Before You Write, Are You Asking Your Family’s Permission?

Several years ago, I began asking our children’s permission to write about them in our prayer letters. I know God prompted me because the thought had never occurred before. They had some say in the content for years, but now we would allow them to opt out.

All three appreciated that we would ask before writing about them. One confessed he had been uncomfortable for some time. I should have asked when he was in his late teens instead of his late twenties. We have had to accept that we can’t share much about him and his family, while the other two are more open.

This has been a little hard. We’re proud of him. Many of our long-term ministry partners have watched our family grow and are interested in them. I’m also very detailed, so I’ve learned to be content with a one-sentence mention here and there.

“All” of our newsletters publish on our blog, MikeandSus.org. This might also be a factor for our children. Our prayer letter goes out in the mail, through emails, on MailChimp, and our blog. I post from our blog on social media as well. That’s a lot of exposure.

Do you ask permission to share your children’s lives? What about other family members?

NOTE: Another point about social media. For safety reasons, I’ve been conscientious about posting names, photos, and locations for our seven grandchildren. I don’t post much. Are you careful about sharing pictures of your little ones in public places?