in touch with family.  Then the boy came along and of course I shared the cuteness that he is there....doesn't every mom want to do that?

But we're entering a new season.  He's 11...headed to middle school. 

Last week I posted a picture of him with a new catcher's mitt and something probably about starting All Stars.  All public, non-intrusive information I thought. 

But he came home from church and said "You know mom, it's a little weird that people know so much about me before I tell them". 

Stop.  My heart just stopped. 

I asked him if he wanted me to completely stop posted about him on Facebook, and he said no, that it was just "weird".

But I've stopped.  If that wasn't a clear message that I should stop, I don't know what is.  It's weird.  Would I want other people to post stuff that I did (however surface) before I got the chance to share it? No. 

Of course he's not old enough to have a Facebook page, and he won't have one for a long time.  In the meantime there won't be updates about him on mine.  Or here.  I'm respecting his privacy. 

But I can give him the gift of sharing his own life, his accomplishments, his excitement over getting a great new glove.  I can also give him the gift of not sharing what he doesn't want shared.  As much as I've been careful to not share personal info, I haven't been 11 in a long time, so what is personal or important in my eyes may not be the same as his at that age.

Respect. 

We can't teach it if we don't give it.