Risks of Parenting While Online

I just read a recent New York Times article by Julie Scelfo discussed how adults” use of technology is affecting their children. The concern for years has been centered on the fact that technology is negatively impacting children because of their use, but what about their parents use?

Parents that are constantly online while at home are talking to their children less. Parents attention spans are furthermore reduced. These factors plus a few others are impacting their children negatively, so as parent you need to make a decision.

I just recently heard a woman call in a radio show and say that she is addicted to a game on the iPhone called “Angry Birds”. It really looks like fun, but even I was hesitant to download it so I don”t fall into this pattern. Is there a balance or do you need to quit being online for long periods of time while your kids are up?

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/10/garden/10childtech.html

Are You A Rookie Mom?

The other day I came across a website that offers parenting advice from a mother’s perspective. The site features two spunky moms that share their real life experiences with you.

The website says, “This website attempts to answer the question of what to do with a new baby (and what to do with your SELF) every day. For those days when you have trouble dragging your butt out of bed because you don’t know what you’d do, we have ideas. We started this site to share our own good new mommy ideas with each other and our friends. We invite you to share your ideas with us too.”

http://www.rookiemoms.com/

Online College Courses for Half Price

Thinking of going to college, but you can’t afford it? In the olden days you would go to your local community college, take a few courses and then later transfer to a state school. Buruck Smith wanted to offer college students an affordable, easy online alternative to taking required classes. Now you can take a handful of classes online at Straighterline for as little as $399 a class.

What is it?
StraighterLine provides high quality, better supported, and lower cost required college courses – online, on your schedule. You can knock out your required courses and earn real college credits that give you a head start on your degree.

What are the drawbacks?

• Learning online is a different animal
• Class content could vary
• Need online access

Why not take your introductory classes online for a fraction of the cost?
http://straighterline.com/

4 Parents

The U.S. government recently launched a new website geared toward advising parents on sex education for preteens. Uncle Sam’s message is to openly talk to tweens about sex and not to avoid the topic. It seems as though the core of the effort is to preach abstinence.

How do you feel about this campaign?

http://4parents.gov

Are You a Safe Cyber Surfer?

The National Criminal Justice Reference Service publishes many articles on Internet safety. The website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice features articles and tips on how to stay on the safe side of the Internet Super Highway. Download articles from “How to Bank Securely Online” to “What to do to Avoid an Internet Scam”.

7 Tips to Stay Safe Online

1. Protect your personal information
2. Know who you’re dealing with
3. Use anti-virus and anti-spyware
4. Update your web browser and system frequently
5. Protect your passwords
6. Backup important files
7. Know who to contact if something goes wrong

How many of these seven do you do?
http://www.ncjrs.gov/internetsafety/general.html

Upromise Toolbar

Do you have a AAA card–or an Entertainment Book?  I’ve got one of each and between the two of them, I could be getting discounts all over town.  But for some reason, I don’t take advantage of them anywhere near as much as I could.  My habits are no different online.  That’s why I give the Upromise toolbar two thumbs up.  It makes sure that you take advantage of any available savings whenever you happen upon one of their affiliated shopping sites.  (Not familiar with Upromise?)

If you or someone you know is using Upromise to save money for their kids’ college education, you’ll appreciate the value in this toolbar.  Of course you could go shopping through the Upromise shopping site directly—but who bothers to think of that?  Not me.  Just install the toolbar in your browser and you will be prompted whenever you reach a shopping site affiliated with Upromise.  Their site claims that members who use the toolbar save more than 5x more than members who don’t.

If you shop online—and you use Upromise, this free tool is a must.

Mommy and me

Read blogs, forums, articles and product reviews about everything for baby at “Mommy and Me”. This website by DIC Entertainment gives you tips about better parenting.

What do you think of the website?
Http://www.MommyandMe.com

Creative Play Plus

A new local blog called Creative Play Plus inspires parents to share tips on child rearing. CreativePlayPlus.com centers its content effectively around playing with your children, whether it’s pretend or with Step2′s toys. The website currently features entries on the psychology of children interaction with you and each other. Look for the power of good storytelling and topics that hit home.

http://creativeplayplus.com/

*Thanks to George Nemeth of Brewed Fresh Daily for today’s topic.

Digital photos for learning?

I stumbled upon an article by HP that suggests using digital photography to enhance your child’s learning. Scientific studies show that starting your kids at an early age taking pictures excels their learning because they are engaged. Exploring the world around them through pictures is hands on.

http://tinyurl.com/4ox8f9

Youth Summer Camps

I don’t know if you are thinking about summer yet, but it will be here before you know it. Why not plan some events for your kids? I just saw that TRI-C will be offering youth summer camps. They have classes in archeology, computers, dance, drama, music and sports.

Does anyone recommend any other youth camps?
http://www.tri-c.edu/enrichment