Is 11 years old to Young to Blog? | Bloggers Lair | Yakezie Forums

Post edited 12:12 pm – March 7, 2012 by Money Reasons

My son has watched me blog and sees that I enjoy it.  He now has started this own blog (with my help starting it), but I have to wonder if it's too much considering that he's in sports and a straight A student…  I don't want to over burden him!  Think it's a bad idea?

Check out my article where I talk about his efforts: http://www.moneyreasons.com/my…..repreneur/

If you get a chance, leave a comment or two on his site: http://www.entertainmenttimez.com/ I'm sure he would be tickled!

OneCentAtatime said:

Wow that unusual Don. The biggest part for you, I think, would be to help him handle the criticism well. Also see that he doesn't neglect other things in life.

Yes, it is. For the online service that he provides, I back it up by guaranteeing that I will pick up his slack if he gets to overwhelmed or busy.

I'll watch the criticism since I have access to his site.  That way I'll add a layer of protection, especially since his blogging activities is to be a positive experience for him.

The "neglecting other things in life" is what I'm worried about.  I was torn whether to let him start to blogging.

Right now it's fun though!

There's no harm in it (IMO) as long as there isn't any pressure. Even if he doesn't post too frequently, it will still build up over the years and teach him a lot through doing it.

Watson Inc said:

Hi Don,

Although I didn't watch X Factor, I know there was a young girl (14 years old) who thought she was going to win it. She made it far, but when she didn't gain the popular vote, she had an onstage meltdown so memorable and disheartening that it was very painful to watch.

http://www.hollywoodlife.com/2…..rsy-video/

 

Again, I heard another young contestant also lashed out due to similar criticism.

http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/new…..n-20111118

 

You have to learn to deal with criticism somewhere, but hopefully he is mentally ready or will allow you to coach him to deal with potential assaults on his character, people misconstruing his intentions, personal attacks, the time drain, ageism, and downright weirdos  etc.

You bring up a great point!  Criticism could bring about a lessening of confidence, and that would be devastating to kids!

My son is blogging anonymously, and shouldn't have that level of pressure though.  I'll keep him in check.

I'm thinking more along the lines of some the great investors and business owners of the past…  Like Edison or Buffett.  Perhaps not near as big as those guys, but still the exposure would be golden (as long as I control the comments, and email content). 

Sustainable PF said:

There are far too many creeps out there.  I would not permit it with my child.

I have that concern too!  I'm not letting him put any picture or anything personal on his site.  He only blogs anonymously also although he does have the Stickman show which is funny but anonymous.

jaicatalano said:

I don't think it's a bad idea… HOWEVER BIG HOWEVER… Mom or dad or both need to manage what goes up.  Be very careful as 11 year olds, no matter how smart he is, are 11 year olds.  I will check out your post now.

 

Jai

Thanks Jai,

Very solid advice!  I'm actually thinking of having me read his emails and comments on his site first.  Just to run it through a parent filtering mechanism.  I don't expect anything negative at the beginning, but one never knows.

Post edited 11:15 am – January 15, 2012 by Money Reasons

jaicatalano said:

You are right… I make funny videos on youtube and every so often I get people saying some really hurtful things. I normally just delete the negative comments unless it's a valid point or someone's opinion but one day I received a death threat. Being that I have a family and I don't tolerate those types of emails I called the cops and they told me there was very little they could do. Even though it stopped on its own, we later learned it was a 15 year old.

 

I am sure that will never happen to you because I put out very racy videos sometimes, however, I thought you should hear from someone who knows about receiving negativity.

 

Jai

Wow, that's kind of scary!

Thanks for the heads up, I'm going to definitely filtering anything before my son get to it.  I think I will even make that a strict rule!

I think it might be possible to track down where the threat came from, but it would take a bit of work tracing back the trail.  If a threatening commenter was savvy enough to use an anonymizer, it would even be more difficult.  If you were to continue to receive such threats, I would escalate it to a higher authority!

Thanks for the info., I'll watch my son's activities very closely!