5 Guidelines for Safe Computer Use at Home
Some of you may remember that there was once a time when computers took up an entire room. Now, almost every household has at least one. Between our old clunkers and newer replacements, we have five computers! Even if you have only one computer (desktop or laptop) in your home and the kids have access to it, it will be worth your while to implement a few guidelines to keep them safe while on the Internet.
Everyone in your household values their privacy. As your kids get older, their desire for privacy grows and grows. If you have teenagers this is most likely a big issue for you now. When it comes to online communication, their safety should come first, whether they understand it or not. You lock your home’s door to protect your family, but unfortunately these predators have found another way to get in – through your computer.
How can you be sure to protect your kids when they are online just as you do when you are inside your home? Here are 5 important ways to make computer time for your children safe and give you some much needed peace of mind too.
1. Communicate with your children. This is one of the most important lines of defense against child predators. Open and clear communication creates an atmosphere of trust in the home. Just explain that the Internet can be dangerous and that certain safeguards are set up for their protection. This also means that you shouldn’t overreact if they slip up. Kids are naturally curious and a slip-up or two is to be expected and dealt with calmly and in an understanding way.
2. Keep computers in a common area. When a child is using the computer behind closed doors it is much harder to keep track of what they are seeing and doing. In an area where there is traffic, such as the family room or den, you can walk by or be in the same room while they are online. If you do allow a computer in their bedroom for school work, the door must always remain open while they are using it. This will usually keep most curious kids from viewing explicit pages since they know their parents might walk by and spot them.
3. Set up parental controls on computers. Kids of all ages know how to use the Internet now. My kids could navigate the internet and get to their learning sites by the time they were going into Kindergarten! Parental controls can stop them from (unknowingly or not) accessing pages that have potential adult content on them. You can also install highly rated software such as CyberPatrol Parental Controls 7.7
4. Teach kids not to send personal information to others. Some membership sites, such as social networking sites (among many other sites) ask kids to enter personal information to sign up for contests or just to use the website. When your child gives out any information about themselves, it can lead a predator right to your front door. There are many sites out there that are just a setup to gain access to your child. Your kids should ask you before filling out any questionnaires or forms online that require any personal information.
5. Filter email accounts. Email is a very common way for pornographic or other non-kid friendly messages to be sent. Allow your kids (with your help) to add their friends’ email addresses to their address book, but block all others. This will keep them from receiving and opening emails from people they don’t know and possibly seeing things that they shouldn’t. Safe Eyes Parental Control Suite
Online safety begins at home. What your kids learn from you will help to keep them and your whole family safe from online predators. Then, when they are away from home, you wont have to be concerned.
Here are some great resources from Amazon.com:
Cyber-Safe Kids, Cyber-Savvy Teens: Helping Young People Learn To Use the Internet Safely and Responsibly
How to Protect Your Children on the Internet: A Road Map for Parents and Teachers
Come back in a couple days for more about Online Safety and Internet Safety for Kids. Sign up for our RSS feed, or join our email list to receive notices of new topics in our blog.
Sleep well!
raelynn @ KidzComfort.com
Nintendo Wii Fit Plus Review
Let me start by saying that like most people, I have a hectic schedule. I work part-time, I own a business and I have two very young boys. I have a hard time going to the gym and for several reasons….I like being home, I don’t really enjoy exercising, I get bored, it’s too much time away from my family…the excuses are endless when it comes to being fit. I even have an elliptical machine at home so that I can do some cardio, but even that is a struggle for me.
As I hit my 40’s I’ve noticed that my body is not what it used to be. I’m sure you can relate…as we get older, some things just don’t look or work the same. Well, my issue is with my back and neck. I was frequently stiff and often times pulled muscles just by bending or moving the wrong way.
It was time to begin a routine that would stop this stiffness, muscle aches and pains.
I swore up and down that I would not give in and allow my kids to start playing video games at such a young age. After all, they are only 5 and 6 years old. There will be plenty of time to let them become video addicts.
Well, guess what “Santa” brought this year! A Wii!
To my surprise, I am enjoying it sooo much. With some extra Christmas money that our family received we went out and purchased Wii Fit Plus. I LOVE IT!
Wii Fit Plus with Balance Board
When we first purchased the Wii Fit Plus I set up my profile and added a goal for myself. Not a hard one, but one that I could actually attain. All this is done directly through WFP (Wii Fit Plus). I also created a routine that I felt I could handle and then modify as I got better at it.
Each morning, I turn on my WFP and do my body analysis. It tracks my progress and tells me what I need to do to meet my goal. It measures my BMI, weight, and can even track my calories.
I then head over to my personal trainer and do the routine that I had set up for myself. It is 30 minutes of stretching yoga poses and also strength training. After that, I do some aerobic activities that are also a lot of fun: Hula Hoop, rhythm boxing, step aerobics, etc.
Besides the great routines you can set up, you can also do tons of balancing and coordination games. From ski jumping, snow ball fighting, soccer heading, skateboarding, biking, running, Segway racing…the list goes on and on.
The best part is that my kids are exercising along with me. They aren’t just sitting on the couch with a controller. They are up and moving around. Our whole family has Wii nights now where we compete in tennis, baseball, bowling and more.
I cannot say enough about it. It was well worth the money. I wake up with much more energy, my back is no longer stiff and sore and my balance is better, making my posture better as well.
So, if you still have doubts, send me a note and I’ll tell you everything I’ve experienced so far with our own Wii Fit Plus.
Best money we have spent in a long time.
Thanks!
-raelynn @ Kidz Comfort
PS: There are affiliate links within this email, so keep in mind that if you actually purchase a Wii Fit Plus through the links included above, I will receive a very small commission. This is not why I wrote the post though….I truly do LOVE my Wii Fit Plus!
Homemade Christmas Gift
When coming up with economical gift ideas this Christmas, don’ t rule out your local home improvement store.
I recently decided that it was more special to have my boys create their gifts for giving to some people rather than shop in the usual fashion. It all started when an Auntie had complained about breaking all but one of her nice ceramic coasters. I was shopping for replacements for her and realized that it may not be so hard to make a set, and for cheaper.
My two boys (5- and 6-years old) and I went to Home Depot and bought six bathroom/kitchen tiles for 31cents each, along with a can of clear spray paint to protect and seal the tiles once they were painted. We also picked up some felt with a sticky back to stick to the bottom of each when they were completed.
Using craft paints that we already had at home, my boys made beautiful pictures on each tile. We added the boys’ initials and the year. We then spray-painted each tile with several coats of the clear-coat. We cut felt pieces to fit on the bottom of each tile and stuck them on to protect her tables.
That’s it! They are done and we’ve made a timeless creation that Auntie will cherish for many many years. A personal gift that will mean more to her than a store-bought gift, any day.
So, if you are struggling with ideas for special gifts this Christmas, don’t forget to use your creativity and preserve the representations of your own child’s youth.
And…don’t rule out your local home improvement store.
Thanks Home Depot!!!
Tips For A Stress-Free Christmas
Author: Treat Her
As fun as Christmas is, we know it doesn’t all come together overnight! Despite your festive face, we know there’s a lot more to the Christmas celebrations than a cooked bird and a few Christmas crackers! From navigating the post to get cards out on time to picking and hanging the decorations, preparations start long before the 25th…
Here are some tips for keeping stress-free during the crazy time of year that is Christmas…
Embrace the predictability!
The one good thing about Christmas stress is that it is predictable. Unlike other types of stress that we encounter in life, we know exactly when it will start and when it will finish! Everyone’s in the same boat. However it seems, don’t imagine for one minute that others are floating around Xmas stress-free…
…And be realistic
Have realistic expectations about Christmas, copying a glossy magazine Christmas or keeping up with the Jones’ is exhausting, do it your way and you’ll look back with pride! Besides, you can make the Christmas tree from scratch next year…
Embrace disasters!
Something always goes wrong, it’s the charm and irony of Christmas, spending hours prepping the turkey then burning the gravy – you have to laugh! Whip the Bisto out and carry on, no one minds!
Know your limits
If it’s getting a bit too much, have a sit down or even a little nap. The world won’t end if you’re not constantly on your feet. Rope someone else in for a while, they’ll be happy to help and you’ll thank yourself for it later!
Surprise yourself
If you need a change, this year’s celebrations are an opportunity to do something that you haven’t before. Even if it’s just a different seasoning on the turkey or slightly different decorations, spice it up this year for something different!
Know when to say no
If you often wind up with too many activities and obligations at Christmas and find yourself flapping because you don’t have enough time for your own Christmas stuff, just say no! Don’t feel you have to agree to everything. After all, Christmas is about relaxing with your family and friends, your true loved ones…
About the Author:
Treat Her is UK’s online gift store, offering extensive range of Christmas gifts for her and Christmas gift ideas for more information visit: http://www.treather.com
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Tips For A Stress-Free Christmas
Free Gift in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is breast cancer awareness month. What better way to honor those affected by breast cancer than to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Susan G. Komen for the Cure is a wonderful organization whose mission is to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. It all began with one woman’s suffering…
Susan G. Komen was a woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 33 and inspired her Sister, Nancy G. Brinker, to make a change…a difference… to others that may be suffering. Susan G. Komen’s story is so touching, motivating, and inspiring.
The fact is that about 192,370 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in American women in 2009. This is startling. The facts about breast cancer go on and on. You can learn more statistics at Susan G. Komen’s website.
Supporting this cause is near and dear to my heart. Like many people, I have experienced loss due to this horrible disease known as breast cancer. It has forever changed my thinking. It has forever made me more aware and more angry at the disease. That is why I wanted to share some information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
In honor of Susan G. Komen, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Susan’s sister, Nancy G. Brinker, Kidz Comfort will give a free gift with every purchase made in the month of October. You can specify at the time of purchase within the “special instructions” area which of the following you would like:
- A Promise Ring
- A Promise Wristband
- A Susan G. Komen for the Cure Keychain
I am certain there is some one in your life that would love a beautiful toddler size pillow, made in the USA. Or, a Kidz heat & cool pack, also made in the USA. Shop and enjoy.
Sincerely, raelynn @ Kidz Comfort
Contest: Name our Charitable Giving Program
Kidz Comfort is about to launch our new charitable giving program. Problem is, we don’t have a name for it yet.
Submit your ideas and you could win a toddler size travel pillow of your choice if your charitable giving program name is chosen!
Examples:
Kohl’s has “Kohl’s Cares for Kids”
Taggies has “Tags of Love”
Just post your Charitable Giving Program name idea, your own first name and an email address that we can contact you at on our blog. This contest wont last long. We hope to launch by August 31st!
Thanks so much
raelynn @ Kidz Comfort
Wordless Wednesday
If you are familiar with Twitter, then you are familiar with Wordless Wednesday. When I finally figured out what this was all about, I knew I had the perfect photo of my son…no words of explanation needed.
Breakfast of Champions
The Power of Lullabies for Children
I have often written about this, blogged about this and read about this…Lullaby music is said to have a profound effect on babies and children. It has been proven that lullaby music can make your child smarter, sooth them during stressful moments and comfort them in their times of need.
That is one of the reasons that Kidz Comfort decided to begin offering lullaby music CDs to our customers. After all, shouldn’t it be a part of every child’s bedtime routine?
But, don’t take my word for it. Parenthood.com has a great article supporting these beliefs. It doesn’t have to be a music CD though. What is comforting to your child is often just the sound of your voice. So, if you want to comfort your child, sing a little song. As a backup plan, it is great to have a lullaby CD available.
Read my previous post on the great impact lullaby music can have on your child….FULL STORY
Thanks and Sleep Well!
raelynn @ Kidz Comfort
Bed Bumper for Big Kids Winner Announcement!
We have a Kidz Comfort Winner!!!
Our contest ran from June 8th to June 14th. We have determined our winner with the help of Random.org.
Congratulations to Marla, who will have her choice of either a Bed Bumper for Big Kids or a Toddler Size Pillow, compliments of Kidz Comfort!
I love my Bed Bumper!
We would still love to hear from you…check out our site and tell us how we could improve. Whether it is a larger selection, more variety for each product, website navigation, or anything else…we’d love to hear your ideas and opinions.
Read more about why Toddler Size Pillows may be the right choice for your child: Read Full Story
Read more about Bed Bumpers for Big Kids and their benefits: Read Full Story
Post Strep Glomerulonephritis
Did you know that the strep virus has a large number of strains, and pretty harmful ones at that? I didn’t, but my family found out the hard way!
My 4-year old son had been sick for roughly a week with a stomach bug, causing vomiting with no fever. Of course, we made sure he did not get dehydrated by giving him small amounts of water and apple juice or Gatorade. We also stuck with the BRAT diet of Bananas, Rice, Apples and Toast. We got past it and things seemed ok.
After he recovered, his face looked different…but we couldn’t place what the difference was. We thought perhaps he was tired from all the sickness the week before.
He got home from pre-school one day and in a voice that sounded excited and curious, he said “Mommy, my pee is orange”. Hmmm, could he have eaten something in pre-school that did this? They did have a party that day, so maybe the cake frosting did this? He wasn’t in any discomfort or pain at all. It sounded a bit like a bladder or urinary tract infection to me.
We started to “inspect” him all over while giving him a bath that night. His belly was distended, almost looking like a slightly pregnant belly. Again, he was happy, cheery, playful and in no pain.
He went to sleep like normal and in the morning I took him to the doctor’s office. They did a urine test and found his protein level to be very high. They sent us directly to the ER. We spent the next seven hours in the emergency room, waiting to meet with the Nephrologist, and unsure of exactly what was going on. At this point he was more obviously swollen and his urine looked like ice tea. Very concerning to say the least.
We were sent home and told to come back the following afternoon to go over some of the blood tests and another urinalysis.
He woke up with his right eye almost swollen shut. Still as cheery as ever and more annoyed by the fact that he couldn’t completely open his eye.
At the doctor’s office, we received some unnerving news. They weren’t sure what this was, but it was affecting his kidneys, causing the blood in his urine and the retaining of fluid. They scheduled him for a KIDNEY BIOPSY…Oh My Goodness! This is serious!
We are sent home, and my husband and I (stupidly) begin googling his syptoms, checking WebMD.com and finding a list of possible diagnoses from leukemia to a simple infection. Of course, what do we automatically think but the worse case scenario.
We don’t quite make it past the weekend as his symptoms worsen. His weight has now gone up 8 pounds in less than a week. He looks awful (still feels great though) and his urine is still reddish-brown. We call the doctor on call and are sent directly to Boston Children’s Hospital on a Sunday. He is immediately admitted due to blood pressure concerns now. We spend three days in the hospital while they try to stop the fluid retention and figure things out. He is put on a reduced fluid diet of only 20 ounces a day, including any fruit or other food containing fluid. He is also put on a diet of no salt and reduced sodium to help.
We are sent home, but readmitted two days later for the biopsy. The word “biopsy” scares the ^%$^# out of me. My husband and I felt so out of control and scared, I cannot even put it into words.
His final diagnosis…post strep glomerulonephritis. It is frightening…there is a strain of the strep virus that actually can impact the kidneys in some children. It is a fluke. You can carry this strain of strep and not have any symptoms, but certain children can come into contact with it and end up in the hospital. Left untreated for too long and it can actually lead to the need for a kidney transplant.
There are many many strains of strep most commonly affecting your throat and skin, however, in more serious cases can affect blood, heart, brain, spinal cord, intestinal tract, bladder, liver and KIDNEYS.
Our little boy was exposed to strep and showed no initial symptoms, such as a soar throat. His stomach virus was unrelated (strangely enough) but may have lowered his immune system. His prognosis is GREAT. He will follow with a Nephrologist periodically, and may have high amounts of protein in his urine for up to two years, but he has no permanent damage to his kidneys. We were fortunate.
Of course, like any virus or bacteria, the best way to avoid them is to wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds or more. Coughing and sneezing should be done into your arm and not into your hands. As adults, we can attempt to control what we are contracting and spreading to others. I know it gets a bit tougher with our kids, especially while they are in school. But, we can still teach them how important it is to wash our hands and not share drinks and other items that have been in other’s mouths.
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