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How to Raise your kids in a world of technology

February 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

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Our children are growing up in a world drastically different from the one of our youth. For a generation that thought Caller ID was high-tech, it is hard to judge the effects of children inundated with Twitter updates, Facebook pages from birth, and 24-7 access to a cell phone. The key is to allow children to become fluent in the latest technologies, yet not so immersed that they fail to see the world of people, pets, and social environment around them.

Set Appropriate Times for Technology Use

Children don’t limit themselves without parental guidance. If guidelines aren’t set for using cell phones, computers and gaming devices, children will use technology during family meals, on the bus, during class, and when they’re supposed to be doing homework or helping around the house. Set times for when it’s okay to use each electronic device. If necessary, remove the device from the child’s possession when the time limit is up.

Set Parameters for Technology Use

Make it clear to kids of any age when it’s a good time to use cell phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, and other devices. For example, during homework might be a good time to get online for research, but is a bad time to check a Facebook page. When there are other important activities to do, set the electronic devices aside. Set guidelines for different types of uses. Research on the PC may be okay at a time when playing video games is not.

Set Appropriate Places for Technology Use

For younger children especially, using devices in their bedroom or out of parental sight may not be advisable. Use parental controls such as website blockers and passwords, but also monitor gaming, Internet use, Facebook pages, and cell phone calls yourself. Set proper places for kids to use electronic devices, such as the family room or the home office.

Use Devices Appropriately

Computers are excellent educational tools and cell phones are a great way to maintain relationships with friends and family that live far away. Have your kids use their gadget time for something constructive. Let them practice math with online games, allow them to blog about their lives to build writing skills. Encourage regular calls to grandparents, aunts, uncles and other family members – not just the friends they see every day in school. The Evolution of the Android Market has made it easier than ever before to get great apps for learning and keeping in touch.

Model Good Use of Technology

If you’re on the Internet and glued to your cell phone constantly, kids are going to think you’re hypocritical. Put the phone up and turn the computer off for family meals. Commit to turning off electronic devices 30 to 45 minutes before kids’ bedtimes and spend some quality time with the people in your life. Model good behavior for using our gadgets and kids are more likely to listen to the guidelines you set for them.

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Educating Your Teens in Debt Management

January 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Your child is never too young to learn about debt management. In fact, studies have shown that children who learned these skills as a teen were less likely to develop extreme debt in their adult years. It is up to parents to teach their children what they need to learn about debt management.

If you are a parent and thinking about educating your teen on debt management, here are some ways you help them develop great debt management skills.

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Start Your Child on an Allowance

It can be tempting to want to give your child everything they want, but this can present problems in the future. Start your child on an allowance, and force them to have to stick to it if they want something special. This will force your child to learn how to budget properly. These budgeting skills can come in handy when they grow up, as they will learn how to properly budget their finances and bills. Properly budgeting finance and bills is the best way to manage debt.

Educate Your Child on the World of Finance

Schools may teach your teen the skills they need to budget their finances such as how to add, subtract and multiply, but they don’t teach them about the real world of financing. Motivate your child to learn on how to manage money by showing the difference of needs and wants, how to budget and how to save. You can also set out for various interactive financial websites that provides tools and activities that revolve around personal money management.

Allow Your Child to Help With the Family Finances

You don’t have to allow your teen to balance the family checkbook, but allowing your child to have a hands-on experience with finances can help them develop their finance management skills. Sit down with your teen and go over the family finances with them at least once a month. Allow them to see how you manage the bills, pay the rent or mortgage, and place money into savings. You can even ask them questions such as what they would pay, or how much they would save to get them involved with the process.

Teach Your Child to Handle Debts in Emergency Cases

Prior to spending limits and finance management, it is also important that you’ll teach your child on how to procure money in times emergency. Take your child to a bank or financial institute, show them various payday advance online websites, and have them talk to a debt organization. This will teach the importance the discipline of owing debts. But more than that, it will teach your child on how to manage finances in times of unexpected shortage of funds.

Teenagers might not believe that learning debt management skills are important, but these skills are extremely important. It is up to parents to teach their children the debt managing skills they need to grow up independent and debt free.

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College Students in Their Homes

July 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Master!

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Online education is a smart and affordable option for getting a higher education. With the economy still very uncertain, it makes sense to complete a degree in order to get ahead of the competition in the job market. If you are thinking about going back to school, keep online education in mind.

Learning at Home

Many people choose online education for a master degree or a bachelor degree because of the convenience. For many working professionals, it just isn’t an option to go to a traditional campus and attend classes during the day. The convenience of earning a degree at home, while in front of your own computer, in your pajamas, is really the best option for many people. You can get the same level of education – but it’s all on your schedule.

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Make Time for Learning

If you do choose online education, it’s important that you make the time at home to study and attend your classes. If you have a family, make sure they know that study time is not play time. Make sure your children and your spouse understand your commitment to education and are supportive of your decision.

You’ll also want to schedule a specific time every day to do your studies. Making a schedule will also help your family understand school time verses family time. It might be a little tough to manage your schedule in the beginning, but once you stick to a schedule, you’ll find your schooling at home will be much easier.

Education is the answer to success. Now is your time to get ahead of the competition

 

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How to Deal with Rebellion

July 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

 

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Teenagers are famous for their ability to rebel against their parents in a variety of ways. This can be in the style of clothing they choose wear, music, friends, activities or even in daily behavior.

Parents can deal with rebellion first and foremost by understanding the phase of development that teenagers are going through.

Do not rely solely on things like adt home security to watch over what your teens are up to. This is a time when their emotions, body and thought process is changing on a daily basis. When you add in peer pressure and other obstacles, teenagers are dealing with quite a bit. Supporting your teen through this time is one of the best ways to help them get through it in a positive manner. Listening, accepting and communication are vital.

You can also be careful in which “battles” you choose to fight. A radical hairstyle may be frustrating to you, but keep in mind that the change is only temporary. Focus on the important things, such as making good decision while dating, the danger of peer pressure and talking with them about drugs and alcohol. These items are far more important than a temporary style switch when you can keep these things in perspective, your worries will subside somewhat.

Also, make sure that you are actively involved in both your child’s life and education. When you know what is going on each day, you can better combat such problems as bullying and depression. Many teens often hide these problems from parents, so early intervention is critical and being aware of them can make a huge difference in your child’s life.

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Effective Discipline from the Start

June 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Being able to effectively parent and administer discipline from the start can make a huge difference in your child’s life. When a child knows the limits and feels secure, he or she will be a more healthy adult.

The first step in effective discipline is the ability to stay calm and under control. Children are often very talented at pushing a parent’s buttons and getting them upset. When you reach this level, your ability to discipline the right way goes out the door. When you are calm, you can communicate clearly, are more patient and can make better decisions. You must also be willing to listen. When a child gets frustrated because you will not listen to his side of the story, things can quickly escalate. Taking the child’s point of view into consideration can help you to effectively explain things in a way he can understand.

You must also be willing to set boundaries and make tough decisions. You may want to be your child’s best friend, but you cannot always be his buddy. Parents have to make hard choices to limit their child’s behavior when he is not able to do so. Your child will respect you more for making the right choice and giving the guidance that he needs to improve his behavior. The other thing that goes hand in hand with this is the ability to communicate expectations clearly. Children need to know what is expected of them and to see those expectations on a consistent basis. When parents are able to do this, problems are alleviated and behaviors are easier to deal with.

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Dealing with a Child’s Medical Condition at School

June 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

 

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There many children who have a medical condition but who do not require special education services at school. These children still need some accommodations due to their condition and parents need to know how to effectively work with school officials.

Children who have problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diabetes and related conditions fall under what is called a 504 plan. This plan outlines certain accommodations that can made for a child with medical needs that are not severe enough for special education. For example, a child who has diabetes may need to go to the nurse’s office at certain times of the day to inject him or herself with insulin. Parents need to clearly communicate to the school what the condition is and what the child needs to function properly during the day.

The parents may need to provide medical documentation to school, prescription medications and necessary supplies. There are certain legal regulations that have to be followed when it comes to dispensing medication and outlining the 504 plan. Parents should educate themselves regarding these guidelines and ask school officials any questions that they might have. They should also follow up regularly with the school regarding any concerns and how well the accommodations are working.

This effort can be critical as health concerns can negatively impact a child’s learning. Parents should discuss any issues that they have with their family doctor as well, especially if their child will have to have medication administered at school. This way, parents can help their child to effectively deal with a medical condition at school.

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How Parents Can Prepare Teens for Academic Success in College

June 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

When it’s time for your teen to go away to college, you’ll have many concerns. You’ll have anxiety about the social issues that go along with university life — the pressure to drink too much alcohol and experiment with drugs. You’ll also worry about how well your son or daughter will perform in school. There are ways you can make the transition easier.

Encourage Advanced Placement classes. Students taking Advanced Placement classes in high school are better prepared for the rigors of a college education. In fact, some students report that AP classes are more challenging than freshmen-level university classes. As an added bonus, students who score well on AP exams may earn college credit in that subject area.

Give the right kind of help. During the final 2 years of high school, resist the urge to intervene with a heavy hand when your teen is going to miss an assignment. Instead of rushing out at midnight to print up materials for your daughter’s school presentation the next day, direct her to flyer printing services nearby and let her get the project done. Or, not. If the project is late, allow your teen to experience the consequences of her choices. High school grading systems are usually more forgiving than the ones used in college classrooms.

Enroll your teen in a class at a local college. As with the advanced placement classes, this is a way to ease the transition and earn credit. Ask your son what college major he’s considering and select a class related to that field. Your teen will find out quickly whether it’s an area he truly wants to study.

Filed Under: Parenting

Essential Tips for Managing Monthly Expenses

June 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

When you’re distracted by growing debt, you’re less likely to provide the quality parenting your children need. Even worse, by not properly managing your monthly expenses, you’re failing to be the responsible financial role model your children need. Here are three essential tips for managing your monthly expenses to help reduce stress and help you become a better parent.

Know Your Financial Obligations

You must face your debt to someday erase it. By avoiding your finances, you’re only worsening the issues. Therefore, start managing your monthly expenses more effectively by knowing how much you’re spending and how much you’re earning. When you know each of these totals, you’ll understand how large of a debt gap you’re facing and can begin thinking of solutions to the problems.

Remain Current on Bills

You must do whatever is possible to avoid falling behind on your monthly expenses. Whether you’re in danger of missing a car loan payment or your mortgage bill, take out payday loans to avoid falling behind. This will keep you in good standing with your lenders and will avoid your debts being turned over to collection agencies.

Increase Your Income

If you’ve cut out all unnecessary spending yet are still short on the cash you need, find ways to increase your income. Locating additional income sources is actually quite easy when you begin searching for them.

From starting a business to working part time on the weekends, the opportunities for extra income abound. By utilizing these resources, you can repay your debt sooner and become a better parent in the process.

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How to Deal with a Problem Child

June 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

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There are some children who exhibit aggressiveness, acting out and problematic behavior at both home and school on a daily basis. Often, these children may be diagnosed as needing special education support for an emotional disorder or for having behavior problems.

This can often be very frustrating for the parent, who feels inadequate of being unable to control their child’s behavior. It is important to understand that these behavior issues are not always the parent’s fault, but are caused by other circumstances that can be dealt with. The first step in this process is to actively work with school officials to outline a behavior intervention plan in order to introduce more positive behaviors into the child’s daily routine. School staff will need to know important information regarding what occurs before, during and after behaviors at home. This can then be compared to what occurs at school and the cause can be identified.

At home, the parent will have to put certain interventions into practice and learn to handle the child’s behavior in a calm, firm manner. It is essential that parenting is done in a consistent manner and that clear boundaries are established for the child. When a child knows what the expectations are and where boundaries are at, he or she can learn to make better decisions regarding behavior. Parents can also be helped by attending family counseling in order to identify problem areas and to find strategies to help deal with them. This effort is well worth the time invested in order to improve the quality of your child’s life.

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Your Teen Will Love the G2x

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

While you may not understand the allure a high-tech cell phone holds for your teenager or the need to text until your thumbs are numb, the truth is, today’s teenagers are always interested in the latest cell phones and technology. Finding the best LG Android phone for your teenager doesn’t have to be a trial. They offer several unique models, but if you really want to make a splash, the LG G2X is the only choice.

There are several reasons that your teen will love the LG G2X Android – starting with the sleek look and crystal clear display screen. The screen is four inches and is high resolution. Touch-screen capabilities make the phone easy to use. It is ideal for running today’s most popular games, applications, and movies.

If the screen isn’t enough to draw your teenager in, this LG Android Phone features not one but two cameras. The first, on the back of the phone, offers a high-res picture ideal for most needs. Your teen can use the LG G2X to snap pictures or take high definition footage. The second camera is located on the phone front and is perfect for video-chatting.

The 1 GHZ dual-core processor creates all the speed your teen could need. The phone is preloaded with multiple applications and the blazing fast speeds are noticeable on games like “Need for Speed Shift.”

Whether you teenager loves to text, needs to surf online, or uses a phone to watch movies, this LG Android Phone is one cell that they will love.

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