Privacy: How much should kids have?

I receive weekly emails from Love and Logic Institute.  They offer Biblical parenting advice that covers toddlers to teenagers.  In a culture so consumed by privacy, I especially liked this post.

Have you ever heard a parent say something like, "I don’t feel comfortable searching my daughter's room. I don't want to invade her privacy."?

Perhaps you know a child who is severely bent out of shape because their "Neanderthal" parents won't allow them to keep a computer in their bedroom.

Where do I stand on this issue?

It's our job to do our best to know what's going on in our children's lives.

• It's our job to know what's in their rooms.
• It's our job to do our best to know what they are doing on their computers and their phones.
• It's our job to do our best to meet their friends and understand what they are involved in when they are hanging out.
• When we do these things, we send the message that we love them enough to be involved in their lives.

Parents who do such things will likely hear, "You don't trust me!" If so, respond with the following:

We love you. Do you think we do these things to be nosey and obnoxious… or do we do these things because we love you and want to help you stay safe?

This question is not designed to change their mind. It's simply designed to plant a seed within it. When we consistently demonstrate love and concern…rather than a dictatorial attitude…this seed has a chance to grow.

As a society, we've lost far too many good kids to drugs, alcohol, pornography, suicide, video game addiction, etc., because we've been afraid of invading privacy. In our Teen Package you'll find a treasure chest of ideas for staying highly involved in your teen's life…without creating massive power-struggles and rebellion.

Brad and I agree with Dr. Charles Fay.  We certainly apply this principle in our home. So far no one has accused us of invading their privacy but we know it's coming!