|
|
| Parenting Information |
|
|
|
|
Cyber Parenting 101
Many parental units are not "techies" and openly admit they are not. They seem to use that as an excuse to not be informed and "trust" their children to do what is right in an environment that is clearly risky. When it comes to underage children being online, there should be a set of household rules that are in place and followed or no online connections are allowed. Parenting: n: The rearing of a child or children, especially the care, love, and guidance given by a parent. One who begets, gives birth to, or nurtures and raises a child. Nothing there about "except when they are online." ;-) Here are my suggestions for technochallenged parental units: 1. Keep your computer in an open place such as the family room or rec room. No negotiation here! Online activities are only allowed in this public area - when you are home. Allow a computer connected to the Internet behind a teenager's closed bedroom door and you are asking for trouble! 2. Keep your computer and online connection password protected. Use passwords that cannot be guessed by ingenious teenagers. This way, if you are preoccupied or not home, online access is not possible. Change your password on a regular basis when they are not around. Better safe than sorry. 3. Advise your children that they are not to give out their full name, address, city, state, phone to ANYONE. Those who they know in their off-line world get this info through traditional means. No reason whatsoever to give out this type of personally identifiable information online to anyone without your knowledge and supervision. 4. Learn as much as you can about the Internet, how it really works including how to use your computer and browser so that you are aware of the potential problems your kids can run into. (After they are online, use the drop down bar in your browser's location bar to get a hint of what they have been up to.) 5. Be sure to install any one of the many filtering software packages that help prevent your children from being exposed to topics that would make you cringe. Such as: CyberSitter: www.CyberSitter.com Software is only a tool - not a replacement for your involvement. Here are several of the many publications I have reviewed and offer on one of my other sites (http://www.TechnoChallenged.com) to get you up to speed: Dummies Series "Internet for Dummies" Use promo code "eArticle" and get 10% off your order at checkout! ;-) You hear stories in the news all the time about police stings, pedophiles making contact with children or wacky teenagers running away to hook up with their newly discovered online love. We all know that as teenagers we didn't know squat in regard to communicating with strangers or what "love" is. Heck, I thought I was in love with Bobby Sherman! Just dated myself didn't I? Your child's life experience simply is not in place yet to make mature decisions. That's part of life and your children need you to be their guide as they use technology. Watching over your children's online sessions is not an invasion of privacy. In my not so humble opinion, off-spring do not have privacy until they are 18 and move out! (Or is that around 30 now-a-days?) ;-) Online monitoring is a sign of a caring parent who is involved in the activities and information their children will be exposed to online. Yes, it may be frustrating and require parents to learn some new things along the way. A computer with an online connection is not a babysitter or because we didn't have computers as children an excuse to not be involved. Learn, get involved and be part of your children's online experiences. Look at it as another activity you can share together! About the Author:
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
The Neurology of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Part One What is Happening in the brain of children, teens, and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? ADHD: A Dialogue With a Non-Believer, Part Five Dear Sir, Picky Eaters - The Dawn of Understanding "In general my children refuse to eat anything that hasn't danced on television." (Erma Bombeck, 1927-1996) How to Create an Attitude of Cooperation Having been a parent educator and a PBS consultant for Ready to Learn for many years, I have had the unique opportunity to work with Head Start families, Child Care Providers, and parents as well as schools, organizations, and teachers all over the world just like you. How Do Campers Protect Their Children? Oh yes you have! Suddenly, "Where's Bobby?" You instantly realize that he is not where he is supposed to be-where you told him to stay! Little kids, and even older ones, just don't behave like they used to. Has anyone noticed that? Water! Water Everywhere! What one word best sums up summer fun? Water. I bet your favorite memories as a child involved getting wet, running through sprinklers on a sweltering afternoon, water fights in the backyard, wading at the beach, playing on the slip & slide, and skipping rocks across the river. Your kids will relish the same experiences if they share them with you. Who Are You When the Professional In You Meets Baby? Are you a professional? Can Mineral Deficiencies Lead to Behavioral Problems in Children? A while ago I received this story from David in England, who wrote: Sharing Books with Children One of my first memories of childhood is that of my mother reading Dr. Seuss books to me in a big brown recliner in our living room. That memory brings with it sounds and smells and a general feeling of safety and comfort that never fades, even after all these years. Naturally, one of the first memories I have of my own first born child is sitting in a big chair and reading Little Golden Books to him. Positive Parenting - Oops! I Really Lost My Temper With My Kids, What Now? Ever blown your top to your children, only to regret it ten minutes later? What is Prenatal Intelligence? Prenatal intelligence, also known as fetal intelligence, has become a very hot topic among medical professionals and expecting parents because of the affects it might have on the fetus. Many studies have been done that show a link between fetal stimulation and intelligence as well as increased development of motor skills, language and social skills. This is important for expecting parents who want to give their child the most advanced opportunities to be as intelligent and well adjusted as possible. Some studies regarding prenatal intelligence discuss the use of music when pregnant. How To Use Positive Child Discipline I am a single mother of a 17 year old boy. He has turned out so great. Honor Student. Just a loving person. I attribute this to the way I brought up my son. I can't say I never yelled at him--that would not be true but I did not hit my son. Hitting is just a way of getting out your anger quickly. Verbal abuse is just as bad. So what can a mother do to raise her children in a loving way. Raising a Self-Sufficient Teen Teens don't learn responsibility overnight. If you haven't been working with your teen on gradually giving them a sense of independence and ownership of their lives, then you're going to have your work cut out for you. Don't wait until it's too late. Top 25 Children Quotations "You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance."-- Franklin P. Adams A New Dad To Be? Deer in the headlights? Ok. So you're a dad to be. If you're like most men, this can be a scary situation. We go through so many emotions and sometimes we don't know what to think or how to react. Some men get very enthusiastic but then still go through the emotional roller coaster. The Disadvantages of Home Schooling "Home Schooling ? Look Before You Leap" Americas Public schools --- Deteriorating Like They Did In Ancient Rome The citizens of the early Roman Republic enjoyed an education system similar to ancient Athens. It was voluntary and parents paid tutors or schools directly. There was very little government interference, so a vibrant education free market of tutors, schools, and apprenticeships developed. Is it Attention Deficit Disorder or is it Tourettes Syndrome? During the assessment process it is of great importance for the physician or clinician to consider other possible causes of inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity in your child (or teen, or yourself). In fact, this is probably the most important element of a good assessment. There are several possible causes of these behaviors, especially in children, and the clinician must have great certainty that these other possible causes have been ruled out before giving the label of "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" to your child. End Homework Battles Ask parents what their biggest school year challenge is, and you'll likely hear that it is the difficulty they face in getting their kids to do homework. With so many other attractive ways for kids to spend their time, getting them to buckle down and complete that extra bit of schoolwork can be like pulling teeth. As with any chore, though, there are strategies you can use to get it done and make it more fun. Quality Time with Your Teen It's sometimes difficult to find ways to be involved with your teen without totally intruding in his/her life. You want to talk to them, they don't want to talk to you (most of the time anyway). I've found the best way to connect with my teenage daughter is to enter her world and do the things she likes to do. There's a saying that if you want to understand your child's world you have to play with them, no matter how old they are.
|
| home | site map | © 2006 Jess Advent | shastabert@shastabert.com |
| Visit Our Sister Sites |
| The Top 10 Easiest Internet Incomes | Nutritional Information | Exercise Information | Weight Loss Information |
|
Top 15 Weight Loss Programs | Diabetes Information | Home Improvement Information | Online Gaming Information
|