Talking About Internet Safety

FOR AGES: 9 to 12

THE SCENE
"I don't get it," your 11-year-old complains. "You're so paranoid about the Net. I mean, I don't give out my phone number or anything. Don't you trust me?"

The Internet is adding a new twist to the age-old tug-of-war between a preteen's growing need for independence and a parent's understandable concern for safety.

Disciplining children is never fun for you, or your child. There’s so many questions surrounding the topic of discipline, such as: At what age should you start taking away technology? Or at what age is time-out no longer effective? Experts chime in.

Stress Consequences

Though traditional sports like football, basketball, and hockey aren't exactly going out of style, the world of so-called extreme sports keeps growing in popularity. Kids and adults alike are participating in increasing numbers in these risky -- if not sometimes downright dangerous -- sports. But why?

Expert Advice: Strangers and Safety During the Holidays

The holiday season is a joyful time of year, but it's also a time of year when you need to be extra-cautious when out and about with your child. Between frenzied trips to the mall for holiday shopping, crowded airports, and holiday parties, it can be hard to keep track of your little one in the crowds.

Things: We Own Them, They Don't Own Us

How do we become more skillful in our relationship to things? Much of our lives is spent purchasing, returning, taking care of, cleaning, putting away, moving, and getting rid of things. We acquire possessions through purchase, gifts, and inheritance. Once we are owners, possessions demand a large portion of our life energy. What do we do with the things we no longer use and the things that belonged to the people we loved dearly? Our choices about possessions shape our lives.

Your Child, Your Money, and Online Auctions

The toy section of eBay reads like a Christmas list, and for consumers of all ages, this is an irresistible way to make a purchase: Place a bid, then bid higher, then hope against hope that you're not outbid by someone else.

For adults, being outbid on a coveted Beanie Baby may result in mild disappointment. For a child, it can be a crushing loss.

Likely you’ll be spending more time at home this winter as we continue to battle the COVID pandemic, which means it’s essential to have a variety of indoor activities on hand. We suggest a variety of games, activities, toys and books both for independent play as well as fun for the whole family as you are spending extra quality time together.

Plastic eggs. Jelly beans. Wicker baskets. You're preparing for the same ho-hum Easter egg hunt yet again, aren't you? Put away the dusty tote of holiday supplies and start brainstorming some Easter egg hunt ideas that will turn the Easter Bunny into your kids' favorite holiday icon before they finish their first cream-filled chocolate egg of the season!

Summer break has arrived and it’s time to get the kids out of the house and into the busy outdoors. The sun, fresh air, and physical activity should make for some happy and tired kids at the end of the day. Taking a break from the screens and playing outside can ramp up the imagination, increase activity level, and get your kids some much-needed Vitamin D.

The Price of Motherhood: An Interview with Ann Crittenden

Moms Pay High Cost for Caring
In a new book, The Price of Motherhood: Why the Most Important Job in the World is Still the Least Valued, author and former New York Times economics reporter Ann Crittenden looks at how a lack of social supports for American moms forces them to make bitter choices, while women in other industrialized societies enjoy a year's worth of paid leave after birth and other benefits that women in the U.S. can't begin to imagine.

COVID-19 is here with us for a bit longer. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still make this winter season a fun one.

Parents are reporting their children’s screen time has increased by 60% with remote learning and the use of social media. It’s a challenge we’re all facing, and we may see a further increase this winter, so activities that don’t always involve more screen time can be a great option.

Your One-Year-Old and Play

• Teach your baby the right way the first time around. For instance, when baby is learning how to pick up a spoon or a rattle, take the time to show her the correct way to hold it.

Today, children’s play is often tainted with boxes to check and points to score. So often teachers will say things like, “They think they’re playing, but really they’re learning” to which I think: “What’s the difference?!” and further: “Why isn’t playing enough? Why does there have to be a quantifiable, measurable end”?

Play IS the point.

More: The Importance of Play in 21st Century Learning