Tips for Keeping Your Children Safe Online

By Sharon Housley

Parents are constantly struggling with ways to keep their children safe online. The Internet has a global reach and at this point no bounds, or limitations. Outside of installing filtering software children should be educated in order to protect themselves to this virtual monster. We've put together a collection of ten tips that should be observed while surfing online. At the very least these tips will prompt family discussions regarding safety.

1.) When on the internet personal information should be kept private. Just because someone asks doesn't mean you need to tell them. When someone asks for personal information, consider how they might use that information and whether it is necessary for them to have it.

2.) If you are conversing with someone online, don't assume that they are being honest with you. Just because they say they're 16 doesn't mean they are.


3.) Do not release your password to anyone, even if they say they are from your online provider.

4.) Overall it is best not to respond to unsolicited e-mail (SPAM), if there is something flagrant or inappropriate in the e-mail, consider reporting the sender to their Internet Service Provider (ISP).

5.) Do not give out or post identifying information, including address or telephone numbers.

6.) You may want to create a nickname for a screen name in chat rooms.

7.) Keep in mind when posting in chat rooms or newsgroups, that there may be lurkers (people who read but do not post). Your information can be read and seen by all.

8.) Keep an open dialogue with children surfing the Internet, remember if they come to you with a problem, your first reaction should not be to take away the Internet. Applaud child's confidence in confiding in you and work together to find a solution.

9.) Overall it is not a good idea to post or exchange pictures over the Internet

10.) Try to keep in mind the Internet is global and is *not* governed by any entity. This means that there are no limitations or checks on the information posted and accessible to Internet users.

Get Out Of My Face(Book)

Facebook is a social networking website. It was originally developed for college and university students but has since been made available to anyone with an email address. People may then select to join one or more participating networks, such as a high school, place of employment, or geographic region.

I signed up for my Facebook account. I like Facebook for its simplicity and private features. I saw that the developer also turned down $1 Billion dollars from Google. Crazy Stuff!!

Lavish Baby Accessory

Just because your baby can't walk yet, doesn't mean he can't step out in style with these lace-up sneakers that have signature Gucci detailing. With sizes starting at 8-10 months, nothing beats a little Gucci to get your baby off on the right foot.
www.gucci.com

These are some lavish extras for little ones. To see a few more click here.

Family Fun Is In The Air

Spring is here and it's time to play. I like to keep busy and a good way to do so is arts and crafts. I've always loved to create things with my hands. Arts and crafts are a great way to shut the TV off and bond once again. My favorite thing to do is set up a table outside and enjoy nature at the same time. Sometimes we go to the state park and craft it up all day.

School Bans Mother's Day Cards

A school has banned the making of Mother’s Day cards because the headteacher does not want to upset children without a mother.
Helen Starkey has ended the tradition in the interests of "sensitivity".
"More than five per cent of children here are separated from their birth mother and have either no contact or no regular contact with their mother," she said.
"This decision was not taken because of any philosophical attitude towards the celebration of Mothering Sunday, but to protect a significant number of children in our school.
"In all our dealings with these children we have to exercise great sensitivity. I am not against Mother’s Day but no time will be devoted to making cards in lessons."
The move has angered parents at the 357-pupil Johnstown Primary School in Carmarthen, West Wales.
One mother said: "No one wants to be hard-hearted to those kids without a mum at home but it means that 95 per cent of pupils are being deprived of a traditional activity.
"Children who don’t have mothers can make cards for an aunt or a relative or even a neighbour who cares for them."
Mothering Sunday falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent - March 18 this year.
Mothers’ Union spokesman Fiona Thomas said: "We understand not all children have contact with their mothers.
"However presumably all the children at the school have care, and it would be ideal if the school could promote and support carers by encouraging each child to make a card which thanks the person in their lives who does that mothering.
"That could be a dad, auntie, carer, foster mum or grandparent.
"All the children should be encouraged to think about the skills of mothering - and how they can be appreciated on this special day."

5 Minutes For Mom Contest!!

5 Minutes For Mom is holding a contest on April 25 for this awesome Phillips digital picture frame. All you have to do is go to the site and fill out Mister Linky. Good luck to all!!!

Abraham-Hicks Daily Quotes

Parents often think that they are here to guide the little ones. When - in reality - the little ones come forth with clarity to guide you.

Food Quiz For Kids

When you're home and your stomach starts growling, where's the first place you go? The fridge, of course! But before you grab some ice cream or chocolate cake, try your hand at the "Healthy Fridge" Quiz to learn about some "better-for-you" food choices. We'll test your "heart smarts" and nutrition I.Q. And after you answer each question correctly, you'll fill the fridge with healthy foods.

Take the food quiz.

Oprah Wants To Know : How Happy Are You?

Are you truly happy? If you were presented with a group of people you've never met, could you determine who was really satisfied with their life? A panel of five people took a test to see how happy they really are. See if you can tell who is the happiest, and then take the test yourself!

Happiness is in the mind of the beholder.

Me And My Squidoo

Millennium Mommy has gone Squidoo on you! Squidoo: SKWID-OO, n. v., adj., addiction. 1) thousands of people creating a hand built catalog of the best stuff online 2) a free and fun way to make your own page 3) a place to find what you're looking for, fast.

So that's it in a nut shell.

Check me out!

Blogs Teach Kids Lessons

I know I post a lot on kids safty on the internet but I saw this article on lessons tought by blogging. My son just resantly started his own blog and I can see the lessons working. Give it a try!
Blogs for Kids
by Sharon Housley

Flush out the writer in children. Blogging could draw out a young writer and open doors to their future. Consider encouraging your child to start blogging!

Children love having an audience. The instant recognition and approval that comes from a crowd just can't be beat. Employing blogs to help develop good spelling habits, grammar skills, and develop a love for writing at a young age is an innovative concept that has potential benefits:

Benefits
1.) Responsibility/Commitment - Daily Posts
Regular updates require children to be disciplined and responsible.

2.) Communication - Increased Communication with Friends and Relatives
Blogging or journaling gives children the opportunity to connect with relatives who might live some distance away, communicating important timely issues.

3.) Technology - Exposure to Internet Technologies
Children are growing into technology-laden world. Exposure to innovative Internet technology will help them with communication skills and résumé-building.

4.) Improved Writing Skills
When presented with an audience, children will want to present their "best" work.

5.) Improved Editing Skills
Proofreading is an important skill that is difficult to teach. Editing of daily entries will help children learn how to present their ideas clearly and professionally.

6.) Improved Spelling
Automated spell-checking helps children be aware of spelling errors when they occur.

7.) Typing
Getting children acquainted with keyboards at a young age will help them become familiar with their layout and function, quickly making them proficient typists.

Because blogging involves the Internet, parents and teachers should also take the opportunity to educate youngsters about the dangers of the Internet. The Internet is global in its reach and developing safe Internet habits at a young age is critical. Remind children not to disclose personal information including names, addresses or location of events they plan to attend.

Kids And Nature

As a kid I loved being in nature. Growing up in an urban area of NJ I did not have as many nature experiences as kids in the suburbs. Kids these days don't get out enough and some people think it might be linked to child obesity and behavior problems. I think it might have a little to do with it. Nature helps because it gives the mind a chance to rest and it also shows children that there is more to life than their home town. What do you think?

Kids Nature Kit

Planet Earth Was Great!!!

Planet Earth is the new series on Discovery Channel. The camera work is outstanding. Planet Earth Brings you up and close with nature.

• Planet Earth Blog

What's The Best Way To Keep Slim For Somer, Summer?

My fiance and I are always very active. From tennis , biking to weight lifting and swimming. This winter we put on a few extra pounds and are wondering what is the best diet out there? I'm a firm believer in exercise with good eating habits. With so many options out there what is a girl to do?

More than 3 million people have discovered how to Somersize… the amazing way to eat delicious foods in abundant portions and lose weight at the same time.

Smart nutritional choices are the bedrock for happy, healthy living. Get motivated, get smart and get started! Atkins Diet

The Only Four Exercise You Need

It's not always easy to get up and exercise. Sometimes just the thought of it is tiring. Oprah says that all you need is four main exercises to stay in shape. That's right I said FOUR!!! To watch a free workout video just click here.

You don't need balls, mats and elastic bands to get a great workout. Dr. Oz says there are only four exercises that you'll ever need to know—and none require fancy machinery!

Read More

Blog Basics For Kids

Just as you've taught your kids to be safe surfers, you may want to educate them about blogging and set some ground rules — much like completing driving school before hitting the road solo. Here are a few suggestions to get started:

Establish rules for online use with your kids and be diligent.

Screen what your children plan to post before they post it. Seemingly innocuous information, such as a school mascot and town photo, could be put together to reveal where the author goes to school.

Be selective about the information you share in a blog. If you are uncomfortable knowing a stranger could see certain content, do not post it.

Evaluate the blogging service and find out if it offers private, password-protected blogs.

Save the web address of your child's blog and review it on a regular basis.

Check out other blogs to find positive examples for your kids to emulate.

12 safety tips on blogging for parents and kids

When Is It Too Early For An Allowance?

Experts differ on whether or not allowances should be tied to household chores. Although many people say children will learn more about personal responsibility if they are NOT paid for pitching in around the home, others feel it teaches them valuable lessons about working and earning. You might consider paying your children for chores outside of daily duties, such as helping to garden or wash the family car.
Provide by Yahoo

I give my son an allowance for his contributions around the house. I think it's a wonderful way to learn about the art of give and take. In life there's usually more give than take so when it comes to earning for giving I'm all about it.