Lynda Loveland: Tween connectivity

My oldest daughter officially entered into tweendom. She just turned 10 and, I swear, all of a sudden, she seems a little more mature.

Emphasis on the little, but still, more mature. What is it about double digits that makes them seem older? I haven’t left her home alone yet, but I think I could for short periods of time.

After her birthday, she had a simple request. She wanted an email account. Simple my butt! Having my kids on the internet already scares the crap outta me, especially if YouTube pops up!

If they’re on the computer, it’s right in front of me. The thought of her having an email account is mind blowing. She asked me a couple of times, but I just keep putting it off, for now.

I talked to some other moms and they said their kids are already texting. They text dozens of times a day, before and after school. My daughter may be the last non-texting tween. I’m perfectly fine with that. But I know it’s just a matter of time.

Of course, if she gets to start texting or emailing, Randall and I would have full access to everything she does. I’m so afraid we would miss something though. There are so many ways around your parents' watchful eyes and there are so many freaks out there.

It’s a big step and I just don’t know how to take it. But I better get on the ball because I certainly don’t want her to do it behind my back.