Appendix 1

Social Networking Do’s and Don’ts for Single Parents

Helen Wheeler, LPC

• After divorce, filter out pictures and friends that now create vulnerability for you and the kids.
• Broadcasting your co-parenting frustrations makes you vulnerable and hurts your children. Keep in mind that malicious ex-spouses can track your involvements and use the information against you. Assume everything you write can end up in court.
• Be wary of reigniting old flames (e.g., high school). You aren’t that person anymore and neither are they.
• Moderate your need for social connection with an awareness of the costs of social networking (your kids are watching). Remember, once you hit Send, you can’t get it back or control where it ends up.
• Monitor your children’s involvement on sites and set time boundaries on use. Take advantage of cell phone and website parental control options.