Own Email Address
I am an email addict. I simply have to check my email at least a handful of times every day. The bulk of my messages turn out to be junk mail and spam, but I am constantly cleaning this annoying clutter out of my mailbox. If I leave it for a day or two, I am shocked to discover hundreds of messages clogging my inbox.
I can't imagine how some families share an email inbox. That would drive me crazy! Plus, I think having your own email address ensures a measure of privacy. For example, what if you got in a stupid argument with your spouse and wanted to vent? You wouldn't feel very comfortable sending that email out from the family mailbox. Or perhaps your children have been misbehaving and you are discussing tips for child rearing with a friend? You'd hardly want your kids accessing your secret stash of training tactics. Therefore, I am a strong advocate of each individual in the family having their own email address.
My son is nine years old. He has many friends at school with email accounts of there own. So a few months ago, we decided to sign him up with a Hotmail account. I helped him fill in all the contact details and we went over common tips for keeping safe. My son was so excited and has been actively using his account to keep in touch with friends and family, almost every day!
When my four year old daughter heard about this, then she insisted that she must have her own email address too! She can't read yet, but she tells me what to write in her special messages to grandma and you'd be surprised at what such a little kid has to say!
My husband and I also have our own email addresses. It's not that we don't trust one another, but we realize that each person has their own life and we don't have to tell each other every single thing.
Of course, we are also very aware of the dangers that the Internet can hold for anyone in a committed relationship. Many people have no problem virtual flirting and cavorting with individuals they meet online, as long as it doesn't lead to the real thing. My husband and I are conscious that it's easy to let your guard down and to entertain seemingly harmless bantering - however, we know of several people who've gone down this road and ended up developing very real feelings for their virtual friends, causing unneeded problems in their real life relationship at home.
So, while I am a supporter of each family member having their own email address, I also am very careful not to cross the line or abuse that trust.