Talk Amongst Yourselves
Man, it's really rough when I've got a bunch of family drama (nothing too bad, just silly) going on in the background and the frustration of having met Mr. Great-Conversation-but-Totally-Off-Limits (not for really moral or legal reasons, lest anyone's thoughts head in that direction) this past weekend, and I really can't talk about either situation here. Or just about anywhere. Sigh.
So I'll give you a discussion topic: Boundaries. Specifically, what to do if some of the really nice teens in the teen group you oversee (say, at a library) invite you to come with them to a post-meeting movie next time around. Most of the group going is girls but there are a few boys, if that matters. Does it violate an authoritative boundary to go? Or any other kind of boundary?
What say you, blogfriends?
So I'll give you a discussion topic: Boundaries. Specifically, what to do if some of the really nice teens in the teen group you oversee (say, at a library) invite you to come with them to a post-meeting movie next time around. Most of the group going is girls but there are a few boys, if that matters. Does it violate an authoritative boundary to go? Or any other kind of boundary?
What say you, blogfriends?
Comments
But a nice clean fun movie? No problem.
Re: The other things. I am endlessly grateful for my best friend, that I can tell everything to. Much better than blathering on about private stuff on one's blog. I've learned my lesson on that.
:-)
Warren
Given where I work, my policy has been strictly no to hanging out with people under 18 without their parents present. And since I'm sure some of them have googled me, I don't write about them or almost anything from work anymore. kind of leavevs my blog in an identity crisis, but what are you going to do?
What Amy said is good also I think. If you do go ahead, I think you should consider having another adult friend tag along. That changes the dynamic a little and makes it less risky for you. I know you wouldn't do anything inappropriate, but innocent people do get accused of that and you don't want to be in a your word against a kid's word situation. Crap, I hate writing that, but that's the way it is.
Also, I'm confused about implications you present at the end of your comment. I've been fortunate to have great commenters on any topic I've chosen to bring up thus far, so anything relating to privacy is more about sparing them than me. And the best friend thing? Did you not notice I said I had no place to discuss? A little insensitive to basically announce you're thankful you're not stuck like me. Next time, please read and comment a little more carefully. (Sorry to sound a little teacher-y there. I can't help it.)
AC22--I'd agree with you in that situation, sure. College can be a great equalizer. Bit more of an age difference here. I have a few high school classmates who have children their age (16-17).
Amy G--Oh, yeah, the FB thing is awkward. I remember Dr. Red's being less than thrilled that some of her former students (now in college) were trying to "friend" her last Fall. Yet another reason I'm not on FB. I think you're helping me see what probably is the true concern here--I really don't think I want to have a social relationship with these teens, at least not while I am their advisor. Sorry about your blog situation, BTW! Some of those one-topic blogs make a lot of sense, don't they? Music/knitting/food--nothing else!
Dave--yeah, good suggestion to bring someone, because it would remind them I'm not their age. I don't think I have that as an option, unfortunately.