As hard as we try to push our kids away from social media, the fact is that it is a part of their lives. So rather than complain about it, de Muyshondt says parents should educate themselves on the topic.
"The more that you don't understand it, the further apart you're going to drive yourself from your child," she explains. She suggests testing the social media waters for a month to see how the sites operate and what kids find so appealing about them. Even if you delete your account after 30 days, the experience will help you connect and communicate with your child about the topic.
"Understanding the world your child is living in is so important," de Muyshondt says. "I'd rather be the engaged parent than the one that is like, 'Oh, kids today,' and rolls their eyes."
