Intro to PC Parental Controls

Lately my strong-willed 4-year-old has been driving me crazy over using the internet. She’s had her own educational software (a discontinued product by Sesame Street) since she was a toddler, so she’s really good with a mouse. Then last summer I introduced her to Tumblebooks to which she immediately became addicted. Then a couple of weeks ago Elmo or Curious George let it slip that there are cool games for preschoolers available at PBSkids.org. Now, she – the same child who forgets what she’s supposed to be doing almost as soon as I’ve told her – is badgering me with perfectly recalled web addresses. But Nick.com is a can of worms I’m not ready to click on yet.

So, I need to set up some Parental Control software for Windows XP (no, I haven’t upgraded to Vista – still waiting for more of the bugs to be resolved). I found a really useful site that describes how to set the Content Advisor (for Internet Explorer only) that comes with Windows (Note: the appearance of the icons has changed but the names are the same). So that would take care of light web usage, but would be cumbersome for managing heavy online browsing and completely useless for limiting computer time. For that, I plan to try Kids PC Time Administrator, one of several free 30-day downloads ($18.95 to keep after the trail period) available from PC Home Software. It claims that I can specify the times my child can use the computer, which is just what I need to end school-morning and bedtime battles. I know: keeping firm boundaries and a close watch does the same thing, but I’m tired of the arguments and grief.

Anyway, if the (free!) Windows’ Content Advisor and relatively inexpensive Kids PC Time software work well together, I should be all set to manage a preschooler’s blossoming internet habit (assuming I set a password on my grown-up no-restrictions user account! More on that later.). But if they don’t give me the control I need then I may have to shell out more cash for something more powerful like Net Nanny (a free 14-day trial is available, $39.99 after that) or BSafe Online ($49.95 for basic protection).

However, my plan is to wait until my child’s online skills are more developed before purchasing a more sophisticated internet filter. By the time I’ll need all the features included with those more expensive software suites, the same money will be able to buy a product that has evolved to handle whatever online dangers exist at that time. At least when it comes to software, I believe it’s better to save the money and buy only what you really need. Otherwise you waste money, disk space and start-up time. Just my 2 cents.

OK, I wish you and your family happy (and safe!) surfing until next time!

Tara

More Friends & Family Events

Here are more Friends and Family events for November:

Cost Plus World Market 25% off storewide (10% off gourmet food and beverages; excludes beer & wine). November 9 – 12. Promo code: FF11074. Coupon More Details

Express 15% off. Now thru Nov 13^th Coupon More Details

Gymboree30% off Thursday November 8th – Sunday November 11^th. Promo code: CFFRIEND Coupon

Reebok/Rockport Concept Stores50% off. Wednesday, November 14th through Sunday, November 18th, 2007. In-store only Coupon More Details

Sephora 20% off.Now thru Nov 26th. Promo code FF2007. Plus, spend more than $75 and get FREE shipping. More Details

Petunia Pickle Bottom Online Sample Sale November 26th – 30th, 2007. Their first ever online sample sale and enjoy 30-70% off retail prices. No code or coupon required, but you can pre-register here. (This is not a F&F event, but it’s quite a good deal. So I’m mentioning it anyway.)

Happy Shopping!
Tara

New digital camera features

For the past week I have been obsessed with two things: giving my daughter a fun Halloween and buying a new camera with which to capture the fun. And now that Halloween is over, I am able to pass on what I’ve learned about a couple of cool features now available on digital cameras: face detection and optical image stabilization.

Cameras with face detection distinguish human faces (sorry, it doesn’t work for pets) and adjusts the focus and exposure to bring them into focus. Image stabilization reduces the blurriness that results from hand-holding the camera by counteracting the motion of a moving image during exposure (Note: This is not the same as manipulating the shutter speed, which is sometimes misleadingly referred to an “anti-shake” or “anti-blur” function by some manufacturers).

Now, when it comes to digital cameras I have a few requirements. I carry my camera with me everywhere to take snapshots of my daughter. So I need a small point-and-shot camera, with good image quality (I wanted about 8 megapixels) and minimal lag-time between shots. Also I wanted to spend under $300, but still get face detection, image stabilization, and red-eye correction (a pretty common, but useful feature). So after a bit of research I narrowed it down to the Canon PowerShot SD850 IS and the Sony Cybershot DSCW90. I looked at a number of reviews, but here are two for the Canon – here and here. And there are two for the Sony – there (review of the W80, which aside from the megapixels, is identical to the W90) and there.

When it was all said and done, I ended up buying the Sony. I was intrigued by the Canon, but I had to face the fact that I am already invested in Sony technology. My last 2 cameras were Cybershots, so I’m already familiar with the series and own a large-capacity Memory Stick. Plus it cost $50 less than the Canon when I went to check them out at Best Buy. So it was kind of a no-brainer for me.

BTW, at least in California, Best Buy offers more service plan options in the store than they do online. The 4-year service plan offered for the Cybershot at BestBuy.com is $50 and covers typical wear and tear. But I was able to purchase a 4-year service and accidental damage plan for $80 (2-year plans are also offered in-store). So, if I drop or otherwise damage this camera within the next 4 years, BestBuy will replace it. Which is a source of peace-of-mind for me because my last two Cybershots were dropped to death.

Happy camera hunting!

Tara

Friends & Family Discounts – Exp. Nov 4th!

I love discounts, so I’m posting these Friends & Family discounts which must be used immediately – by tomorrow, Sunday, Nov. 4^th:

Kmart 20% off apparel • 10% off everything else. Saturday November 3 – Sunday November 4 – in select stores.* Promo Code: 004815884012 Coupon More Details

Kohl’s 15% off in-store only. Nov 2nd through Nov 4th Coupon More Details

Lane Bryant 30% off. Promo Code: 000303606. Valid only on November 3 & 4. Also valid at cacique.com. Coupon More Details

The Great Indoors 15% off regular, sale and clearance items in-store and online. Excludes electronics. Night of Nov. 4. Promo code: R587278788615 Coupon More Details

Brooklyn Industries 20% off October 26 – November 4. Promo code: FRIENDFALL07 Coupon More Details

I’ll post more soon!

Tara

Addiction-proof your child

One of the podcasts I listen to regularly is by Jane Nelson, author of the Positive Discipline series of books. I’ve mentioned Positive Discipline for Preschoolers in a previous post in September, but I actually began listening to the author’s “Focusing on Solutions” podcast months before I began reading the book. Earlier this month in Episode #48 Dr. Nelson interviewed Stanton Peele, PhD, the author of Addiction Proof Your Child: A Realistic Approach to Preventing Drug, Alcohol, and Other Dependencies. This interview (listen to it here) is in part about the nature of addiction and in part about the responsibility that we have as parents.

I’m bringing up this topic because, according to Dr. Peele’s unconventional thinking, “addiction-proofing your child” is about more than warning him/her of the dangers of drugs, sex, alcohol, the Internet, etc. It’s about preparing children to handle life’s challenges and reducing the likelihood that they will turn to self-destructive behaviors in order to avoid dealing with their problems. And the process starts well before children have the opportunity to experiment with these addictive substances and/or activities.

Dr. Peele advises that rather than “announcing a completely improvident and impossible goal” of abstinence from risky activities, we need be realistic and intellectually honest when discussing these issues with our children. As one who tries to keep in mind the long-term goal of raising my daughter to become a secure, well-adjusted, self-confident woman, this makes a lot of sense. However as someone who is an admittedly over-protective parent, I find the idea of letting go of the “scare tactics” to which I was subjected to be, well, . . . scary. I imagine that I would like the feeling of control, the sense of “taking action,” that I’d get from lecturing my child against drugs. Then again, I am relieved to think that I may not have to resort to lectures.

I value wisdom that comes from first-hand experience. In fact it was my observation of others that caused me to steer clear of experimental drug-use. That’s right. I have never tried an illegal drug. Seriously. My only “walk on the wild side” came at the age of 28, when I coughed/choked/retched my way through a quarter of a cigarette as an experiment with a friend. It took three days for my lungs and throat to recover from the experience. So, you see, as far as first-hand experience goes . . . I lack credibility. That lack of credibility has worried me because I’ve assumed that first-hand experience and direct observation produce the best lessons. Anyway, I look forward to reading this book and learning how to approach these topics without resorting lectures or threats.

And if, after reading this rather long post, you have a few more moments, I encourage you to view what Dr. Nelson’s blog says about the interview. In it she talks about how Dr. Peele’s book relates to the principles of positive discipline and tells how we can use those principles to “help children learn to use their personal power in useful ways.”

Sorry this is so long!

Tara

MomTech has moved to WordPress

Not many people will be aware of the change, but I have moved this blog from GoDaddy to WordPress. I started with GoDaddy’s QuickBlogcast product because it seemed like it would be simple to use. But I was spending so much time “fighting” with the editing software, that I couldn’t spend enough time creating content. But the WordPress features are sooo much easier to use and navigate. I’m relieve that I’ll now be able to spend more time on writing, and less on formatting.

It just been a few hours, but I already love my brand new site. I hope that you’ll enjoy it, too.

Podcasts to keep you informed and entertained

During the past few months I’ve gotten hooked on several podcasts. They are all FREE and I’ve subscribed to about a dozen of them through iTunes (although you don’t need iTunes or an iPod – any MP3 player will work). Now I can get informed, improve my memory, or just be entertained while I get ready in the morning, prepare dinner, or clean up around the house. I think a few of them are really cool and thought I’d share them with everyone:

CNN News Update (about 4 minutes) – The latest news happening in the U.S. and around the world.

PediaCast with Dr. Mike (about an hour) – I’d rather listen to this than read the medical information in my regular parenting magazines. Even if you disagree with his opinions at Arial (like his take on the HPV vaccine), it’s great information. I wish I’d known about this when my daughter was an infant.

Dr Mike is a board-certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He earned his medical degree at The Ohio State University and has over 10 years of parenting and clinical practice experience. Dr Mike can’t diagnose the ear infection or prescribe the antibiotic (unless you visit his office practice), but he can take the time to share his knowledge. And you won’t have to pony up a co-pay or spend precious time searching the index of another WHAT TO EXPECT EVERY DAY OF YOUR CHILD’S LIFE type of book.

BrainReady.com BrainCast (about 20 minutes) – My mind actually feels more “awake” after listening to these. Perhaps “Mom-brain” will soon be a thing of the past?

BrainReady is the revolutionary new way to turn back the clock on the damage that aging has already done to your brain & body. Whatever your age.

• “Start whipping your brain & body back into shape — by simply listening to our free, innovative audio brain exercise modules! Now available in downloadable MP3 format too, as well as Apple iTunes!
• As recently featured in Reader’s Digest magazine and numerous other publications: BrainReady’s audio BrainCasts let you exercise your brain while you’re busy doing what you’re already doing: eating breakfast, driving in your car, at the health club, going for a walk, whatever!
• Listen anytime, anywhere — On your iPod, MP3 player, right here on this page (see below), or put on a blank CD for your car!

4) A Prarie Home Companion: The News from Lake Wobegon (about 17 minutes) – I just love listening to these segments. Witty and full of imagery. I saw it live at the Hollywood Bowl a while back and am glad to be able to hear the show now whenever I’d like.

Listen to The News from Lake Wobegon wherever and whenever you want. GK’s signature monologue is now available as a free podcast, updated every Monday. Each week, Keillor shares with listeners the latest news and views from the little town where “all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average.”

5) fitPod (varies) – — This is great music to listen to while running around doing mindless housework. Helps you get it done in next to no time!

fitPod.com is the free online community for everything fitness and iPod. It’s the place to meet others with similar interests, pick up fitness tips, discuss fitness and music, and share your favorite fitness playlists — what we call “fitLists.”

OK, that’s it for now. I’m subscribed to a few others, too. But they are all spiritual/religious/self-help in nature.

Ciao!

Tara

Determining Your Child’s Learning Style

Today a friend of mine posed the following question to my playgroup:

Does anyone have a suggestion for a book, website, seminar
to help determine what your child’s learning style is?
Is 4 too early to determine how your child learns?

In looking at schools, it seems like it would be helpful to
know how my child learns best, but I frankly, don’t know
how to figure that out!Thanks,
C

I really like this question. And, here is my reply:

Apparently it’s not too early to determine your child’s learning style. If fact you seem to be right on time in wondering about this. I imagine the educators and child psychologist in our group will be able to give real insight into this, but here’s what I found on the internet . . .

Parent Center has a whole page dedicated to figuring out your child’s learning style. Fortnet.org offers a brief article on the topic. I also found a homeschooling site with a number of links. But if you want an actual book to read, Amazon has a lot of them. The most appropriate and highly rated ones appear to be Discover Your Child’s Learning Style: Children Learn in Unique Ways – Here’s the Key to Every Child’s Learning Success by Willis and Hodson and The Way They Learn by Cynthia U. Tobias.

By the way, C always seems to be very in touch with what developmental stage her child is currently in. At her recommendation I picked up a copy of Touchpoints: Birth to Three: Your Child’s Emotional and Behavioral Development (Touchpoints) by T. Berry Brazelton, which provided some insight into what was going on in the unpredictable mind of my then-two-year-old. So although this question hadn’t even occured to me, it’s got me thinking. And knowing the answer would seem to be very important in guiding my daughter’s learning experience. 

Tara

Preparing for the Fabulous (?) Fours

OK. I wasn’t prepared for the difficulties of parenting a three-year-old. I thought that after “the terrible twos” it would be easy sailing. But I was wrong. So, I have been thinking about getting Your Four-Year-Old: Wild and Wonderful by Louise Bates Ames (the same author as Your Three-Year-Old: Friend or Enemy which I very much recommend), but the reviews on this one are very mixed. So, I’d like to see it in person first. I’d love to hear other book suggestions.

I have just started reading Positive Discipline for Preschoolers: For Their Early Years–Raising Children Who are Responsible, Respectful, and Resourceful (Positive Discipline Library) by Jane Ed.D. Nelsen, which covers ages 3 – 6. I’m only on Chapter 6, but the ideas presented so far are working pretty well right now. The advice is compatible with Noel Janis-Norton’s Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting advice and that of How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, but is even *more* positive that those methods. You still “prepare for success” and use talk-throughs and descriptive praise, but NO punishments and NO rewards. Instead you invite the child to ”focus on solutions”, and give “positive time-outs” (in which the parent offers to accompany the child) when emotions are high. I haven’t yet wrapped my mind around the idea of going into time out with my little offender, and I still threaten her with punishment. But I’m involving her in problem solving more often, and that has de-escalated a few situations that could have gotten ugly pretty quickly.

Best of luck,
Tara

Sunscreen just keeps getting better

Has anyone else tried Coppertone’s Clear SPF30 Continuous Spray No-Rub Sunscreen? It is sooo quick and easy to apply! It took less than 30 seconds to cover my daughter front to back and neck to toe! And since she sometimes strips down to her underwear at nursery school, I’m going to spray her down with it every morning before she gets dressed (which I imagine you guys are already doing to your kids). It seems that Coppertone makes an SPF50 but that one wasn’t available at the CVS I went to today. I also bought the WaterBabies SPF50 QuickCover Spray Lotion, which I thought would be good because you can see where it’s been applied. But it needs to be rubbed in, and I already have Banana Boat Kids Tear-Free Sunblock SPF50 Continuous Lotion Spray which is basically the same thing (but smells so much yummier!). So I think I might return it for the Coppertone KIDS Continuous Spray SPF50 (also clear and no-rub) and keep the regular SPF30 for myself.

Also, I’ve struggled with applying sunscreen to my duaghter’s face. We have the WaterBabies Stick SPF30 which is good for the major areas (nose, forehead, cheeks, etc.) but it’s awkward to apply it in creases and near eyes. And she turns her head and backs away while I use my hands to spread it around. So today I picked up a dozen round latex-free cosmetic sponges for $3 and used one to apply sunscreen to her face, ears, and neck instead. It’s pretty quick and for some reason She didn’t mind it as much. I plan to use a clean one each day and wash them with the laundry (being careful not to put them in the dryer). Perhaps this will work for someone else.

Just one more bit of sunscreen info, and then I’ll stop: My esthetician recommends Dermalogica solar defense booster spf30 (you can wear it alone or add 2 drops to your morning moisturizer) and total eye care spf15 for daytime wear. I haven’t bought the eye cream yet, but so far so good with the booster.

Ciao!
Tara