Communication has evolved a great deal in the technological age. I've talked about what kinds of communication are best for various situations, I've pointed out the pitfalls of different forms of communication and I've discussed how they each have been misused. This week, I'd like to begin a brand new series of articles that will share the details of writing an effective email. Email is a form of communication that most people use and are familiar with, but as JoJoism#20 states, "Do not mistake speaking for communicating. One involves an ability and the other mastery." The same concept is just as true of the informal written word called email. Just because we do something often, doesn't mean we do it...
Last week, I posted part one of Should Your Child Have a Blog? where I shared the positive aspects. This week, I'd like to share the negative aspects of your child having a blog. Too much inward time to retreat into shyness One of the drawbacks of spending time by himself is that your child may withdraw further into his shell and retreat back into his shyness. While communicating online can be a good way to slowly immersing himself in communication with others, a blog is more solitary than is social networking. Rude Spam Comments Be careful of the dreaded rude spam comments he will need to filter through. Some are simply nonsense, but some are inappropriate or even worse. ...
Last week I wrote part one of A Discouraging Word. This week, I'd like to share how we might more effectively handle those who have a discouraging word for us. 1. Smile and wave boys, just smile and wave This is a line from the penguins of Madagascar my son loves to watch, but it is also a great way to handle those who have an occasional discouraging word. If Ursula Uplift doesn't usually present a problem in this area, you might just want to smile and wave. Just brush it off. It's easier to do this with someone who doesn't always sing that tune. If you find that you are too tired to discuss the matter, you don't have...
For the last two weeks, I've been talking about the pitfalls and blessings of having your child on Facebook. This week, I'd like to focus on a slightly different communication venue. Should your child have a blog? Just as there are both blessings and dangers with Facebook, there are slightly different blessings and dangers with a blog. This week, I'm going to focus on the positive aspects and next week I'll focus on the negative ones. Here we go... 1. Typing skills. While you may only post a limited amount of characters on a Facebook post, a blog gives your child the ability to type as long as he or she would like. This allows your child to practice a...
Last week I shared part one of Should Your Child Be on Facebook? I shared the benefits of allowing your older child to have a Facebook account. I'll bet there were some things that surprised you, weren't there? Well, this week, I might surprise you again when I share the drawbacks and even the dangers of having your child on Facebook. One big Facebook No No is if your child is under age. Don’t start too young. Facebook rules say you have to be 13 to create an account. The only way around this is if you lie. I've met some parents--even Christian parents--who tell me they allow their 11 year old children to misrepresent their age to Facebook in...
