When I started this little corner of the web six months ago it seemed like a no brainer that I would use a nickname for my daughter in place of her name. I actually started off by using a nickname for Luke too, but I gave up on that after a bit because it just did not feel right, (which is odd because I think I call Luke by his nickname in real life more that I do his actual name.) Those of you that are familiar with things around here know that I call my daughter Monkey.
So why am I bringing this up? Well, there has been a lot of talk lately about Internet safety and privacy. I have thought about this subject numerous times since starting Evolving Mommy. How much information is too much information? How much information is enough information to make connections with the people who stop by? How do I keep the information private that I want private?
The decision to use a nickname for my daughter on this blog was easy. The decision to continue to use the nickname has not always been an easy one. It would certainly make things easier if I did not have to backspace to delete her name and replace it with Monkey when I have brain farts while typing. It would be easier to make videos without having to constantly watch my tongue. I am also sure that it would be easier for our family members and real life friends that visit Evolving Mommy when leaving comments. Also as Monkey is growing up and I do wonder if “Monkey,” is really the appropriate nickname.
Even with all that I keep on typing Monkey into my posts. There are reasons for using an alias for her. Reasons that I am sure every mom can understand. As a Mommy I just want to keep my sweet little girl safe. It is my job to keep her safe. Maybe I am a worry wort but I just do not trust the intentions of some people on the web. Also, because Monkey is still so young she has had no say in whether or not I include her in my blogging. I am very aware that what I post on the Internet will never ever go away and so I try to be mindful of that fact and keep her somewhat anonymous. I mean what person wants (possibly unflattering) stories from their childhood easily accessible on the Internet and following them around forever.
There are of course other things that I try t0 keep private. Our hometown, exact birth dates and last name are all things that I work to keep under wraps. There are just too many “bad” people out there in my opinion.
So what are your thoughts on privacy. Do you share the names of your children or do you use nicknames and/or aliases? Do you openly blog about your hometown or do you keep things general and vague? Where do you draw your lines between okay to share and not okay to share?
Over on my sidebar I have a NewBaby video with my thoughts on this subject as well.
