Social media is a huge part of growing up today. From sharing pictures to keeping up with friends and family, it’s become a daily routine for many kids. But it also comes with serious risks. Here’s how to help your kids use social media wisely. HOW OLD SHOULD THEY BE? The American Academy of Pediatrics advises children to be at least 13 before opening a social media account. But that is not an absolute: Some kids may be ready at 13, others not until 16. Research has identified serious negative effects on children under 13, such as not enough sleep, poor body image, and cyberbullying. START THE CONVERSATION ON YOUR TERMS. Before your child opens their first account, ensure they know social media isn’t just likes and filters — it’s a public space where people share their lives and opinions. Help them understand the permanence of what they post. Even if something “disappears,” screenshots and digital footprints last forever. CHAT ABOUT PRIVACY. Privacy settings are your child’s first defense, but they are not perfect. Explain why it’s important to protect personal information. Ensure they never share things like their school name, home address, or phone number online — even with people they think they know. And never become “friends” with anyone they don’t know in person. Scroll Smart A Parent’s Guide to Helping Kids Navigate Social Media
If you’ve ever experienced Probate or heard horror stories from a loved one, you probably thought you would do everything in your power to ensure your family does not have to deal with the time- consuming, complicated process. When we pass away, we want our families to have time to grieve and reflect on all the memories we shared. This becomes a challenging task if they have to go through Probate. Instead of focusing on their emotions and memories, they’ll be meeting with the Probate clerk and judge to determine what will happen to your assets. To avoid Probate entirely, you will need a full-fledged Estate Plan. Some people believe a Will should be enough to cover their bases, but your estate will still be subject to Probate. Trusts are often the best tool to avoid Probate, but working with an experienced Estate Planning attorney will help you determine the best option for your unique circumstances. Don’t Leave Your Family in Probate Purgatory
Don’t think Probate is a big deal? Here are a few reasons why you should try to avoid it.
PROBATE TAKES TIME. As mentioned earlier, Probate is a time-consuming process. You aren’t going to have everything wrapped up in a single day. It could take weeks or even months to go through the various court filings, hearings, creditor notifications, and legal formalities. This is likely not how you want your loved ones spending their time in the days immediately after you’ve passed. YOUR ESTATE BECOMES PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE. Most of us are private people. We don’t want the world knowing about our finances, belongings, or personal affairs. However, Probate will make them public knowledge. Probate records are available to the public, and anyone can learn about your assets, debts, beneficiaries, and the distribution of the estate. If you value privacy, you should avoid Probate at all costs. PROBATE CAN BE EXPENSIVE. You want to leave your family the maximum amount of money possible, but that might not be possible if your estate goes through Probate. They’ll have to pull from the estate to pay off legal fees, court expenses, and administrative fees. When you create a comprehensive Estate Plan, you minimize these costs and can ensure your heirs receive the full value of your estate.
REMIND THEM THAT KINDNESS COUNTS. The internet can be a harsh place, but it doesn’t have to be. Teach your kids to treat others with kindness online, just like they would in person. If they wouldn’t say it face-to-face, they shouldn’t post it. It’s also important to talk about how what they post today could impact them in the future, from college applications to job opportunities. BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL. If you constantly scroll or overshare, kids will think that’s normal. Show them what balanced, thoughtful social media use looks like. Put the phone down. Enjoy time offline. KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING. Social media is always evolving, and so are its challenges. Let your child know they can come to you if something makes them uncomfortable or if they’re unsure about what to do. Being smart on social media is a life skill. With the right guidance, kids can enjoy everything it offers, without falling into the pitfalls. A frank conversation now can make a big difference later.
2 SiegelLawGroup.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator