Sexting and the art of parenting

In case you didn’t know, sexting is the clever name for the act of sending, receiving, or forwarding naked photos via your cell phone.

We understand this is a concern for many parents.

Sexting is apparently not uncommon among middle school kids. Apparently, because kids are sending  child images, they are transmitting child pornography which is, of course, illegal.

Kids caught sexting by school administrators are in far more trouble than losing cell phone privileges or getting grounded. Typically, school officials alert both parents and the police. You can imagine how this kid misbehavior might become a huge legal problem and parental nightmare.

Not surprisingly, she stressed the importance of talking to our kids about this “craze” and emphasizing the “big picture” about the unintended consequences. Dr. Leah urged a matter-of-fact approach (always tough to pull off) along with reassuring your kids that you are always there to listen.

Gee…you have to wonder. Are kids imitating adult behavior when they sent naked pictures to convey their romantic interest or sexual arousal?

Do kids think that their “tween idols” are sexting? Or, do kids know that Mom (or Dad) sends sexy texts featuring their own private anatomy and therefore conclude that sexting is an appropriate and “grown-up”?

That possibility really got me thinking.

Adults are entitled to sext because anything between consenting adults is perfectly fine, right? 

But certainly, as responsible, caring parents, we need to make sure that our kids never see our sexts, yes?

Dr. Leah gently reminded me about my own child enthusiastically unwrapping a post office delivery. (What kid can resist opening a package?) which contained …well, something that was not meant for her.

When we posted about where to hide your sex toys, your ingenuity was incredible — but your tales of kids (or your mom) accidentally finding your stash was sobering.

Remember the mother whose stashed condoms created the greatest water balloons of all time?

We’ve also heard about another daughter who reinvented her Mom’s diaphragm as a trampoline for Barbie. And the kid who used lubricants as finger paint? You can’t make this stuff up.

We’re wondering: Is sexting part of your sexual/romantic life?

Our kids are so tech-savvy and forever curious. We wonder how you manage to keep your kids away from your private adult communications.

Please do share.