Hello all. The subject of our blog today is slightly different to normal, it's not really about a subject that we've covered before. We wanted to make it known to some parents that some of the girls are finding us and trying to add us to their MSN chat contacts. On the first time it happened the 11 year old girl in question has the same name as a friend of mine so I added her to our list thinking it was my friend, she then proceeded to chat to me and I soon discovered who she was - a girl who had been a guest at one of our parties. On the same evening coincidentally, the same thing happened - another girl with the same name as a friend of mine also joined my list! I chatted a short while to the girls and told them that it wasn't a good idea for them to be chatting to someone that they didn't know very well. They couldn't see a problem with it and were surprised when I told them that I would take them off my list and they wouldn't be able to chat to me on MSN again. I have spent time trying hard to educate my son not to talk to strangers or people he doesn't know too well, in real life as well as on the computer, so although it was pleasant to chat to the girls and very harmless, I wanted them to understand that even though I was friendly and trustworthy it isn't a good idea to chat to everyone. One of the girls in particular seemed quite upset that I wouldn't chat to her and I felt really bad but feel that one rule should apply to all - I sent her a friendly email explaining my reasons. I also don't think it is very professional for Makeover Mates to have a list of children's contacts, we would hate to think that we were influencing them in any way. Initially I was confused as to how the kids were finding me on MSN then I realised that the email address I use for that purpose is a Makeover Mates email. I have since had a few more girls trying to get on my list - I think they're in a group - and I've rejected the request. I just want the girls and their parents to understand that my reasons for not chatting to the girls are purely professional and because I think it is the right thing to do. So girls - if you read this, please don't take it personally that I haven't added you!!! Take care, thank you, Dawn XX
