Last evening my kids and I attended a local fundraiser even. A woman took a photo of my son and approached me, saying she was from the local paper, and could she have my son's name and permission to use the photo. She also said it might be shared in the paper's online gallery.
When I was a kid I had my picture in the local paper a few times, with my name, at it was always a big deal in my family. So without hesitation I said "SURE!" and gave my son's name.
Now this morning I'm thinking it was pretty stupid in this day and age to give my son's first and last name to a total stranger just because she claimed to be from the local paper, and also to give permission for my son's name and age to be published online in a public photo gallery. Did I do like the stupidest thing ever?
The picture showed up on the website, and all the other kids who had there pictures taken had first and last names on too, so I guess it wasn't that stupid. Thanks for making me feel better about it. I'm a worry wart like that sometimes.
I have done the same thing and felt the same way and everything was perfectly OK. Relax, it's another of those weird parenting moments.
Relax. Your child wasn't naked or anything. He was having fun at an event. As they get older, their names and faces will be in the local papers. Unless you are running from someone or in witness protection, it's all good.
LBC
My son was fishing with a friend and the friend's grandma at the beach. A local reporter/photogorapher got a nice shot of him with two fish on the same line.
It was a pretty cool picture on the front page and yes, it mentioned his name. I had a million people I know saving he paper for me so I'd have copies.
Nothing bad happened.
I'm sure all will be fine.
Best wishes.
No, not at all. I would have done the same.
My son has been in the local paper 4 times..all before he was 4 years old. Don't worry! Try to get a hold of the article and photo so you can cut it out. Enjoy his "fame". You did not do anything stupid. Next time I would get the photographer/journalist woman's card though so you can find out what day the photo will be published.
I'm pretty sure it will be fine. Is it terrible that i believe her more because she is female?? I think it's sad that something that would have been innocent and not even questioned 20 years ago, makes us worry and question ourselves nowadays. I'm sure your son is a cutie and will be so excited to be in the paper.
If it makes you feel better i had my own stupid moment. We were on vacation and we planned a trip to the beach with a quick meet up with one of hubbys female college friends as we were leaving the beach, Well we got lost and ended up calling this friend for directions and she invited herself and her kids along for our whole beach day instead of just an hour in the afternoon. I had forgotten my camera back in our hotel room over an hour away. so this woman snapped family pictures of my kid, hubby and I (waterlogged, no makeup, sunburned etc) ALL DAY and is now posting them on my husbands facebook page and he refuses to adjust his privacy settings because he wants his 500 close friends to see how great our vaca was. I am so IRRITATED on several levels with myself, with this woman and with my stupid husband. so if it makes you feel better it could be worse.
Can you look at your local paper online and verify her as an employee? Maybe that would set your mind at ease.
I would not worry. She is probably totally for real. It was a fundraiser not just a random shot of you and your son someplace else. I'm sure you'll see your happy little faces pop up on at least the computer gallery and he'll be thrilled!
As long as she is legit...no worries.
i don't think so...as long as you saw her credentials or some sort of identification...right?
I am sure there is no issue. Don't over analyze it. I really don't think pervs are reading the paper in search of little kids.
My daughter has been in the paper in Dallas several times. Just relax, go get papers so you can save it for his "famous day" and send the pic to family and friends.
I was really good at softball from the time i was 11 to 21.. My full name and age and school was ALWAYS listed in the paper. I don't think you did anything wrong, they would have put it in anyway if they had wanted to. I don't remember ever being asked permission..
I would have done the same. My son is one of the "poster children" for our public library and was in the paper last year in a picture with my husband. No biggie.
I did the same thing. But when she asked for our last name thats when I put the breaks on. I said "Do you really need that?" She said no and stopped asking me questions. :)
My kids have both been in the paper for this or that. No biggie. Your son will be excited to see his picture in the paper. Relax.
