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A Happy Computer Family
 Today many families are computer families; as a matter of fact most parents were probably on the computer long before their children. Perhaps you got them involved with the computer and after a while they introduced you to communities online such as MySpace. Meaning computers may already be a big part of your family’s life; but there are still things that need to be done or discussed before they happen.
Some things that a family may do to keep not just connected, but safely connected may include keeping the computers out in the open and parents need to make sure that access is password protected. Consider actually talking with the kids, not just questions or snooping but real conversations where you may bring up something odd that happened to you while you were online and see if anything similar has happened to them. Or, tell them what happened and ask what they would have done if it had happened to them.
 Consider setting up a site, or home page, such as MySpace for everyone in the family. We have all heard about the negative things that can happen with an online community such as MySpace or Facebook, so if everyone has one they can all be listed as friends where each one will show up on the others friends list. For example, your child might see that you have added someone as a friend and ask about them; perhaps it is someone from work, etc. In turn you may see someone new or different on their friends list and ask them about the new person without snooping or accusing.
Also, communicate with them on a regular basis using the computer, as this is one a kid’s favorite ways of communicating and they enjoy “talking” on the computer, not necessarily just to friends either. Send each other emails with pictures or games, something that you think would be interesting or fun for them. Dress up the emails with cute or funny smileys or MSN emoticons kids love them and most parents enjoy them as well.
Instant messaging is perhaps the kid’s favorite as it is done in real time allowing them to basically have a conversation with someone no matter where they are. If your kids are in another room and on the computer try instant messaging them (even if it is just a room away they love it). And, there are even more emoticons or smileys that can be sent through instant messaging, some even talk and everyone gets a kick out of that.
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