Posts filed under 'Websites'
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
3 comments May 26, 2008
Ugly Afternoon, Cute Video
My daughter and I have had a tough afternoon. She’s trying to give up the nap, and I’m desperately trying to hold on to it! I was so tired and frustrated that the idea of tying the child to her bed occurred to me. But her jump rope is too short, and our spool of kite string didn’t seem up to the job either. (Just kidding!) Then I remembered the Rewards and Consequences CD by Noel Janis-Norton at calmerparenting.com, listened to it while my little rebel rampaged in her room, and ultimately gained her happy cooperation. My sincere “Thanks!” go out to the friend who gave me this CD: you have saved my daughter from a surely traumatic childhood experience and me from an unwelcome appearance on the evening news! 
After all of that, I received an email with a link to this amusing 1.5 minute clip. Just thought I’d share.
Hope your afternoon has been better than mine!
Tara
Add comment May 25, 2007
Parent Movie Reviews & Charlotte’s Web
I’ve been thinking about taking my daughter to see Charlotte’s Web this summer. So I checked out Kids In Mind, which gives details about particular movie scenes and Parentstv.org, which gives an overview and opinion of the movie and it’s message.
Given this information, I don’t think that I’ll be taking her to see Charlotte’s Web after all. She is (over)sensitive to dirtiness, rudeness, and emotional tension. So between the scenes of animals covered in goo and slop, mild rough-housing between characters, and the issue of death, this movie may be pretty troubling for her. If I thought she could benefit from the larger message about the importance of friendship and family, then I might risk it. But she’s shown herself to be so impressionable that I think she’d just be upset or confused for much of the movie. So, I think we’ll stick with the Wonder Pets for our animal-centric entertainment, LOL!
Anyway, I think these sites are great tools for helping parents decide which movies would be good experiences for their kids.
Ciao!
Tara
Add comment May 7, 2007
