Nana's On Facebook

The world is on Facebook and on a smaller scale means Moms/Dads, Aunts/Uncles, and Grandparents. In other words, family members.

When Nana first set up her Facebook page, the grandkids were all about it. They showed her how to set privacy settings, send a friend request, download pictures and post a comment on her wall. It was a great way for Nana to keep in touch with her sisters out of state and to share pictures with them.

Nana has ten grandchildren that fall in two very different age brackets. Six ages 16 to 25 and four ages 2 to 10. All of the grandchildren in the higher age bracket gladly accepted their Nana's friend request. They thought it was cool that their 70 year old grandmother was Facebooking!

As would be expected of ages 16 to 25, there are many parties at college and elsewhere, some inappropriate language, as well as some inappropriate photos posted on Facebook pages. Or more realistically noted, appropriate for a 20 year old; deemed inappropriate (or shocking!) by a Nana. For example, "Party tonight! Can't wait to get the drink on!" accompanied by photos of a beer pong game. Like I said, typical for a 20 year old, but not so much for the Nana.

Now here is where the fun begins. Nana comments on the "party tonight" comment with a "be careful tonight, you shouldn't be drinking" or on the photos "this is not a very nice picture". I get the call, "Nana's commenting on my page and everyone can see it!". To which I respond, "Well, you did accept her friend request". I also enjoy a good laugh. I promise that I will mention to Nana about being sensitive with her comments.

As promised, I have the conversation and Nana gets defensive. She explains that she is not snooping on their pages, but that "the kids are sending her" these messages and that she is embarrassed that others can read them on her page. I explain that they are not sending them directly to her, but that her news feed shows updates from anyone she is friends with. I also reassure her that her sisters would also need to be friends with the kids in order to see their posts and that they are not. Nana feels a little better hearing that. She says she'll try not to check up on the kids as much.

Well, Nana, being Nana, just can't resist and posts another message on the page of her college freshman, grandson's page scolding him for bragging about partying. This grandson decides to delete Nana. Fortunately for him, Nana hadn't been told of the feature that allows you to delete a friend and because she can no longer see this grandson's comments, believes that he listened to her and is behaving.

Being from a large, Irish family that tends to be just a wee bit outspoken, the Facebook comments can be challenging at times. They can also be quite entertaining. I think all will agree that Nana is indeed cool for having a Facebook page. The comments have made for some great stories to share at holiday get togethers.

Looks like Facebook is here to stay, as are Nana's comments!