Over the years, structures get modified for continuing growth. Here you will find the help to encourage life long learning.
Enjoy the bi-weekly articles below.
These sections are organized by age level, but the information is not confined to just these ages. Consider looking at other age ranges as well. Also, make sure to check out the Archives.
Enjoy the bi-weekly articles below.
These sections are organized by age level, but the information is not confined to just these ages. Consider looking at other age ranges as well. Also, make sure to check out the Archives.
Chat Apps That Parents Need to be Aware Of
As a parent, being aware of various social media platforms your young people are using can help prevent them from exposure to dangerous elements writes Paul Kamoko in his article on Parentology.com titled “8 Chat Apps That Parents Should Worry About.”
The Homeschool Handbook cautions parents to check on computers, iPads and iPhones to make sure their children are following and learning internet safety and adhering to an internet “code of safety” because they care about their children and their future. Young people today are tech-savvy, but still need their parents’ interest and guidance.
Mr. Kamoko offers knowledge of these social media sites:
SNAPCHAT gives the illusion of no-consequence messaging, but messages can be saved and stored by an external app. There is now an app for Snapchat that can let users hide their identity and this could be dangerous. Use Parental Controls to limit who can contact your kids and who views their stories.
YOLO uses Snapchat’s platform to post questions and answers anonymously. It also allows hate messages and has no parental controls.
TIK TOK allows users to share 3 to 60-second videos. Parents’ concern is that these videos may not be suitable for young children because the videos can use inappropriate language and pose risky and idiotic challenges. Supposedly, the platform is only for young people 13+, but parents must use Tik Tok’s parental controls to safeguard their children.
OMEGLE is a fee online chatting service that has no age verification. Your children can be identified if they turn on their web camera. There may be undesirable behavior in unmoderated chat rooms. This chat room can be especially dangerous and has no parental controls.
KIK is a free messaging app that is heavy with advertising. Your children will never know if they are talking to an ad-bot or a real person. Many users utilize this platform for sexting and privacy and there is no parental control.
GOOGLE HANGOUTS can be used by your children through your Google Business account without your knowledge. Although Google Docs and Google Classroom are to be used mostly for schoolwork and projects, these sites are not always monitored and can result in cyberbullying.
Warn your tweens and teens that not all people on the internet are who they say they are; they are not always telling the truth. Tell them not to go into “chat rooms” with people they do not know and without your knowledge.
Parents need to initiate conversations about their teens' use of computers, iPads and iPhones. If you know your tweens and teens are learning and adhering to good online behavior practices, you can ckeck-in comfortably less often.
Remember, you are in charge. You pay the bills for such use and you need to care and guard your children of all ages.
Part-time Jobs
Your teen or tween might be itching to make some money. They just can't wait until they are old enough to get a "real job." You prepare you tweens now by suggesting things they can do to get ready.
They can volunteer at any age to help others. If they are responsible, reliable and on-time, they may even ask for a referral or recommendation they can use for a real job later.
Volunteering to help a young mother by playing with her children or reading aloud to them, they learn paience. If your tweens have developed a skill, like dancing or playing an instrument, they might teach younger children how to do so. How about writing a play, making costumes for it, directing it and helping its characters to memorize their lines and how to really act that character in the play, then perform it in your community.
It is an election year. Your teens can go in pairs and offer to work on the campaign of someone running for office or helping to register voters.
Your teens may find a non-profit that could use their help, like working with the local Humane Society or neighorhood child care.
They can start a book club with their friends or to encourage young readers by each reading the same book; your tween can lead the discussion of the book chosen for all to read.
If your teen volunteers or works for a small sum, they might not get rich but they will learn to give of themselves and even learn to budget their money. Remember, if saving, sharing, and spending as basic budgeting are stressed now, it will surely help them in the future. Above all be patient and watch for opportunities to help others. In doing so, it is amazing how much they help themselves.
Tech Watch
Your emerging adults still need your watchfullness, attention and interest in what they are accessing online. Social media such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube may seem innocent enough for your teen to pursue, but there are many "new kids on the block." TikTok presents your children with even more choices as they produce sensational viral challenges. One of the most dangerous is MOMO which progressively shows or encourages evil, leading to KILL YOURSELF. There are health risks in viral challenges.
Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in the 10-24 age bracket.
The old adage "Know where your children are at all times" becomes even more important in this digital age. Parents can put parental controls and watches on computers, iPads, and phones for younger children, but may find it hard to control what their older children are doing on their computers. www.commonsensemedia.com is a good source of protection and knowledge of what is good for your children of all ages.
Continue to have conversations with your children about their digital habits, providing safeguards and sharing knowledge of the websites and memes they contact on their laptops and computers.
As a parent, being aware of various social media platforms your young people are using can help prevent them from exposure to dangerous elements writes Paul Kamoko in his article on Parentology.com titled “8 Chat Apps That Parents Should Worry About.”
The Homeschool Handbook cautions parents to check on computers, iPads and iPhones to make sure their children are following and learning internet safety and adhering to an internet “code of safety” because they care about their children and their future. Young people today are tech-savvy, but still need their parents’ interest and guidance.
Mr. Kamoko offers knowledge of these social media sites:
SNAPCHAT gives the illusion of no-consequence messaging, but messages can be saved and stored by an external app. There is now an app for Snapchat that can let users hide their identity and this could be dangerous. Use Parental Controls to limit who can contact your kids and who views their stories.
YOLO uses Snapchat’s platform to post questions and answers anonymously. It also allows hate messages and has no parental controls.
TIK TOK allows users to share 3 to 60-second videos. Parents’ concern is that these videos may not be suitable for young children because the videos can use inappropriate language and pose risky and idiotic challenges. Supposedly, the platform is only for young people 13+, but parents must use Tik Tok’s parental controls to safeguard their children.
OMEGLE is a fee online chatting service that has no age verification. Your children can be identified if they turn on their web camera. There may be undesirable behavior in unmoderated chat rooms. This chat room can be especially dangerous and has no parental controls.
KIK is a free messaging app that is heavy with advertising. Your children will never know if they are talking to an ad-bot or a real person. Many users utilize this platform for sexting and privacy and there is no parental control.
GOOGLE HANGOUTS can be used by your children through your Google Business account without your knowledge. Although Google Docs and Google Classroom are to be used mostly for schoolwork and projects, these sites are not always monitored and can result in cyberbullying.
Warn your tweens and teens that not all people on the internet are who they say they are; they are not always telling the truth. Tell them not to go into “chat rooms” with people they do not know and without your knowledge.
Parents need to initiate conversations about their teens' use of computers, iPads and iPhones. If you know your tweens and teens are learning and adhering to good online behavior practices, you can ckeck-in comfortably less often.
Remember, you are in charge. You pay the bills for such use and you need to care and guard your children of all ages.
Part-time Jobs
Your teen or tween might be itching to make some money. They just can't wait until they are old enough to get a "real job." You prepare you tweens now by suggesting things they can do to get ready.
They can volunteer at any age to help others. If they are responsible, reliable and on-time, they may even ask for a referral or recommendation they can use for a real job later.
Volunteering to help a young mother by playing with her children or reading aloud to them, they learn paience. If your tweens have developed a skill, like dancing or playing an instrument, they might teach younger children how to do so. How about writing a play, making costumes for it, directing it and helping its characters to memorize their lines and how to really act that character in the play, then perform it in your community.
It is an election year. Your teens can go in pairs and offer to work on the campaign of someone running for office or helping to register voters.
Your teens may find a non-profit that could use their help, like working with the local Humane Society or neighorhood child care.
They can start a book club with their friends or to encourage young readers by each reading the same book; your tween can lead the discussion of the book chosen for all to read.
If your teen volunteers or works for a small sum, they might not get rich but they will learn to give of themselves and even learn to budget their money. Remember, if saving, sharing, and spending as basic budgeting are stressed now, it will surely help them in the future. Above all be patient and watch for opportunities to help others. In doing so, it is amazing how much they help themselves.
Tech Watch
Your emerging adults still need your watchfullness, attention and interest in what they are accessing online. Social media such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube may seem innocent enough for your teen to pursue, but there are many "new kids on the block." TikTok presents your children with even more choices as they produce sensational viral challenges. One of the most dangerous is MOMO which progressively shows or encourages evil, leading to KILL YOURSELF. There are health risks in viral challenges.
Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in the 10-24 age bracket.
The old adage "Know where your children are at all times" becomes even more important in this digital age. Parents can put parental controls and watches on computers, iPads, and phones for younger children, but may find it hard to control what their older children are doing on their computers. www.commonsensemedia.com is a good source of protection and knowledge of what is good for your children of all ages.
Continue to have conversations with your children about their digital habits, providing safeguards and sharing knowledge of the websites and memes they contact on their laptops and computers.