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The Internet And Child Safety

Nile — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 10:15:32 +0000

For years I have been aware of COPPA and have seen a lot of websites change their policy so that only children under the age of 14 cannot register to use a site.

When I became a mother, I decides when my son was old enough to become curious about using the Internet, I would be there to guide him. It was when he was 5 years old, that he became interested in Webkins and games. Since then, I have made it my business to be there to see his Internet usage.

However, he is lucky I care. Recently, I talked to a gal on Facebook who said she was 12 and her mother was not even at the computer monitoring her activity. For me, I was going to brush it off as an online cop in disguise, but after some of her messages, I did believe she was 12.

I have been witness to listening on accident on teens going online and viewing things that they should have not. Regardless, even if Yahoo: Child Safety a Company Priority, children are still going online, even on Yahoo! It is easy to sign up and forge information.

What can I do? Probably nothing except post this blog. I hope parents are taking a more active role on their children’s Internet usage. My younger sister (middle one – I have 2 younger sisters) as a teen use to sneak online and conduct cybersex chat over Yahoo! Considering my father’s schedule with the military, I ended up dishing out the punishment by banning her from chat rooms and at that time, Cheetah Chat. (this was in the late 90s.)

Are you monitoring your children? Are you speaking to younger mothers on how important it is to watch their children even online?

Single Versus Married, And Mingling With Friends

Nile — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:19:21 +0000

When I was married, it was like all my single friends avoided me. I made myself available at times, but I guess taking about my son or my ex husband put a wedge. However, even though I am single now, my friends who are married, are the same.

It is quite confusing. Even being in a relationship with my boyfriend, some of my single friends I have met out here in Centralia have just faded into the background. It is kind of annoying since we hung out on the weekends.

Being in a relationship does not necessarily mean a person is on the backburner. It is a time to learn how to be a better friend. Of course, with being a mother, it might be hard to not involve talk about children. I have found it a touchy spot, and made sure my family life more brief and ask about my friend more. However, for me it is a challenge. Sometimes it is disheartening to not hear from one of my best friends for some time. I have felt a bit betrayed, but in the time I do get to talk, I try to ask about my friends.

I know from other mothers that this has been a big issue. It sucks when you think you are losing a friend. You might even think you were being used. However, it is not. Your friend is just unsure to approach the situation. Being single and being married or in a deep relationship is different. Even being married or deep in a relationship with children is much more of a difference then just being married or in a relationship.

What are your thoughts if you are single and have friends who are married? – married and have single friends…?

Holiday Time Birthdays

Nile — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:52:48 +0000

Angel’s birthday is December 3rd (which would make him 7 this year.) Considering money has been really tight this year, I find it a bit difficult to try to make a distinction with buying his Birthday presents versus Christmas presents. With me being divorced, Angel gets twice the Birthday party and twice the Holiday celebration.

While I grew up, I never had this issue as my birthday falls in September. My younger sisters also did not have birthdays anywhere close to Christmas.

Toys are never the issue, but usually clothing is where I have a problem choosing which occasion to give him those.

1. Do I split the clothes and give half for his birthday and the other for Christmas?
2. Do I give all the clothes on just one occasion?

All of his clothes have the characters he likes or the colors he likes to wear. He is pretty easy to please. This might seem like a dumb ordeal, but I would like to know how other mothers decide on issues like this for their children who may have a birthday near Christmas time.

Kids Toys And Kids Meals – Your Policy

Little Passports: Bringing Culture to Children

Nile — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:18:39 +0000

Little Passports

Culture is something most parents would probably want to share with their children, whether it is community activities, national holidays, heritage, or for the sake of knowledge. Little Passports is one way to educate your children about different cultures. The fee is very affordable ($10.95 per month) and looks to be worth the money as each month you receive kits via postal mail with souvenirs and a letter from the mascots, Sam and Sofia. Also, there are monthly codes given so your child can play the games and activities on Little Passports in their section called Boarding Zone.

In a way it is like Toot & Puddle with more hands-on activities.

A portion of each sale with Little Passports goes to charities like SOS Children’s Villages and Ubuntu Education Fund. So, in a way, you are giving to some educational causes while educating your children too.

Kids Toys And Kids Meals – Your Policy

Nile — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:39:33 +0000

Happy Meal

I love to take my son on occasion to have a Happy Meal or a Kids Meal. Of course, they come with toys. I remember when I was young that it was a real treat as we did not have much money. However, I also remember that I would not be able to play with the toys until I finished my meal.

I still carry this concept on with my son. Less than 2 years ago, it was hard to get him to try anything. He prefered to eat chicken. Now, I can at least get him to try things. It was this issue that I decided to not allow him to play with his toy until after he ate. I would snatch the toy and put it aside.

On occasion, I have seen other parents tune into my conversations and have had mixed reactions with it. Some thought I was a little mean. Others thought it was a great idea because they were having issues. Of course to those who thought I was a little mean, some accepted my reasoning. Others did not and I did notice their children were not eating their meals. In fact, the parents were on the verge of yelling if their child did not eat their food.

My question is… what is your policy…that is, for those who have occasionally taken their children out to eat? Do you take away the toy if your child is showing more interest in the toy rather than eating? Or do you let them have it?

Teaching While Having Fun 'Going Green' With Children

Nile — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 03:05:10 +0000

I came across the twitter topic recently asking about ways parents could get their children to go green. My immediate response was to make a fun activity. Now, some parents have reward systems at home for their children putting paper, glass, and plastic into the recycle bins, but here are more.

1. Take your kid to the nearest science center and try the hands on activities that involve the environment. Help them understand the concept of going green while playing.

2. If you love to garden, involve your children and teach them how to plant. Let them touch the plants and ask questions.

3. Pick up children’s books from the library on the subject of anything dealing with nature and the environment. Take the time to read with your kids. Children’s books do not take very long to read anyway. And if your child can read… have them read to you.

4. Go on a camp out and talk about nature and how important it is to keep clean.

5. If it is a nice day, do not let your kid waste it by plugging into the internet or their games. Encourage them to go out for a few hours.

6. Do a neighborhood block cleanup and encourage telling your children that not only does it make their neighborhood look nices, but it is important to not throw garbage on the ground.

7. If a place (like the library) that you need to go to is within 1-2 miles, take your child along to walk. Of course, if you need to lug a lot of things home, this would not be a good idea, but if it can be done…do it. It is great exercise, you save gas, and you are teaching your child that you do not always have to use a vehicle to get everywhere, especially if it is close.

What things would you suggest in teaching your children the importance of ‘going green’?

Wonderful Webkinz?

Nile — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:10:44 +0000

Webkinz

Well, my son came from his father’s home with a Webkinz. For those who do not know what a Webkinz is, it is a plush-type animal that you can buy at the store and it comes with a code that you can sign up for a virtual version of that Webkinz. You can go to Webkinz.com and put that code in to register your toy and play games with it.

However, what Webkinz does not tell you until you sign up, is that it is only for a year your kid can play and then you would have to pay a renewal fee to use it once the year is up. To me, it kind of sounds like I am buying the toy twice over, right?

Of course, I could just buy another Webkinz and my son could enjoy another year, plus have another toy. I understand the upkeep it takes for servers, but is it necessary for Webkinz to charge a renewal fee? It is great that the site is safe for kids to use, but I would just rather buy him a challenging computer game for his age that does not require a yearly renewal fee.

What do you think?

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Parenting And Music: When To Turn It Off

Nile — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:25:10 +0000

Now, I love to listen to music. However, I am finding it difficult to listen to music with my son present. For example, Lady Gaga’s “Love Game” ( http://blip.fm/~7u6se from Blip.fm. It is free to listen to. Lyrics found at MTV.) song is upbeat and catchy, but if you truly listen to the music, you will find some things that you might not want your children to hear.

Excerpt from Love Game:

Let’s have some fun, this beat is sick
I wanna take a ride on your disco stick
Don’t think too much just bust that thick
I wanna take a ride on your disco stick

The term ‘disco stick’… well, that is self-explanatory. In fact, when my boyfriend first heard the above verse, the kids were with it. He turned the station immediately. When my son recited Flo-rida’s “Low” (lyrics from MTV found here), it did not seem so bad, but the innuendo is there.

I admit listening to this without children is fine, but this music is now quickly spreading to radio and television and easy for little eyes to see. I almost feel like I have to use parent control all the time. It sounds dramatic, but is this the type of message we want to convey to children? Yes, I could shut it off and I would, but what about the other children? There are countless songs today. How much is considered too much? Is just turning it off enough or do you need to explain why before you do?

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Angel’s Tee-ball Pics

Nile — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:04:08 +0000

I got to go to my son’s teeball. I missed his first year, but vowed not to miss many games this time. In fact, I went to a practice of his and enjoyed it just as much as his game. The teeball these days are much different from what I remember. Everyone gets to bat, and run all of the bases. There are no outs, even if the batter is tagged out. There is no score. It is kind of fun and to try to get the kids more comfortable with the field, batting, throwing, and a few basic rules.

Below are some pics of Angel. I took these with my cell phone, so excuse the quality.

Angel With his new helmet and bat

Angel running to home plate

Angel in the dugout

Angel at third base