So, I finally gave in. After over a year of begging and heavy hinting, I officially introduced my six-year-old son to the world of blogging today.
Sound the trumpets! Ring the bells! It’s an historical day!
For a blogging maven mum, you’d think that I would’ve immediately turned my son to blogging the moment he asked if he could have his own website. But, no. It wasn’t really something I wanted to do. And, I had a few good reasons.
My first and foremost concern was safety/security, of course. You see, I want to make sure that he understands web safety measures before I allow him to put stuff ‘out there’.
I think Cam would have been okay with the safety stuff last year. But, I still hesitated.
Another concern I had was that I didn’t really want him to have a blog or site that he can’t maintain himself. I didn’t want to be the one writing for him. I thought it might be best to wait until until he can be the one really invested in it. When it can be something that he can really own.
“But I really, really want a website!” He tells me. “Just like yours!”
“What are you going to put in it?”
“Stuff. My books. My medals. And stories. And pictures and…”
Hmmm… Now, how can a blogging mum tell her son that it might not be the best idea just yet?
So, I just kept saying, “Later, okay?” Or, “Another time, sweetie.”
In the mean time, my boy continues to write. He has been ‘making books’ for over a year now.
At first, Cam’s books were handwritten things on copy paper that get stapled together. They’re funny little books that make us laugh and feel proud. He even started trying to sell his books to us at home (That boy got himself a few dollars from our loose change!).
His dream, he says, is to become a bookshop owner. And a book maker (author).
Then, when Cam learned all about word processing software some time last year, he started typing his books. Early this year, I taught him how to use clip art and other images in his writing.
A few months ago, I also finally set up an email account for him that I monitor. Email was something that he got really excited about, as he is able to contact our families and close family friends overseas directly. He also sends me (and hubby) messages regularly!
Over the last few weeks, Cam’s latest writing obsession is all about creating newspapers. In his first ‘newspaper edition’, he insisted on printing a few copies and giving them out to people we know at church. He even stuck a copy or two in a couple of neighbours’ letter boxes. That’s when I slowly started introducing him to the concept of desktop publishing.
Obviously, Cam’s craving for an audience. He wants a way to report things that happen to him. Things that he’s interested in. But, he doesn’t want just to write them down. He wants to connect with other people through his writing.
So today, I gave in. I mean, how can I keep my own son from accessing the wonderful possibilities of creating media? Especially web media?
That’s why I finally set up Cam’s Chronicles*. He chose the name. He chose the layout and such. Of course, I gave him ideas, but it was all ultimately his final choice. And, yes, he wrote every single entry published there. His dad and I give him feedback on grammar/spelling and concepts, trying not to be overly critical.
And now, Cam’s just soooo excited. After I set it up and he wrote his first entry, he turned to me and asked, “So, am I a blogger now just like you?” I say, “Yes, of course!”
That’s when he started singing and talking about being a happy little blogger.
You wouldn’t believe just how he literally jumped from his seat, eyes wide, when he received his first comment. Yes, he loves receiving comments (don’t we all?). But, I think, he’s mostly just stoked to have his own place on the web.
In fact, while I was writing this blog entry, something surreal happened in our quiet little household. My little three year old girl got her head stuck between two timber poles in our backyard. We were all anxious and upset about it. My girl was in a massive panic. We had to call ’000′.
Thankfully, one of the best things about Adelaide is getting quick emergency response. Within minutes, we had the firies come to the rescue. The police and the ambos came too. They were fantastic.
And, although in the midst of all the domestic drama, Cam was visibly and terribly upset about the whole situation, as soon as he saw that his sister was safe and happy again, his first thought was: “Now I can write about this on my blog!” And so he did, without any prompting.
Well, it looks like I do truly and fully have my very own little blogger. My lovely Boy Geek. 
It’s not something I planned to do. And, it feels a bit weird… seeing as I still remember the day I blogged about his birth just a little over six years ago. In fact, he was born about the same time I became About.com’s (former) Guide to Web Logs. Now, he’s blogging too!
In any case, please do say hello to him, if you can. I’m sure it will give him a thrill.
—–
* Yes, I know it’s on Blogger. I’m fine with that. It was the quickest, easiest way to set things up for a variety of reasons. I’d consider getting him his own domain one day, if he keeps up with it. And yes, hubby and I have administrative access to his account.
Kari (3)
eds (2)
Mitch Mitchell (2)
Rachel Cotterill (2)
Anne (1)
bcylady (1)
Connie (1)
Jazzille (1)
macy (1)
Mel W (1)
Today certainly had extreme highs and lows for you today! Thank goodness little girl wasn’t burnt or something like I thought! With fire response, I thought it must have involved burning! Phew!!
Fancy Cam having his OWN BLOG- good on him- you’ll have to be careful about people commenting appropriately- can you read the comments before he gets them or will he get them directly? He’s a great little all-rounder, what with his music and books- a bit like his mum! Glad your drama was easily resolved, anyway.
Reply
Shai Coggins reply on April 10th, 2010:
Yes, Kay. It has been quite a day. And, I haven’t even written everything down! Anyway, yes… No injuries or anything, thankfully. It was just one of those freaky things that you never think could happen for real. When we called 000 for advice/assistance, we didn’t really know who to ask for. I think we were put through to the police — but the firies and the ambos came too. We didn’t expect it. We just knew we needed some help!
Anyway, on Cam and the blog – Well, it has been long, ongoing discussion. I was really hesitant about the whole thing. On one hand, I want to encourage him & his interests. On the other hand, I want to protect him. So yeah… Anyway, that’s why I made sure that I’m admin on it – and I get notified w/all comments. I’ll just have to monitor and see how things go…
Reply
I was actually really, really excited when I got his email. I immediately checked his blog out. Welcome to the world of blogging, Cam! And hope H is doing well now that she’s herself, er, unstuck.
Reply
Shai Coggins reply on April 10th, 2010:
Sasha: He was definitely excited to read the comment from you! Ran from the other study to my office. The li’l girl’s resting now. She has had a full and interesting day!
Reply
I know this is a simplistic comment and I am glad your daughter is fine , but didnt you have a saw for the wooden posts?
Reply
Shai Coggins reply on April 10th, 2010:
Richard: I always find it funny to ‘read’ the tone behind a comment like this one. Heh. Anyway, first of all, the wooden posts were structural – they were helping to hold up the pergola in our backyard. So, we wanted to make sure we know what we were doing before we started sawing stuff. Secondly, we only had a hand saw. When we called 000 to ask for some advice/help after 15 minutes or so of trying to find our own solution (while trying to calm a three-year-old girl and her older brother who was also terrified and upset), we were asked if we had a power saw. We didn’t. When the firies came to assess the situation, they decided that sawing things off was to be Plan B. They realised the posts were structural and they also didn’t want to get the girl covered in saw dust, unless absolutely necessary. Plan A was to use some mechanical contraption (using hydraulics, I think) – to move the two posts just enough for us to slip the girl out without ruining the structural posts altogether. Thankfully, they’re smart enough to think that sawing stuff off wasn’t the first and only solution. Plan A worked well! We didn’t expect the kind of response we got from SA Emergency, but we are extremely grateful for their help.
Reply
Oh my goodness – what a scary thing to have happen! I am so glad your daughter turned out okay and wasn’t seriously injured. I know that is every mother’s worst fear so I am thankful for her safety!
Now for Cam, it doesn’t surprise me one bit that he wants to be like his Mommy and connect with people around the world. What a wonderful way to share his writing adventures and thoughts! I will be sure to add him to my reader and keep an eye on the budding blogger. How fun
Reply
Shai Coggins reply on June 11th, 2010:
Thanks, Kari! And thanks for supporting Cam in his blog. He really appreciates it. Now he mentions, “Kari said to me…” every time you leave a comment.
Reply
You have to be proud that he wanted to be like Mommy instead of Daddy. What a talented young man! And your daughter; how do kids do things like that anyway? lol
Reply
Shai Coggins reply on June 11th, 2010:
Thanks, Mitch. Who knows how they come up with such ideas?
On the boy… Well, I think he also likes doing “Daddy stuff” like soccer and cricket and all sorts of boyish stuff. 
Reply
Glad she is ok , no tone intended ,was just a lighthearted comment , should be good experience for your teaching career
Reply
Shai Coggins reply on June 11th, 2010:
No worries, Richard. Thanks.
Reply
Isn’t it amazing how they get their heads in places that then won’t allow them out again?! My kids seem to do that with a hand or foot at least once a week. I am very good at visualising how things need to be turned in order to be removed but a head makes all that twisting/turning all but impossible.
Congrats on Cam joining the blogging world! I don’t see the problem with Blogger – I started with them and haven’t found a big enough reason to leave yet. And they have several levels of comment moderation too so if the spammers find Cam’s blog you can easily take steps to block them.
Reply
Shai Coggins reply on June 11th, 2010:
Thanks, Melissa. It is indeed odd isn’t it? No, I’m cool with Blogger. I just know some folks who may not agree.
And yes, the privacy settings are helpful. I figure, if things get a bit strange, we’d switch off public viewing. For now, though, it has been good. He has been using it for “show and tell” in school. So, all his friends and his teacher know that he’s been blogging. And, they’re enjoying it.
Reply
Wow, what an adventure for a six-year-old! I wish blogging had existed when I was little, I would have loved it
Reply
Shai Coggins reply on June 11th, 2010:
LOL, Rachel. Me too!
Reply
Glad your daughter is fine but I’m sure you could have done without the stress. Off to visit Cam now. Good on him.
Reply
Shai Coggins reply on June 11th, 2010:
Absolutely, Jen! And thanks.
Reply
Aww, this is just awesome, Shai! Like mum, like son eh?
Bea’s enjoying contributing to our family blog but thank God she hasn’t asked for her own website yet! LOL
Reply
Shai Coggins reply on June 11th, 2010:
Teehee, yes indeed, Christine.
It is odd how Cam just wanted one for himself for ages. I never even encouraged him to contribute in any of my sites or side projects. And, I’m actually quite pleased to see that even though the novelty may have worn off a bit, he still loves updating his blog. I hope he continues, as it will be a great way to record his growing up years from HIS point of view. 
Reply
On Cam-the blogger: That’s bloody fantastic!
)
On the 3-year-old girl: Glad she’s not hurt. That reminded me of my MIL’s story. Her son got his head stuck in between iron bars. She had no idea how he managed to squeezed his head in there. My FIL has to call his military mates for help….Yep, strange things happen alright.
Reply
Shai Coggins reply on June 11th, 2010:
Oh wow. That is strange isn’t, Hermz? At least I know we’re not the only ones (but it’s not much of a comfort, as I hate thinking of ways kids become unsafe).
Anyway, thanks!
Reply
I’m glad hali was ok.
Reply
Shai Coggins reply on June 11th, 2010:
Indeed, Cam! Can you see how many people here enjoy that you’re blogging now too?
Reply
That is soooo cute!! And it reminds me a LOT of my kids. One of my daughters has also been making books since she was like 5. They got a computer last year. I have 2 sets of twins. My girls just turned 7 and my boys are 4. They know how to do a lot on their computer. I set them up with email a while ago, but I too have been hesitating actually having them USE it. They ask questions ALL the time!
As a matter of fact, I just posted about i http://www.losethelaptop.com/post.aspx?region=2&post=154.
This has inspired me to encourage their creativeness. At least 2 of them always say “I want to be a computer worker just like you Mommy!”.
BTW, I am very glad that your little girl is ok!!
Kris
Reply
Shai Coggins reply on June 11th, 2010:
That’s great, Kris! And thanks for sharing. I read your link and it looks like you’re all having quite an adventure online too.
Reply
Hi there.
Read about this site and popped onto yours.
I am a tainer of adults concentrating on intergrati8on of ‘being normal’ [from person own view] to extending that self while intergrating with the community around you. In order to achieve this facus the methods I use incorporate and exend the utilization of current skills and gifts of each person I work with. Gradually bringing these people through a net work interlinked community.
Anyway assimilation of parental concepts and talents is natural. Sounds like you are doing the correct parentl overseaing. Last night I actively began working with a 15 year old female whose second lanuage is English. Yesturday there was the 12 year old Girl who has trouble comprehending the letters her mind is telling her to use. So the wrong key board button is pushed. What have these people got in common… the deires to improve themsel=ves communication wise as well as to use words to communicate with others. The equipment common to all of us is the internet. SO when you go as coauthour to something you too need a blog[ if they are using a gmail address]. Where these peoples technolocal communication is probably about five or six they like your sone is growing into their abilities. For this I give you thanks. WIsh you well in your supervision and being creative in the measures that you impose within his creative talents and brain impulses.
See you around.
Susan
Reply