Snooping after Your Kids

They do, but you shouldn't snoop just to be nosy. If you suspect illegal activities, drug or alcohol abuse then you should look. Otherwise let them have their privacy. Same goes for their diaries, stay out of it.

Good luck and best wishes. 

Before snooping I would first talk to the child. I don't think snooping around should be the first method of action when it comes to kids. It teaches distrust instead of setting a proper example of how grownups behave. After discussing the issue and if there are still signs of something being wrong then perhaps under certain circumstances it would be OK.

Yes, with the reservations expressed by others above. Also included in the searching are cell phone monthly usage, email sender, and Internet history files. Such pursuits of hidden data are clearly for the child's safety and wellbeing.

My mother used to do that to me when I was a teen and it totally fucked me up, I don't know what she thought I was doing, but I don't think anything justify a person going over their kids diary or belonging. In worrying about my wellbeing and safety, she took both away from me. To this day I find myself lying for no good reason about things just to feel like I'm protected and carry about 20 pounds with of personal stuff in my bag everywhere I go.

I understand the need to protect your child from others, but know that by doing that you are actually taking away a lot of their sense of safety and actually, in a passive aggressive way - attacking them.

I think that unless there is a definite proof your child is doing something extremely dangerous,it's important to let them have the benefit of the doubt. We expect the legal system to give protection to inmates and criminals in ways we don't expect parent to respect their children.

If you are doing it, think a million times before why you are snooping and whether you can get the information in any other way.  Just like you don't want your kid snooping on you, you shouldn't snoop on your kid.

depends on their ages.  if u trust them, then no.  kids have to have a certain amount of their own privacy and u need to know what is going on with them at all times.  u have to touch base with them daily on their activities in school and out and let them know and feel comfortable to speak to you and come to you about anything.  have a great open relationship with them and they don't have to hide anything from you. 

now on the other hand, if u don't trust them and they are difficult kids, then yes.  these u have to work on and teach them to be open with u.  if ur child comes home and quickly says hi and heads for their room or bathroom immediately, they are up to something and possibly have something to hide.  if they know u ask alot of questions and check on them all the time they might behave.

yes absolutely..i give my kids a week warning that I am going to clean/trash their rooms.they either clean/trash to my satifaction or i do. most of the time they leave it to me. i do this twice a year.

I think a parent should be very nosy about any online activity because it is so dangerous.  Being aware of what they do with friends and their free time is also important, but unless you suspect something is going on you should give them some trust and respect, with clear rules that must be followed of course.  However, if they do get into some kind of trouble you should definately go through their things and ask tons of questions.  If there is no monitoring it is easy for a child to get into trouble, and once that happens there is no turning back.  That happened to me.  I wish my parents were more interested and concerned with me growing up, not overbearing no, but just involved.  It would have prevented a lot of heart ache in my life.

Absolutely!  My parents did and it kept me out of a lot of trouble that I would have gotten myself into.  I am grown now and have children of my own and I say YES, YES, DEFINITELY...GO FOR IT.  They'll thank you later!