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NetSmartz Teens – Resource for Kids on Internet Safety and Bullying

Posted on August 8, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

It is no secret that I have blogged about being a teacher. Over the years, I have shared my educational background in different ways around The Angel Forever. When Sara, from Saving for Someday, reached out to see if I would be interested in sharing information about a cause that is near and dear to her I asked for more information. I later found out that she does a lot of volunteer work for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). This week, NCMEC launched an updates website that is geared for tweens (8-12) to high school students. NSTeens is a re-launch of their NetSmartz Teen page.

Why Share the NSTeens Website?

My first reason is because I am still a teacher to my core. While I may not be in a classroom, I like to share resources that will be helpful to children, parents, and teachers. The topic of online safety for tweens and teens is an area that I spent a lot of time on while teaching. While teaching in a middle school, I taught several different subjects. In addition to Science and Language Arts, I also taught Health to students. Not only did I have to talk about topics like eating disorders, sex education, and drugs, I also made sure to open up the gates to online safety. It always scared me when I would see what kids were sharing on Facebook that strangers could see.

The other reason I am interested, I am a parent of an almost ten year old son. In just over a year, NHL will be going to middle school and that is a very different world from elementary school. Though he is very young, he has already been the victim of bullies. I need to teach him how to talk to me about cyber-bullying and helping friends that are in trouble. We also need to have more in depth talks with him about online safety. This is a big item that TechyDad and I have to really think about. We want NHL to use technology, but do so safely and not get tricked by his peers or others that may take advantage of kids. We also need to teach NHL how to be responsible when posting information online. He has to think about his digital footprint and how it will be tracked in the future by colleges and future employers.

What Resources are Available on NSTeens?

NSTeens is a free online resource for tweens and teens to learn about making better choices online. There are online games, comics, and videos to actively engage this age group while they are learning. The new content includes (information from the NSTeens Press Release):

6 Degrees of Information, a video that asks teens to think about the information they share online and how comfortable they are with people finding it. In the video, Matt, an Internet researcher, asks five teens to participate in an experiment where he will try to find out as much as he can about them online in just six clicks.
Rescue Run, a new game where players must avoid obstacles while racing to stop their friends from meeting face-to-face with people they first met online. During the game, players receive tips about how to handle requests to meet offline. Tweens can play at NSTeens.org or download the mobile version from the Apple iTunes stores or the Google Play Android store.
Stand By or Stand Up?, the first interactive, role-playing comic on NSTeens.org. The comic addresses cyberbullying and engages tweens through a “choose-your-own-adventure” style of story in which their decisions help shape the comic’s outcome.

In addition to the new content, there are older Internet-safety games and videos available on NSTeens. Parents and educators can also print activity cards and discussion guides to help them when talking about these crucial subjects.

I know that we will be spending more time this summer looking over the NetSmartz website before we share it with NHL and then we will explore it more together. To learn more, please check out NetSmartz Teens updated website and Twitter account. In addition to this, learn more about the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on their Facebook page.

Have you talked to your children about internet safety and cyber-bullying? If you have, please share your experiences in the comments below. It is always helpful to hear how others have communicated with their kids about this more difficult subjects.

Disclosure: None! I posted the information as a PSA to other parents and educators looking for a resource to help kids to learn more about internet safety and cyber-bullying.

Categories:
Educational parenting PSA

Time for Braces

Posted on July 29, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

As a child, I was spared from having to get braces. My teeth are not perfect, but the little bit of crowding on the bottom is just cosmetic. Of course, at one point I had to go to an orthodontists office. I remember being scared out of my mind. People that I did not know were making molds of my teeth giving my parents a plan that would take years to complete. Thank goodness my pediatric dentist thought there may be something he could do to fix most of my issues. With a small procedure to the skin between my two top front teeth, everything moved over beautifully and nothing was needed.

Fast forward to being a parent. The dentists always told me that NHL, almost ten, had lots of space in his mouth for his adult teeth. What nobody guarantees is that the powers that be will make said teeth drop into place in the right location. Several years ago, we were sent to an orthodontist for NHL because an x-ray noted that he was missing an adult tooth. This chance meeting began our relationship with an amazing orthodontics practice in our area. I refused to go back where I had been as a child and the kind orthodontist and his office staff made us know we were in the right place.

For two years we went back to check in, knowing that NHL would eventually need braces because of a cross-bite and teeth not coming in the right location. In November, we had to make a decision about our new dental insurance. The orthodontist scheduled a quick visit for us to check in early. He agreed that this would be the year that we should begin NHL’s braces. Over the last few months, NHL went in to have his mouth checked and the orthodontist scheduled me in to go over the plan and financing it (see items I learned below). We all agreed that it would be fine to wait until the school year was over to begin.

So the Tuesday after we got out of school, NHL went to have his braces put on the top teeth. He brought along the new Mike with his wires showing for support. In addition to the top wires, he had two turbos placed behind his front teeth (we call them fangs). When he came out he showed me the metal and the colors he asked for on the brackets.

Those first few days were a challenge. NHL’s mouth was sore, he was afraid to eat things, and he was a stickler for following their instructions. Friday evening one of the brackets flipped on his tooth, so we called the orthodontist. He was amazing and called back quickly. We were told to call back if something happened to the wire, but that it was probably not sealed properly given what he was eating. Monday morning I called the office and by the time we went in a few days later, three brackets had popped off. They were put back on and everything has been going really well. NHL has learned to care for his own teeth and did wonderfully when at camp.

Then, while visiting TechyDad’s parents, we sat at their table eating birthday cake. Suddenly, NHL grabbed his mouth. Why yes, another bracket had turned on a different tooth. To make a long story short, this was nothing that NHL could have avoided. You see, his new pre-molar pushed the bracket off as it started to secretly come down. So now, NHL has a mission to get that baby tooth out so we can help the new tooth down. During this month with the braces and the months leading up to them, I have learned a lot and thought I would share a few of them.

Things that I have learned about braces as a parent:

Going with your gut when picking an orthodontics practice is huge.
Brushing and flossing are much more “interesting” when a lawyer of metal surround the teeth.
Helping an older child to brush their teeth is not an easy task.
If brackets fall off in less than a week, there was probably an issue with the bonding process.
Read the fine print on orthodontics coverage with dental insurance if you have it. Most likely there is a lifetime max that is ridiculously low and will cover almost nothing anyway.
Dental insurance with orthodontics is pretty much costing us more than the braces.
I joke often about a trip to Disney World being placed into my son’s mouth.
Baby teeth can be pesky when doing what may be phase one of braces in a younger child. If you do not have the x-rays in front of you, it may just surprise you.

Our journey with braces is just beginning. Have you or your child had braces? I would love to know your experience and if you have any tips on getting a stubborn loose tooth out when braces are also in the way.

It's Me

Categories:
doctor parenting

Project Understanding Autism

Posted on July 22, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Autism Ribbon

Almost ten years ago, I knew that my life was going to change. I was very pregnant at the time and awaiting for the arrival of our first born. TechyDad and I spent a lot of time going places and doing things that we knew would be more difficult with a baby. We knew that our wants would often have to be put on hold because of the needs of our child.

For nine of my years as a parent, I pulled my son along to events even if he was upset and worried about items. I figured he had to learn to cope, adjust, and go with the flow. Then, just over a year ago, we finally realized that something I suspected over five years before was true. Our son has Asperger’s Syndrome. While some may say they are sorry, I am not. My son is not deathly ill, he is simply wired differently. As I have written before, I am very thankful for answers so we can assist NHL in his journey. His Asperger’s makes him who he is and I would not change him. His quirks means that he adores simple things, but is fascinated with all complex mathematical and scientific theories.

Of course, that same wiring that has so many positive items that go along with it has draw backs. He gets overloaded more easily and often does not know how to express this in what society has deemed a socially acceptable way. These are items we are working on with him at home and in school. With time, he will gradually get better with this and already has come a long way. When we are home, he simply shuffles off to his bedroom for a safe place to cocoon. When with adults that understand, they are able to redirect him to calm down and refocus. Last week, he went to camp and it was an amazing experience. They got NHL and I can not say enough amazing things about the camp director and her staff. They helped him, and he thrived. It proves once again to me that environment is huge in how most kids will autism will react. If there is caring and understanding, they can thrive. If there is yelling, screaming, and refusal to be flexible, they won’t.

What I desperately would like to change is how people perceive individuals like my son who are on the Autism Spectrum. My child is not a spoiled brat trying to get his way. He is not fidgety because he ate too much candy. No, my son is doing the best he can trying to deal with constant sensory input that is bombarding him 24/7 and 365 days a year. Imagine this happening to you all the time. No doubt it would make you anxious, upset, and afraid of people, places, and things. Of course, NHL knows nothing different. This is the way he likely believes that everyone sees the world.

My new goal is to try to help NHL’s peers, our family, and other adults in his life to understand autism. Not only is this to help my child, but others as well. The more we educate society the better things will get for others that come along this path. This blog post is therapeutic in a way. I am venting because I am flustered with some people that refuse to understand. We are not trying to ruin your plans if we say we have to cancel. We are trying to prevent what may be a meltdown at something. We are not being rude and constantly refusing something, we are doing what is best for our child. With NHL’s diagnosis, I promised myself that I would not feel guilty about what I had forced him to do in the past. I can not do that. Instead, I am going to listen, watch him, and do what he needs at a given time. If someone refuses to understand, we will move on and stay away from that in the future.

Someday, I hope that everyone will understand autism. The reality is that if you do not educate yourself on the facts and listen to myths without getting to know the amazing kids and adults, you are the one missing out.

It's Me

Disclosure: The Autism Awareness ribbon icon above was created by Melesse and comes from Wikimedia Commons.

Categories:
parenting Special Needs

Cell Phone Security for Children

Posted on July 11, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

My children are growing up before my eyes. It seems like yesterday they were both toddling around the house. Now I have an almost tween who will be a middle school student in a year. While I hope he is ready for the big change, I am not sure I am. I fear that before I know it NHL will be asking me for his own cell phone.

I have mixed feelings about an eleven year old child having a cell phone and have much I need to consider over the next year. Here are some items that I am thinking about in generic terms.

1. Rules need to be clearly established. – Even before the cell phone is purchased, these need to be written, read, and explained so that everyone understands the expectations of use. Think about when, where, and how the phone may be used. Is texting allowed, data use, and who may they call on their phones. Be sure to set up rules about not using at school during classes, and protocol once out of school and homework needs to be tackled. Think ahead and write down consequences for not following the rules. If these are done ahead of time, emotions are less likely to get in the way.

2. Does a middle schooler really need a cell phone? – This is a tough one. I think each family has to go over their rationale for a purchase. Looking ahead, my reason for possibly getting my son a phone has to do with safety. IF he needs to get to me in an emergency he can grab that phone and get to me, TechyDad, or another family member. Of course, setting up what an emergency means (see number 1 above) will be crucial.

3. Cell phones are a big responsibility, is a child ready for this? – While it is possible to get some regular cell phones, most children have smartphones because there are more options. Smartphones are pricey items. While you may be able to get a decent deal on it with your activation, a replacement will not be the same cost. Children need to be aware of the monetary values associated with the phone. They should have a safe holder for the phone to protect it and a location to store it during the school day where it will not be a distraction.

4. Knowledge of your plan is a powerful tool. – Along with being aware of the value of their phone, children should hear about your cell phone plan coverage. Share your bill with them. Allow them to see the cost of data use and what your carrier allows within your current plan. While they may not understand everything, it will be an eye opening experience that will help with the responsibility.

5. Set up safeguards to protect your child. – There are a lot of ways to monitor your child’s cell phone use. Rather than be sneaky, be upfront. Let your child know that you have items on their phone to let you know about their usage. This will encourage open communication, trust, and let them know you are helping them to make good online and offline decisions.

Verizon Wireless just launched FamilyBase to assist families with this. For $5 a month on your plan (the first month is currently free), parents can see how kids are using their phone, set controls and/or limits on data, calling, and text usage. There is a lot more that you can learn about on the Verizon Wireless page about FamilyBase.

Do your children have cell phones? If they do I would love to know how you have worked out use with them. If your children are too young, what do you think you will do as they get older?

It's Me

Disclosure: As a member of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers, I receive different devices to check out in my life. There is no other compensation. I am a long time Verizon customer, and all opinions are my own. I was not asked to blog about FamilyBase, but wanted to share this new feature with my readers since I am currently researching what we may need to do with our children as they enter middle school.

Categories:
parenting Phone Apps

Finding the Right Summer Camp

Posted on May 16, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

The summer months are going to be here before we know it. In our area, kids are in school until the third week of June. This gives me a little more breathing room since I am slacking on plans. I seem to have forgotten that ready or not, summer will be coming. Perhaps it is denial, or maybe being caught up in living the moment with the kids. Either way you look at it, I have to get my act in gear.

NHL is going to be heading into 5th grade and JSL into 1st grade. I really want to make sure they get a week or two at camp. My boys will are very different and will thrive at locations that will not be the same. My little guy loves to run, jump, play, sing, dance, and do crafts. He would probably love a very traditional summer camp like I went to growing up. NHL would not do well with this. He is a geek at heart and wants to explore the world of science, math, Harry Potter, and the like.

Looking at different options, (it isn’t too late) brought me back to a post I wrote a while back. I thought about things that you need to think about when considering camps for your child.

_________________________________________________________

Have you started to think about camp options for your child?

I know I have. A few years ago, my oldest son went to camp for several weeks. Although he liked it at first, it was probably not the best fit for his interests. It was a little too focused on athletics. He would have preferred something that did not spend the entire day out on a field playing different sports. Perhaps something that included some swimming, crafts, acting, and more. Thanks to this experience, we are doing more research on camps this year.

When I was growing up, there were a few local camps to pick from. Parents could select from Camp Chingachgook, Boy/Girl Scout, Helderberg Workshop, the JCC, and a few other high profile places in the Capital District. Now, all bets are off. Parents and children have a wide variety of options throughout the area. There is a camp for almost anything and everything that you can think of. The best part is there are websites like Albany Kids Out and About to help you locate options. Albany Kid also has a wonder page with updates about How to Find Camps in the Capital Region including enrichment classes.

Before you are overwhelmed with the variety of options available, sit down and think about what you are looking for.

Do you want a full day camp experience? Will you require early drop off and extended day options?
Does you child want a camp specifically dedicated to Baseball, Soccer, Basketball, Dance, Acting, or something else that they have a passion for?
How far are you willing to travel to get to a camp? Are there transportation options available to/from the camp?
Would your child benefit from an enrichment camp opportunity? Many of the local universities and colleges have programs that help with academic support, as well as enrichment to children that may prefer something like this.
Have you heard anything from friends about a camp? Often word of mouth is a great starting point as you begin to research things.

These are just a few of the items to think about. Make a list, compare different options, ask about financial options, and think about questions that you have for camps when you talk to them. Hopefully this will assist your family as you sit down to contemplate summer plans.

Do you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them as I struggle to find the perfect camp for both of my boys.

Disclosure: Parts of this post were previously published on a project I worked on. The text is mostly the same, but I placed a new introduction to go along with a topic that continues to be important for families. The image above is Happy Camper from Open ClipArt and by Benji Park.