How do we protect kids from inappropriate material?

To ensure that your child's experience on the Internet is a safe one, parents need to check their child's website activity and email. Even for teens, who might think of this as an invasion of privacy, parents need to talk openly to them about their Internet use.

Older teens are actually more likely to get into trouble than younger children, because they are more apt to explore the out-of-the-way nooks and crannies of cyberspace and reach out to people outside of their immediate peer group.

If you decide to use software that will block or restrict your child's access to certain websites, discuss this decision with your child so that he or she will understand why it is necessary. Here are other safety tips to consider:

1. Spend time with your child on the computer. Put the computer in a place that can be easily accessed by the entire family. Use the Internet with your child to play games, plan for a family vacation, or learn about new places and people. Ask your child to teach you more about the computer and to show you certain tricks he or she may have learned. Not only will you gain computer knowledge, you will also get valuable information on just how savvy your child is on the computer. Make sure to ask your child what he or she likes on the Internet and to show you favorite sites.

2. Let your child know that you will be periodically watching and monitoring his or her online activities. (Internet security software from companies like OnlineFamily.Norton often include parental controls that can help you encourage safe surfing.)

3. Share an online pseudonym, password, and email account with your child. In this way, you can monitor online correspondences and the Internet sites that your child has accessed.

4. Never, under any circumstances, allow your child to have face-to-face contact with someone they met online without your permission. If you agree to the meeting, accompany your child and arrange for it to take place in public.

5. Don't allow your child to go into private chat rooms without your permission and supervision.

6. Monitor your credit card bill. Many pornographic online vendors require credit cards in order to have access to their sites.

7. Alert your Internet provider if you or your child come across sexually obscene material. You can also notify the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's Cyber Tipline, your local police, or the FBI.

Teaching Kids How to React When Approached by a Stranger without Freaking Them Out

The world today has changed and sadly it is not always for the better. Parents raising kids today are faced with risks that were virtually unheard of a century or two ago. It is important that parents are aware of these dangers and teach their children how they can protect themselves from such risks.

In particular, dealing with strangers is a life lesson each parent should start to teach their child from early on.  Unlike times past when raising children was almost a community affair, the notion of the innocent, caring stranger next door or down the street has unfortunately gone out of the window.

You must find ways of training your children to protect themselves but without instilling irrational paranoia in them. After all, the vast majority of strangers your kids will encounter will be well meaning people. You need only train them on how to protect themselves from the small proportion that will have ill intent. Focus on the red flags.

For instance, if they are walking next to the road and someone driving past smile and waves at them but continues driving away, your child may not need to be overly concerned by that. However, if the person stops the car and beckons to them to approach the car, that is not acceptable and they should start to walk in the opposite direction from that which the car is facing.

You must teach your kids that reacting in fear can sometimes play into a child predator’s hands. A panic reaction that is not informed by careful forethought may cause them to run towards the stranger as opposed to away from them.

Kids should not reveal their names to someone they do not know especially when they meet the person outside the safe confines of the home or school. They should never let a stranger know where they live or where they go to school.

Whenever you go out shopping, to the park or any other public place that is likely to have significant crowds, your kids should know that they must stay within visual range. And in the event that they do get separated and they cannot find you, they should know where to go and wait/report e.g. the information desk. They should not disclose they cannot find you to just anyone around them.

At the earliest age possible, kids should know their full names as well as those of their parents. Preferably, their knowledge of names should go hand in hand with their knowledge of your home address and telephone contact or even where you work. If this information is too much, you could write it down and ensure it is always hidden somewhere in the child’s clothes that only they know.

Gifts from strangers are another no-no. If someone they do not know offers them sweets or toys, they should decline the offer and walk away immediately.

Overall, teaching your child how to deal with strangers is a continuous exercise to cater emerging risks.

How to React When your Child Molest Others

If you receive a phone call from a parent or the school and you are told your child is a bully, your first reaction is likely to be disbelief. How could that innocent bundle of joy that you held in your arms just a few years ago be the source of grief for their peers?

But as difficult as such news is for any parent, denial will only make a bad situation deteriorate. You should plan to take immediate actions to stop this destructive and anti-social behavior. Since your child will almost definitely deny if you confront them directly, you will have to ask them a couple of indirect questions around their views on bullying as well as keenly observe them when they are around other children.

Some of the signs that would confirm they could be bullying other kids include regularly bragging to other children, terming other children as wimps, the absence of empathy, a need to always have their way and a hostile, defiant attitude.

If the warning signs all confirm your child is bullying, start by getting in touch with the school your child attends to establish what may be the possible triggers for this behavior. Most school counselors are trained in identifying and rehabilitating bullies and they could give you some helpful hints on what is the cause and what you need to do.

Next, ensure that your child understands in no uncertain terms that bullying is unacceptable and you will not tolerate it. Immediately step in and stop any bullying that takes place in your presence. Make sure that there are consequences for bullying such as the withdrawal of some of their privileges that you will only restore once they demonstrate corrective behavior.

Look inwards. Could the trigger for your child’s behavior be something in your home? Maybe it is the violent programs they watch or sadistic video games they play. Or it may be a crushed self esteem as result of constant teasing from an older sibling. Once you identify the trigger in your home, take steps to put a stop to it immediately.

Find out who your child’s closest friends are. What do they do for fun when they are together? Peer influences can be particularly strong especially for teens. Being around other kids who bully others will naturally rub off on your child. Talk to your child about getting involved in activities (e.g. sports) that will connect them with kids that provide a more positive influence.

Set a good example. It will be difficult to convince your child to stop bullying if they observe you constantly disrespect and ridicule the people around you. Observation is the most powerful medium of learning positive behavior.

Cats Help Kids Learn Responsibility

American Pet Products Association 2011/2012 National Pet Owners Survey shows dogs and cats help instill responsibilities among children.

In addition to companionship, affection, love and company, a top benefit of owning cats and dogs includes teaching children responsibility. According to APPA’s 2011/2012 National Pet Owners Survey, 58% of small animal owners rank teaching children responsibilities as a key benefit in owning pets, followed by 44% of equine owners and 43% of reptile owners, posing the idea that dog, cat and other pet ownership is a great teaching tool for children.

“There are so many joys and benefits pets of all types bring to our lives, and they truly help instill responsibility among children from ensuring they have plenty of food and water to helping them receive daily exercise and play,” said Bob Vetere, APPA president.

Celebrating the joys and benefits pets bring to the lives of children specifically, APPA is currently accepting poems for its 4th Annual Pets Add Life Children’s Poetry Contest.

“Every submission we receive for our Children’s Poetry Contest is the child’s expression of just how much their pet means to them and the happiness these companions bring to their lives,” Vetere said.

Students in grades 3-8 are invited to write a unique poem about a cat or dog, what they love about them and the joys they bring, then post it online here or mail their final poem and submission form to: Pets Add Life, 661 Sierra Rose Dr., Reno, NV 89511. Deadline for submissions is Jan. 31, 2012, at 5:00pm EST.

One student from each grade level (six totals) nationwide will win a $250 gift certificate for pet products, and a byline in a nationally circulated publication. In addition, the six winning students’ classrooms will each win a $1,000 scholarship to spend on dog- and cat-related education.

Children's Games That Teach Responsibility

Learning the important values of responsibility encourages children to become independent and well-rounded individuals. Children can have fun while learning how to become responsible through amusing and educational games. There are different forms of responsibility that are important for children's development, including personal, interpersonal, home and global responsibilities. Games that nurture these values can be easily be incorporated into daily activities.

Personal Responsibility

Teaching children games that instill the value of personal responsibility is vital for development. Playing a game of dress up will help children build responsibility and become more independent. By laying out four different outfits with each outfit being appropriate for one of the four seasons, children can be asked to look outside and decide which outfit is the most suitable for the day's weather. This game will allow children to learn the responsibility of one of their daily living skills, getting dressed. It will also help them build self-confidence. Playing pretend supermarket is another game that will with teach children personal responsibility. Set up a pretend supermarket at home by displaying play food, a basket for carrying the groceries and a toy cash register for when they check out. Children can write a list of groceries down on piece of paper and then pretend to go grocery shopping. They can pick out the play food on their list and learn math skills while counting out play money to pay for their groceries. This game will give children an understanding of the important responsibility of personal finances.

Interpersonal Responsibility

Interpersonal responsibility is the responsibility we have to respect other people. Teaching this social value to children will show them how to be kind to others and treat them the way they would like to be treated. Playing games that involve sharing and turn taking will help to build these skills. Board games like Candy Land and card games like go fish will help children learn to wait his or her turn. Groups of children can also play outdoor games like duck-duck-goose, hop-scotch and jump-roping games or an indoor tea party game using a play teapot, cups, table and chairs, in which they take turns setting the table and pouring tea for each other. These games teach interpersonal responsibility and nurture social interaction.

Teaching Responsibility at Home

Children have responsibilities at home as well as in the world, which they can learn about through fun and helpful games. A game can be created using a spinning wheel from an old board game that can be labeled with household chores that children can easily do, such as setting the table for dinner, feeding the pets, folding laundry or watering plants. Children can have fun spinning the wheel and will be excited to see what chore they land on. This game works well with children of large families because it is far more amusing than following a chore schedule. It will offer children a surprise each day, so that they will not get bored by having the same routine. This game will also provide children with a respect and understanding of the responsibilities that keep a household running.

Global Responsibility

Children can learn to be globally responsible through many creative games. Have a group of children play a recycling game, in which each sorts through their own tubs filled with plastic, paper and aluminum recyclable items. The first child to correctly sort all of the recyclables wins the game. This recycling game will be both enjoyable for the children as well as remind them about the amount of waste people use when they do not recycle. Children can use the new skills they gain to help reduce waste and recycle at home.

The Importance of Grandparents

Many of us recall comedian Bill Cosby's famous routine about the grandparent-grandchild relationship. Once his father became a grandfather, the stern disciplinarian that lived so vividly in Cosby's memory was replaced by someone he didn't recognize: a pushover who spoiled Cosby's children rotten. 


While spoiling with gifts, play time, treats, forgotten rules and extended bedtimes is a traditional part of grandparenting, the relationship - especially when twins are involved - has the potential to evolve into much more, both emotionally and practically. 


On a practical level, grandparents of twins can provide everything from babysitting to twin-toting duties. "An extra pair of hands for me is the most important thing," says a Dublin, Ohio mother of 2-year-old fraternal twins. "With twins, the length of time you hold each of them is shorter, so any opportunity to have someone love and cradle my babies is appreciated." 


Grandparents who are available and willing to baby-sit (some need extra encouragement and guidance because it's been a while since they raised their kids) can provide relief to over-stressed parents who are juggling twins, and perhaps other singleton siblings. Jenny Everhart, mother of 3-year-old twins Benjamin and Cody, says one of the most-appreciated things her mother does is baby-sit once a week. It gives Everhart - whose husband works long hours - a much-needed break to run errands or just take a breather. 


Sometimes it's one twin who needs a breather from the other, or another sibling who needs a break from the twins. Time spent alone with a grandparent - where the child is the sole focus of the grandparent's time and attention - can work emotional wonders for children who must always share their parents. 


Grandparents also can provide the type of unconditional love that is unencumbered by having to adhere to parental rules. 


Developing this grandparent-grandchild bond can be a challenge in today's transient society. It's no longer common to find several generations of a family living within shouting distance. These days, grandparents may not even be within driving distance of their grandchildren, thus ruling out regular face-to-face bonding time. Also, many grandparents still work and don't have an excess of free time. This is the case with the parents of the Dublin, Ohio mother. "It's a challenge to keep in touch and to have extended stays so they can get to know each other," she says. 


Fortunately, there's e-mail, which can be used to communicate frequently (and cheaply). Sharing photos of grandchildren by "snail mail" is still a popular - though less high-tech - way to help grandparents keep track of children's development. Some parents prefer to scan the photos and send them attached to e-mails. 


The reverse works, as well: To keep her twin boys connected to her father, who lives several states away, Everhart keeps a photo album filled with his pictures. 


Videos are another popular way to give far-away grandparents a peek into the daily lives of their grandchildren. And, phone calls and drawings and crafts made by the children also are appreciated by most grandparents. 


For those times - whether frequent or few and far between - when grandparents have their grandchildren alone, experts and experienced mothers of twins recommend establishing some ground rules, which are based on mutual respect. 




Parents should be clear with grandparents about child-care rules - such as diet and bed time - that are important to them. 




But, be forgiving if the grandparents "slip" with the rules from time to time. After all, part of the fun of grandparenting is being able to bend the rules a little.




Remember that taking care of twins can be a little overwhelming for some grandparents. Initially expose the grandparents to the twins in short time increments, perhaps leaving them with only one at a time at first.


Remember that not all grandparents are willing - or able - to baby-sit. Respect their wishes. 
Both Everhart and the Dublin mother agree that whether grandparents live nearby or far away, parents should remember to appreciate whatever practical help they are willing to give and even the smallest amounts of time they can spend with their grandchildren. 


That's the power of this special bond: even if grandparents and their grandchildren can't be together physically all the time, the emotional nourishment the children receive is ongoing. And, the bond also can help strengthen relationships between all three generations.

The Impact of Toys in Child Development

Parents often seek assistance in selecting the right toys at the most ideal stage of their child’s development. Many toys are designed for particular ages based on safety concerns; however, many others are designed to specifically encourage the development of certain abilities in a child.


In this article we will explore the fundamental skills developed by infants at varying ages, and the types of toys that can encourage children to reach their potential. 


The Baby’s 1st Year


In the first year of a baby’s life, they begin exploring and experimenting with their most important senses: 


Sound & Smell – In the first instance babies begin to match voices with certain faces and facial expressions, mainly from being held, fed and nurtured. Likewise, certain smells can be recognised and associations are gradually made. As they begin to establish these social attachments they become more receptive to different sounds and smells. Toys with sound and music that react to a child’s action are especially good at this stage, and simply letting your baby smell something and then see it can encourage development in this area. 


Touch & Sight – As babies begin to take a little control of their hands; touching and feeling things become an important part of an infant's development. Similarly, as sight becomes clearer, babies become more receptive to visual aids. Toys for this age are designed to enhance and encourage these traits. Toys should be for seeing, hearing and touching - this encourages the child to respond to the sights and sounds they see and hear. Picture books with sound, teddy bears with different textures and pulley toys that respond to a child’s movement are especially beneficial after 6 months old. Toys in bright, monochromic colours can also help to stimulate eyesight in the first year of a child’s life. 


Ages 1 to 2 


This stage is an important time for developing independence and important social skills that will never be lost. Between the ages of 1 and 2 it is surprising how rapidly a child develops from a tentative toddler saying only 1 or 2 words, to a confident child able to easily run and speak around 50 individual words. 


From the age of 1, infants begin taking an interest in the effects of their manipulation, and it is very fun to sit back and watch children at this age. They particularly enjoy throwing toys and building things, so building blocks Duplo, and stickle bricks are fantastic toys at this age for encouraging hand and eye coordination, as well as a sense of balance. 


From around 18 months, infants are able to walk very well and can run to an extent. When objects are in the way - running can prove difficult. However, with their newfound freedom, children love to explore and try everything out, without a sense of danger, so toys that encourage active play at this age are well received. Balls, Sit n’ Rides , Activity Stations, toys that speak or make noises and toys of characters they see on TV are advantageous additions to a toy box at this age - they will encourage children to play actively, and it will also help them sleep well at bed time (an added bonus!). 


Language progression is also crucial at this age. Children will begin responding when spoken to and chattering away when playing. This makes it important for adults to talk to children in conversations, read stories and sing nursery rhymes whenever possible. 


Ages 2 Years +
As a child turns two years old their abilities in counting and speaking becomes clearer, and bodily strength in running and climbing becomes more refined. 


At the turn of two years old, toys that have movement and sound and allow the child to throw and drop are ideal, as they will help to refine their physical strengths. Toys that allow the children to push themselves along, such as sit 'n' ride toys that allow children to steer are very desirable. 


As they approach 3 years old, outdoor toys such as climbing frames and garden swings are great. Children at this age have good spatial awareness, and refined bodily strength. They can move large toys easily, kick balls forcefully and they also have the ability to use pedals on a bike. 


An infant’s imagination will develop greatly at this age as well, which is why dressing up and a fascination with make believe is noticeable. Doll sets, action figures, train sets and such toys are favorable at this age and help children express themselves and explore their independence. Children will also start to play with others and learn social skills through play. Cooperation and taking turns are examples of skills that will become extremely important both at a young age and throughout life. 


Showing off new skills to family is also a very common trait for children around 3 years and upwards. Toys that mimic adult tasks, such as vacuum cleaners, cookers, shop tills and lawn mowers are especially good for engaging with a child. 
While we have focused on the initial, most advancing years of a child’s life in this article, toys have been proven to encourage creativity, self-confidence and academic skills throughout every stage of childhood.