<p>mdcissp: Regarding the IM, there is a way to show you are “busy”. One clicks in the “Away message” and a yellow page shows up next to the name on the buddy list. This is how you can see if your son is doing something and not open to messaging. The same appliies for you if you are busy or away. Also, within that Away system, you can choose various messages that would show up if someone tries to IM you…I am Away, hw, brb (be right back), At lunch etc.</p>