Using TV Parental Controls

July 19, 2011 by Leave a Comment

These days it seems like television programming is a minefield. Even seemingly innocent programming can be filled with language, images and references that are not suitable for your children to be exposed to. All too often, commercials for violent movies and video games will air during family TV time. What can you do to protect your child from these potentially harmful influences?

Luckily, a variety of good parental control technology is readily available. All you have to do is learn how to use it.

Since the beginning of the year 2000, the FCC has required most new TVs to have a built-in V-Chip. This technology uses the ratings information encoded in the program to block shows parents have deemed inappropriate for their children. The owner’s manual for your TV should contain directions for using the V-Chip technology.

You can also use additional program blocking features that may be built into your TV or offered by your satellite or cable provider. There are kid-friendly programs and packages from direct.tv that your family would be able to enjoy. With this technology you can block entire channels from view no matter the ratings of individual programs. Many home video game systems and DVD players also include forms of blocking technology, and can be programmed not to play games or movies beyond a set ratings limit.

Finally, filters offer another layer of protection. This technology in TVs or DVD players will block out inappropriate language or other content while you are watching, in essence creating an edited version of the program or movie.

While it may seem like quality family programming is difficult to find, by using this technology you can expand your viewing options and relax, knowing your children are protected.

Filed Under: Parenting, Teens Tagged With: , ,

Teens and Online Gambling

July 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment
gambling the future of a nation. 

Many parents permit their teenage sons and daughters to gamble online. Although, at first glance, this appears to be grossly irresponsible, they argue it is a way to keep them indoors and under their control. This attitude has been fuelled with the fear of them roaming the streets and becoming involved in under-age drinking, drug taking, or some sort of gang activity.

As a result it has now become common for teenagers to gamble online, even encouraged by some experts who claim it can be both educational and recreational. For instance Boston College psychology professor, Joseph Tecce, is on record as saying it is an effective way to obtain a reduction in stress while learning to focus in a sustained manner.

One of the biggest dangers in online gambling, however, is that for every legitimate site, there are dozens of scam sites. It is difficult to determine which site is a scam and which is above board. This risk has been lessened considerably with Online Casino Bonuses, a site that gives people a wide ranging insight as to what legitimate sites are offering.

A recent study has revealed the following:

  • 70 percent of teenagers between 13 and 17 have tried gambling.
  • There is a link between gambling, drug taking, smoking and alcohol abuse.
  • Gambling can become addictive.

Parents who allow their children to gamble should only do so when aware of the dangers involved. One way is to incorporate the use of Online Casino Bonuses as a protection against scams and the other is to practice responsible supervision.

 

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: , ,

Good Education Helps Teens Be Productive

July 2, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Distance education

Image by mcwetboy via Flickr

It can be a challenging time for parents: your “baby” is all grown up and just graduated high school, but isn’t quite ready to dive into university life. You’re afraid that the time off will inevitably lead to no higher education. Before your teen discards her college plans, sit down and talk about an online college. There are many ways online colleges can help her move toward her degree while still feeling in control of her time, life, and future.

Online colleges allow students to start when they are ready. Most classes have pre-taped lectures that students can plug into at their leisure. Online courses are flexible, allowing your teen to work on coursework at his own pace. There are a wide variety of programs online, some that may not be available at a nearby university. These are points you can use to entice your teen into considering an online bachelor degree, although taking online courses is not the easy avenue he may be imagining.

Online coursework is demanding and does require diligence and commitment. While it’s flexible and relaxed, students do have deadlines for coursework, exams and finals just as they would at any brick and mortar institution. Procrastination will still lead to cramming and panicking as deadlines approach. If you’re concerned that your teen will become a bum and live at home for the rest of his life, discuss online courses and degrees with him today.

 

Filed Under: Parenting, Resources, Teens Tagged With: , ,

Smartphones Revolutionize High Tech Parenting

June 27, 2011 by Leave a Comment
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - NOVEMBER 28: A woman hol...

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Smartphone technology is the way of the future. Now, apps and gadgets are revolutionizing parenting. From your baby’s first days to communicating with faraway kids, smartphones and the technology linked to them provide parents with the resources they need to keep in touch with their kids.

When they’re Young

Ever dream of consolidating your baby monitor? Smartphones can help! Baby monitors, such as the Compro IP540, allow you to watch your baby from iPhone or Android phones. The monitor comes with a free smartphone app—you can even use your computer’s web browser to watch your child. Though pricey, this device has a secure connection and connects to your home’s wifi.

To go the less expensive route, check out apps for iPhone or Android phones. These apps let you set your phone near your child and will send text messages to another phone or call your home phone if your baby cries.

Communication Made Easy

Technology still helps parents once the kids get a little older. Skype allows you to make free voice and video calls, and it also calls landlines and mobiles with credit you put on your account. Beyond the computer, you can access Skype with a free app. Resources like Skype are perfect for traveling parents or kids studying abroad or at college.

The smartphone apps take Skype’s accessibility a further: you can truly contact your kids wherever you are. All apps may not support video calls, but the technology is invaluable. It’s free using wifi, but with smartphones, even without a wifi connection you can use the app any time to keep in touch.

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: , ,

Helping Teens Cope When Moving

June 18, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Moving is stressful for most people. A family uprooting itself to move out of the city or state can cause a lot of emotions and anxiety. For the teen involved in this process, it’s even more difficult. Going through the teen years is hard enough and having to start over can be very tough. Here are some tips to help your teen cope with the transition.

First, you must understand that at such an emotionally fragile time in their lives, they’re going to grieve the losses they’ll experience when they move. Allowing them to spend those remaining days with their friends and to express their sadness after arriving at their new home will help them process the emotion and move forward. Encourage them to stay in touch with friends from their old neighborhood. They can still be an important part of your teen’s life across the miles.

Upon arriving in the new place, you might be busy finding HOA management for your new home or your old home which you might be selling. However, make sure you take the time to engage your teen. They may be feeling alone. It’s up to you to help bridge the gap of their loneliness by taking them out and keeping them active. The more you learn about your new town the more comfortable everyone will feel. Encourage your teens to go out and interact with other kids their own age. The quicker they get comfortable, the better.

Moving is stressful for teens. They’ll need you for support. Give them attention without overwhelming them and with time, they’ll adapt to their new surroundings.

Filed Under: Parenting, Resources Tagged With: , ,

Talking with your Children about Divorce

June 5, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Divorce can be difficult for all members of a family. In particular, this challenging process can overwhelm or confuse children. When planning for divorce it is always best to think about how you plan to tell your children about it.

In many cases, couples have planed or thought about many aspects to the divorce before they proceed. This planning should also include how you want to talk to your child about the divorce, what a divorce will mean for them, and how you plan to approach parenting during and after the divorce.

Children can be overwhelmed or feel confused during this process. It is important for parents to consider how they will approach parenting, custody issues, and child support before they talk to their children about this process.

Additional aspects include discussing custody, what this means for the child, how they might feel about this, and how to help them through this. Also, have a plan for approaching decisions on the children’s future such as addressing behavior problems, educational decisions, financial decisions, and changes in either parent’s future.

Child support and child custody laws can change from state to state. You should be familiar with these and plan how you want to discuss how they affect your child. Florida child support laws are just one example of how these laws can be specific to each state.

When planning a divorce, it is best to discuss and prepare for talking with your children about the life changing event. Address the children’s concerns, resources they may need to help guide them through this process, and discuss how this will affect them.

Filed Under: Parenting, Resources Tagged With: , ,

Treat Your Child to a Fun Friday Party

May 16, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Halloween Spooktacular Costume Party

Image by Rapid City Public Library via Flickr

When your child is working hard in school, one of the ways that you can reward him or her is to throw a fun Friday party. This is a great way to help your child unwind after a long week. You can invite your son or daughter’s best friends over for a theme party or a sleepover. Since you have the entire weekend ahead of you, Friday is a great time to throw such a party. Here are some hints for throwing such a special event for your child:

  1. Choose a theme for the party. A costume party would be tons of fun, for example. There are such a wide variety of costumes available, that each child can come dressed differently. This will give each child an opportunity to put their creativity and personality on display. There are a variety of different themes that you can employ to make the party more fun and exciting.
  2. Have a plan for the party. Make sure that everything is planned out ahead of time so that there are no snags or surprises during the party.
  3. Plan ahead for the best results. Impromptu parties are fun, but planning means you can insure that all invited guests are able to attend. Plan the party out ahead of time, even if it is a secret for your child, ensuring at the very least that all the parents are aware of your plans so they can prepare accordingly.

It is really not difficult to throw a fun, casual party for your child on a Friday. Just make sure you have a plan that you can follow along the way.

Filed Under: General, Parenting Tagged With: , ,

When To Get Outside Help With a Teenager

May 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment

IMG_1411Image by campuskitche

Dealing with teenagers can seem like fighting a never-ending battle. Parents can win, but it may take all the smarts and patience they have. There are a few tips that can help a parent know when it is time to get outside help.

A very good way to deal with disgruntled teens is to give them punishments that fit the situation. For instance, if your teenager steals clothes from a favorite retailer, he or she will hate a punishment like scrubbing floors, but that punishment won’t really fit the crime. A more appropriate punishment would be stopping their allowance so that they cannot shop at their favorite stores or taking away his or her favored RocaWear clothing for a length of time.
If your teens always seems to be in some kind of drama, pay attention to their habits and see if any patterns arise. Are your teens always picking fights? Skipping class? Breaking rules? When did it start? Do certain friends always seem to be present when things go wrong?
Other important questions about your teens should be answered as well:
  • Are they sad all the time?
  • Are they angry a lot?
  • Do they get violent?
  • Are they taking drugs or alcohol?
  • Are grades failing?
  • Do they have a disregard for all rules, or just certain rules?
  • Are they getting into petty crimes (or worse)?
  • Have they ever mentioned suicide?
  • Are they dieting excessively?
If even one answer is yes, then it is time to get outside help. Most cities have a crisis line where anonymous parents can get phone numbers to helpful programs, authorities, and classes. Your pediatrician and school principal can also offer a list of places that may be helpful.
Filed Under: Parenting

Warn Children About the Dangers of Texting

March 28, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Parents of teens have so much to worry about. Does he drive too fast? Is she drinking alcohol? Do they talk on their cell phones while they drive? How are their grades? Will he get into college? And now a new worry has been added to the list: Sexting.

Sexting is when people send racy or inappropriate photos of themselves or others via text message on a cell phone. What might start out as a private exchange can quickly become public. It then becomes humiliating. Oh, and if the teens participating in this activity are under 18, it is also child pornography and therefore against the law.

Parents need to talk to their children about sexting. In Massachusetts, two 14-year-old-boys were sent a photo of a 13-year-old girl exposing her breast. She had willingly allowed her 14-year-old boyfriend to take the shot, and he sent it to his friends. The friends didn’t ask for the photo, but because they received it and showed it to a couple of other people the police got involved and the boys were nearly charged with possessing child pornography. They could have had to register as sex offenders.

Clearly what the boys did was wrong. But at 14, did they know how wrong? We give our children freedom and access to technology at very young ages. Often they are not mentally or emotionally prepared to handle all the responsibilities and dangers that lurk there. As a parent, it is your job to anticipate those concerns and openly discuss them with your child so he or she will be fully prepared.

Filed Under: Parenting, Teens Tagged With: , ,

Choosing the Best Computer for your Family

March 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Unless you have a degree in Information Technology, it can be really confusing to select the best computer. When you are trying to buy a computer than multiple members of a family will use, the task becomes even more complicated. But if you keep the things below in mind while you are shopping, you will be able to choose a computer that meets everyone’s needs.

First, consider the age of the children who will be using the computer. If they are quite young, there is no reason to spend a lot of money on a tricked-out machine. Select an inexpensive computer that can get online, perform some basic computing functions, and run a few games. Children at this age are hard on everything, so don’t waste your money on a computer they might damage.

Once your children are older, you will need to take their specific needs and desires into consideration. If you have an avid gamer in your family, you will need a computer with the processor speed and graphics capability to handle those demands. But these machines come at a pretty expensive price. If you or a family member is into video editing or graphic design, these same considerations apply.

You will also want to balance the needs and desires of your family with not only the price of the computer, but the support offered by the company that makes the machine. With a lot of people using the computer, it will experience a lot of wear and tear so select a computer maker that rates well in customer service.

Filed Under: Internet, Parenting Tagged With: , ,
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