By taking responsibility for your children’s online computer use, parents can greatly minimize any potential risks of being online. Make it a family rule to...
Never give out identifying information — home address, school name, or telephone number — in a public message such as chat or newsgroups, and be sure you’re dealing with someone both you and your children know and trust before giving out this information via E-mail. Think carefully before revealing any personal information such as age, financial information, or marital status. Do not post photographs of your children in newsgroups or on web sites that are available to the public. Consider using a pseudonym, avoid listing your child’s name and E-mail address in any public directories and profiles, and find out about your ISP’s privacy policies and exercise your options for how your personal information may be used.
Get to know the Internet and any services your child uses. If you don’t know how to log on, get your child to show you. Have your child show you what he or she does online, and become familiar with all the activities that are available online. Find out if your child has a free web-based E-mail account, such as those offered by Hotmail and Yahoo!® , and learn their user names and passwords.
Never allow a child to arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they “meet” on the Internet without parental permission. If a meeting is arranged, make the first one in a public place, and be sure to accompany your child.
Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening, or make you feel uncomfortable. Encourage your children to tell you if they encounter such messages. If you or your child receives a message that is harassing, of a sexual nature, or threatening, forward a copy of the message to your ISP, and ask for their assistance. Instruct your child not to click on any links that are contained in E-mail from persons they don’t know. Such links could lead to sexually explicit or otherwise inappropriate web sites or could be a computer virus. If someone sends you or your children messages or images that are filthy, indecent, lewd, or obscene with the intent to abuse, annoy, harass, or threaten you, or if you become aware of the transmission, use, or viewing of child pornography while online immediately report this to the NCMEC’s CyberTipline at 1-800-843-5678 or www.cybertipline.com. Set reasonable rules and guidelines for computer use by your children.
Remember that people online may not be who they seem. Because you can’t see or even hear the person it would be easy for someone to misrepresent him- or herself. Thus someone indicating that “she” is a “12-year-old girl” could in reality be a 40-year-old man.
Remember that everything you read online may not be true. Any offer that’s “too good to be true” probably is. Be careful about any offers that involve you going to a meeting, having someone visit your house, or sending money or credit-card information.
Set reasonable rules and guidelines for computer use by your children. (See “My Rules for Online Safety” on the back cover.) Discuss these rules and post them near the computer as a reminder. Remember to monitor your children’s compliance with these rules, especially when it comes to the amount of time your children spend on the computer. A child’s excessive use of online services or the Internet, especially late at night, may be a clue that there is a potential problem. Remember that personal computers and online services should not be used as electronic babysitters.
Check out blocking, filtering, and ratings applications. Be sure to make this a family activity. Consider keeping the computer in a family room rather than the child’s bedroom. Get to know their “online friends” just as you get to know all of their other friends. If your child has a cellular telephone, talk with him or her about using it safely. The same rules that apply to computer use, also apply to cellular telephones.
About this Document
This document was written by Lawrence J. Magid, a syndicated columnist and technology commentator, who is author of The Little PC Book (Peachpit Press) and host of www.safekids.com, a web site devoted to keeping children safer in “cyberspace.” He is also the author of Teen Safety on the Information Highway, a free brochure that is also published by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Safe Kids
Friday, March 02, 2007
Monday, January 15, 2007
The Rights of Children
The Rights of Children of Separation and Divorce
1) THE RIGHT to be treated as an important human being, with unique feelings, ideas and desires and not as a source of argument between parents.
2) THE RIGHT to a sense of security and belonging derived from a loving, nurturing environment that is free of negative social influences such as drugs, alcohol, crime, bigotry and weapons in the home.
3) THE RIGHT to a continuing relationship with both parents and their extended families, based on a fair and just arrangement that will provide the opportunity to have a meaningful relationship with both parents, which includes the freedom to receive and express love for both.
4) THE RIGHT to have “listening parents” who work cooperatively in the best interest of the child as well as all members of the family.
5) THE RIGHT to express love and affection for each parent without having to stifle that love because of fear of disapproval by the other parent.
6) THE RIGHT to flourish in an atmosphere free of disrespect, exploitation and neglect.
7) THE RIGHT to know that their parents’ decision to separate or divorce is not their responsibility.
8) THE RIGHT to continuing care and guidance from both parents, where they can be educated in mind, nourished in spirit, developed in body and surrounded by unconditional love.
9) THE RIGHT to honest answers to questions about their changing family relationships.
10) THE RIGHT to know and appreciate what is good in each parent without one parent degrading the other.
11) THE RIGHT to a relaxed, secure relationship with both parents without being placed in a position to manipulate one parent against the other.
12) THE RIGHT to have parents who will not undermine the child’s time with the other parent by suggesting tempting alternatives or by threatening to withhold activities or parenting time as a punishment for the child’s wrongdoing.
13) THE RIGHT to be able to experience regular and consistent parental contact and the right to know the reason for not having regular contact.
14) THE RIGHT to be a child, to be insulated from parental conflicts and problems.
15) THE RIGHT to be taught, according to their developing levels, to understand values, to assume responsibility for their actions, and to cope with the consequences of their choices.
16) THE RIGHT to be able to participate in their own destiny and to be taught about their family’s culture and history.
17) THE RIGHT to be able to contact any parent, or any member of either parent’s extended family without unreasonable objection or interference from either parent.
18) THE RIGHT to be listened to by legal authorities and to have their age appropriate wishes and preferences made known to any court of law.
19) THE RIGHT to be supported and cared for, both financially and emotionally, by one’s own parents and extended family as the first option before any involvement of the government or other third party.
20) THE RIGHT to be assisted by competent third parties whose responsibility it is to protect or advocate for children and to be provided this assistance by the parties without prejudice or bias in favor of, or against, either of the parents.
Courtesy of the Family Conflict Resolution Services
www.Parental-Alienation-Awareness.com
1) THE RIGHT to be treated as an important human being, with unique feelings, ideas and desires and not as a source of argument between parents.
2) THE RIGHT to a sense of security and belonging derived from a loving, nurturing environment that is free of negative social influences such as drugs, alcohol, crime, bigotry and weapons in the home.
3) THE RIGHT to a continuing relationship with both parents and their extended families, based on a fair and just arrangement that will provide the opportunity to have a meaningful relationship with both parents, which includes the freedom to receive and express love for both.
4) THE RIGHT to have “listening parents” who work cooperatively in the best interest of the child as well as all members of the family.
5) THE RIGHT to express love and affection for each parent without having to stifle that love because of fear of disapproval by the other parent.
6) THE RIGHT to flourish in an atmosphere free of disrespect, exploitation and neglect.
7) THE RIGHT to know that their parents’ decision to separate or divorce is not their responsibility.
8) THE RIGHT to continuing care and guidance from both parents, where they can be educated in mind, nourished in spirit, developed in body and surrounded by unconditional love.
9) THE RIGHT to honest answers to questions about their changing family relationships.
10) THE RIGHT to know and appreciate what is good in each parent without one parent degrading the other.
11) THE RIGHT to a relaxed, secure relationship with both parents without being placed in a position to manipulate one parent against the other.
12) THE RIGHT to have parents who will not undermine the child’s time with the other parent by suggesting tempting alternatives or by threatening to withhold activities or parenting time as a punishment for the child’s wrongdoing.
13) THE RIGHT to be able to experience regular and consistent parental contact and the right to know the reason for not having regular contact.
14) THE RIGHT to be a child, to be insulated from parental conflicts and problems.
15) THE RIGHT to be taught, according to their developing levels, to understand values, to assume responsibility for their actions, and to cope with the consequences of their choices.
16) THE RIGHT to be able to participate in their own destiny and to be taught about their family’s culture and history.
17) THE RIGHT to be able to contact any parent, or any member of either parent’s extended family without unreasonable objection or interference from either parent.
18) THE RIGHT to be listened to by legal authorities and to have their age appropriate wishes and preferences made known to any court of law.
19) THE RIGHT to be supported and cared for, both financially and emotionally, by one’s own parents and extended family as the first option before any involvement of the government or other third party.
20) THE RIGHT to be assisted by competent third parties whose responsibility it is to protect or advocate for children and to be provided this assistance by the parties without prejudice or bias in favor of, or against, either of the parents.
Courtesy of the Family Conflict Resolution Services
www.Parental-Alienation-Awareness.com
Sunday, January 07, 2007
New Years Resolutions
Happy New Year To Everyone!
It's time to make that dreaded resolution. Mine?!?!?!?!?
1. Be more empathetic to Son's needs.
2. Devote more quality time to Son.
3. Post to my Blog once a month.
4. Be happy every morning after waking up.
No more aaahhhhh...
Friday, December 29, 2006
Use A Calendar Wisely. Do More Than Look At It!
Remember your child values the time spent with you. Role model this commitment back to them by staying organized. Your childs feelings are hurt when you say that you forgot about that...and let's do that another time.
Get a calendar, and use it to track your day-to-day goings on and your future events. This will help you to become more consistent with your actions. If you make a promise to your child or children to do something on a particular date, mark it on your calendar.
By using your calendar you will become more organized, and more importantly you will be role modeling the value of commitments.
Get a calendar, and use it to track your day-to-day goings on and your future events. This will help you to become more consistent with your actions. If you make a promise to your child or children to do something on a particular date, mark it on your calendar.
By using your calendar you will become more organized, and more importantly you will be role modeling the value of commitments.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Parents Bill Of Rights
A GREAT LINK! From KIDTIPS.COM.
There are fifteen items listed here that are the legal and moral obligations we have to our children. I look at some of these items as being just plain old common sense topics.
Parents Bill Of Rights
There are fifteen items listed here that are the legal and moral obligations we have to our children. I look at some of these items as being just plain old common sense topics.
Parents Bill Of Rights
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Some Good Advice
Child abuse is not acceptable! Abuse is not limited to physical, there is also emotional.
Love your child/children unconditionally, because that is how they love you!
Be there for them!
Respect them as people!
Help them grow intellectually.
Praise them whenever you can.
Take dumb and stupid out of your vocabulary. No question is silly to them.
Tell them the truth!
Children are not to be used as tools to barter or mediate anyone's needs with!
Be a good role model. Your child/children will mirror your behaviour remember they look up to their parents.
Do not punish when you are angry!
Do what ever you can not to fight with your child's mother! Try to compromise. If you cannot do this, than accommodate. You will develop a more amicable relationship with your child/children's mother. The child/children do not need the extra emotional baggage created by the two supposed adults! Remember to practice your good role model skills! Your child/children do not need to see or hear the disagreements that may occur between their mother and you!
Do not put down new boyfriend or new spouse in front of child/children.
Let your child/children develop new friendships.
If you are feeling overwhelmed get help (use government social workers, psychologists or psycho-analysts to help you).
You need to MAKE time for yourself (keeps you sane)!
Accept change. You do not have to like it. Just accept it.
Children do not come with operation manuals when they are born.
All parents are scared at first!
Love your child/children unconditionally, because that is how they love you!
Be there for them!
Respect them as people!
Help them grow intellectually.
Praise them whenever you can.
Take dumb and stupid out of your vocabulary. No question is silly to them.
Tell them the truth!
Children are not to be used as tools to barter or mediate anyone's needs with!
Be a good role model. Your child/children will mirror your behaviour remember they look up to their parents.
Do not punish when you are angry!
Do what ever you can not to fight with your child's mother! Try to compromise. If you cannot do this, than accommodate. You will develop a more amicable relationship with your child/children's mother. The child/children do not need the extra emotional baggage created by the two supposed adults! Remember to practice your good role model skills! Your child/children do not need to see or hear the disagreements that may occur between their mother and you!
Do not put down new boyfriend or new spouse in front of child/children.
Let your child/children develop new friendships.
If you are feeling overwhelmed get help (use government social workers, psychologists or psycho-analysts to help you).
You need to MAKE time for yourself (keeps you sane)!
Accept change. You do not have to like it. Just accept it.
Children do not come with operation manuals when they are born.
All parents are scared at first!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
