Little Red Hoodie – An Internet Safety Fairytale for Kids
Last updated on August 31st, 2015 at 12:43 am
Internet predators are a pressing concern for parents. Kids are becoming increasingly more tech-savvy, and forms of online communication are growing at an alarming rate. All too often we hear tales of horrific tragedies involving social networking sites, and know that many of these could have been prevented with parental monitoring and 
discussions about internet safety.
Until recently, I thought that such monitoring and discussions were something that I did not need to worry about for quite some time since my child is still very young and I teach at an elementary school. My thinking drastically changed after overhearing a conversation among second grade girls at my school about an upcoming sleepover. When I think of young girls’ slumber parties, I picture snacks, games and movies, but instead, the girls were planning to log on to their sisters’ social networking sites. From this moment, I knew that I needed to take responsibility for educating this demographic about internet safety, and wanted to encourage others to do the same.
After this incident, I began researching young children and internet use and found some disturbing information. For example, in 2008 according to the Rochester Institute of Technology:
-
Approximately 48% of students from kindergarten to first grade interact with others on the internet.
-
Of these 48%, nearly half of the students had already been exposed to something online that made them feel uncomfortable.
-
To make matters worse, one in four of these children did not report his or her experience to an adult.
Given these findings, I was more convinced than ever that children are never too young to be introduced to the concept of being safe on the internet.
After exploring countless books, videos and the like, I found that there were many products, websites, and resources that helped educate parents and older children. However, I found no such internet safety resources and materials that were specifically geared toward introducing the subject to younger children. Then it hit me: there is a parallel between the Big Bad Wolf in the Little Red Riding Hood story and internet predators, and this would be a perfect way to introduce the concept to this age group. Pulling from this idea and what I have learned about quality children’s literature from my years of experience as a teacher, I wrote Little Red Hoodie. This children’s picture book is a modernized version of the classic tale in which the Big Bad Wolf plays the role of an internet predator posing as Granny online in an attempt to lure Little Red into his trap. I spent countless hours working to make the book child-friendly and humorous, so that the topic could be introduced in a nonthreatening way. My hope is that the book will initiate a critical conversation among families and perhaps even help prevent future tragedies.
HEALTHFUL HINTS:
-
Educate yourself and your children about internet safety. Local police departments often offer various materials and programs to the community. There is also a wide variety of organizations and website that provide such resources including the following:
-
Be mindful of the growing number of ways that your child can utilize the internet to interact with others. For example, many video games now allow children to go online and interact with other users.
-
If you choose to use Little Red Hoodie as a tool for teaching your family about internet safety, here are some suggestions:
-
Read the book at least once for enjoyment before using it to get into a serious discussion.
-
After reading the book, help lead an open-ended discussion by asking questions such as the following: “How did the Wolf trick Little Red Hoodie?”, “Why do you think that the Wolf used the computer to try to trick Little Red Hoodie?”, “How do you think that the story would have been different if Little Red Hoodie would have asked her mother before leaving the apartment?”, “What do you think Little Red Hoodie should have done?”
-
Post “Little Red Hoodie’s Rules to SAFE Internet Use” near your computer (found on the last page of the book).
-
**************************************************************************************************************************
Editor’s Note: we first ran this post in January of 2010. Unfortunately, despite numerous technological advances, the internet has not become a safer place for our kids to play. There are wolves lurking under the covers and in the dark places, and it is up to us to keep our little ones safe from these predators – a job made far more difficult as our children’s internet skills far surpass our own. According to a recent headline “children as young as THREE now know how to access the web – and are teaching their parents how to use tablets and phones“. Now more than ever we need a way to introduce our kids to the big bad internet wolf. We need something like Little Red Hoodie.
6 Week Parent Check-Up: 4 Areas Not to Miss for School Success
Last updated on May 24th, 2018 at 05:21 pm
Four crucial–and sometimes overlooked–areas that affect learning and how to check them to see how your child is doing. Parenting advice and simple tips I shared on the TODAY show to help your child have a more successful school year
The honeymoon period is over and the school year is in full swing. At this point most parents have a good idea about how their children get along with the teacher and which subjects are hard or easy. But school success is more than just our kids’ opinions about homework, and in our fast-paced lives we can overlook other important areas that affect our children’s learning.
Checking up on those four crucial areas could identify any issues, resolve any problems, and even make the rest of your child’s school year go far smoother. Think of it like your child’s regular doctor check-up, except this one is no cost, doesn’t take as much times, you never have to leave your home and involves your child’s education. There’s no better time than right now to check-up and check-in with your child’s school progress. Here are the four core areas of your child’s education you should assess for school success.
Four-Part Parent Back-to-School Check-Up
Part 1. ACADEMICS: How is your child handling the school load?
Don’t wait to be shocked on that first report card! Now is the time to zero in and find out if your child needs a tutor, a class change, or just needs to hit those books harder.
Grades: Most school’s have a website service parents where parents can review their child’s grades, test scores and absences. Register for that service (it’s free), and then use it at least once a week. And let your child know you’re checking up (you just may see a sudden change in his motivation). If you see a dip in grades or test scores, it’s time for a serious chat with your child. If the problem continues, set up a conference with the teacher to see if this is a learning problem, inappropriate class not at the child’s ability, a tutor is needed or your child needs to study more.
Missing school notes: Being involved in your child’s education is essential, but to do so you have to make sure you’re receiving all school correspondences. Important notes about upcoming conferences, open houses or school projects often end up at the bottom of those backpacks, so now is a great time to have your child to empty his backpack and clean it. If you find missing forms, then set aside “Note Catcher Box” (a basket, tin) in a convenient spot near the front door. Then set a new rule: the minute your kid walks in the door, he opens his backpack and puts any school correspondence in the box. You can check it later, sign it, and then put it back that backpack.
Part 2. SOCIAL: How is your child getting along with others?
Pals play an enormous part of our kids’ self-esteem, and research finds that who our kids befriend can affect their study habits and their overall academic success and feelings of security. While kids don’t need lots of friends they do need at least one loyal buddy. A lack of friends, rejection or bullying makes concentrating on those school assignments a lot harder.
Friend problems: The two places where kids are most likely to be excluded are in the cafeteria or school playground. A quick way to find out if your child has a pal is to ask him to draw a map of the cafeteria or playground, and then mark where he usually sits or plays. Next ask him to mark where the other kids sit or play. Does he have pals? Worry if your child has no friends. If you see a pattern, dig further and then contact the teacher for his or her perspective.
Cyber-bullying: Electronic bullying via internet, cell, text, email or web is escalating. A quick way to find out your child’s online presence is to Google your child’s first and last name and determine how many hits come up. If you see a growing presence it could be a sign of cyber-bullying. Watch especially when your child receives a text or email. If he looks jumpy, worried or covers up the computer, monitor closer. And regardless, now is a great time to review Internet safety rules and change your child’s password.
Bullying: Peer cruelty is a growing problem and usually happens where there is least adult supervision. Hot spots include bathrooms, cafeterias, the corners of the playground, the back of the bus, lockers, and hallways. So ask: “Where are places you or the other kids try to stay away from because you don’t feel as safe?” Is your child avoiding certain spots? Does he run home to use the bathroom? (Forty-three percent of students are afraid to use the school restroom). Heading to fridge famished might be because his lunch money is stolen. If so, develop a safety plan for your child, monitor daily and report your concerns to the school.
Part 3. EMOTIONAL: How is your child handling stress and that activity load?
According to a new poll from the University of Michigan, childhood stress is now a top-5 concern for parents, and 56% of parents believe it’s getting worse. Stress affects our kids’ learning and their ability to concentrate.
Activity overload: A survey published by KidsHealth.org found that 41 percent of children aged nine to thirteen said they feel stressed most or all of the time because they have too much to do. Nearly 80 percent wished they had more free time. Watch out! Overscheduled kids run the risk of stress-related illnesses. Now is the time to sit down with your child and look at her weekly schedule and all those extra activities. Is there one thing that could be cut to free up time and give your child a chance to decompress? Cutting just one thing can make a difference.
Stress: Have you seen a marked change since school began from your child’s “normal” behavior that lasts everyday for at least two weeks. For instance: Is your child more irritable or withdrawn lately? Have trouble concentrating or have more headaches? Is he quicker to frustrate? If so, could it be stress related? Identify your child’s stress triggers. Reduce those triggers that you can (like that scary shows or too difficult of a math class). Watch also conflict at home, which can spill over into kids’ school life. Find ways to de-stress with your kids and help him learn to decompress.
Part 4. PHYSICAL: How is your child’s health?
Don’t overlook your child’s physical health, which is critical to learning and overall school success. Reoccurring headaches or illnesses are often school related.
Sleep deprived: A lack of sleep can have a serious impact on children’s abilities to learn and perform at school. Missing just one hour of sleep can be enough to reduce a child’s cognitive abilities by almost two years the next day. Is your child waking up refreshed and ready to go or are you playing Big Ben to try and get him out of bed. If the later, make sure bedtimes are kept to a routine schedule. Turn off the computer and television at least 30 minutes prior to bedtime. Take away the cell phones during nighttime hours (62% of kids admit they use it after the lights go out and their parents are clueless). Avoid caffeinated sleep stealers like cold medications, chocolate, or energy-drinks.
Skipped breakfasts: Tune into those breakfasts dishes to check what your child is eating –or not eating. A healthy breakfast is important for concentrating and keeping up with the stamina. If mornings are rushed and your kid is missing that crucial first meal, think of healthy simple options that your kids can grab on the run like ready-to-go bottles of orange juice or milk, low-fat yogurt, apples and whole-grain English muffins.
The secret is to identify one thing that may affect your child’s learning success. Then find a simple solution that works for your family and commit to implementing it until you reap positive change. And make sure you get to your child’s school Open House!
****************************************************************************************************************************
Dr Borba’s book The Big Book of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries, is one of the most comprehensive parenting book for kids 3 to 13. This down-to-earth guide offers advice for dealing with children’s difficult behavior and hot button issues including biting, tantrums, cheating, bad friends, inappropriate clothing, sex, drugs, peer pressure and much more. Each of the 101 challenging parenting issues includes specific step-by-step solutions and practical advice that is age appropriate based on the latest research. The Big Book of Parenting Solutions has recently been released and is now available at amazon.com
Special Things for Special Kids, Part I
Last updated on July 28th, 2014 at 10:50 am
Every parent/caregiver has their own list of tools that have helped them get through the tough times. Not all tools work for every kid, so we parents/caregivers of kids with special needs have probably filled storage bins with products that we rate as a fail. We also flushed away lots of money on these alleged miracle products that were going to be our solution to a specific problem. Allow me to share with you some of the things that have worked for my family and friends. Of course, this is not a guarantee that they will work for you, but I truly hope they will make your day easier and happier in some way.
Michel Mercier Detangling Brush
My daughter wants to have long, beautiful hair like her friends…but she HATES to have her hair brushed or combed. She also likes to tumble and roll back and forth on my bed, roll in circles in the grass and flip around in all directions on the trampoline. This results on more than just knots, she gets thick matted hair like she’s growing dreds. Since she is unable to bear it when we try to brush them out we have resorted to keeping her hair short most of her life, but as she gets older growing her hair long seems to be more of a priority to her. Out of desperation we tried the As-Seen-On-TV Michel Mercier Detangling Brush which is available for different hair types. We still have to hold the hair at the roots so it doesn’t pull on her scalp, but so far this seems to be a great solution to our dilemma – and her hair has never looked more beautiful!!
My child with special needs tends to spill things a lot. Most kids and toddlers do, so I know I am not alone in my recurring need to frantically grab something that will soak up wetness quickly. My article “How The Sham Wow Saved My Daughter’s Rug” appeared on Yahoo Voices years ago, and I still use the cloths from that same pack just about every day. My child actually feels horrible when she drops something or knocks something over, but she knows that the bright orange towels will clean it up and make everything alright. I love watching her independently find one and try to mop up the mess before she is even told to do it. No, it’s not going to get blood out of a white shag rug…but if you need to get blood out of a white shag rug then you probably have bigger issues than stain removal on your mind. And I don’t mean redecorating.
Whether you have a teether in the house or just a kid who likes to chew, Sentio’s chewable jewelry may save your child’s pencils and clothes from getting gnawed – as well as provide some much-needed stress relief and sensory input. Sentio Chews are hardy, thick PVC-free medical grade material that is very durable. The necklaces come in fun shapes and colors, and there are lots of other items on the site. There is also a subscription service so never have to be without a fresh new item when one wears out or is bitten one time too many. You may have read my review of the improved Sentio Chews on Examiner called Chew on This!
Earthcalm Home Protection System
A child in school with my son is very sensitive to EMF. Her family noticed how using the microwave always agitated the child, who also struggles with health issues and autism. The family got this system and now they are free to use the microwave without any repercussions. The other family members even felt the difference once the system was in place. I haven’t used it myself, but if this is an issue for your child or your family you can do some research and decide for yourself if it or any of their other products might improve your home.
I will continue this list as I find items that help us in our journey. Got a favorite gadget? Let us know about it in the comments below!
DISCLAIMER: I have included links for your convenience. Some of them are affiliate links, fyi.
Nine Ways to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe
Last updated on March 9th, 2018 at 10:19 am
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is scary to think about! It may even cause you to spend a lot of time hovering around your baby’s sleep environment during her first few weeks at home. While experts don’t know all the causes of SIDS, they do know that it’s rare — and that there are plenty of things parents can do to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Precaution starts during pregnancy. Give your baby a head start by getting proper prenatal care. It’s also essential to refrain from drinking alcohol, smoking, or spending time in smoky environments.
2. Place your baby to sleep on her back. Whether it’s naptime or nighttime, babies under 1 year should always sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. The exception: If she rolls onto her side or stomach, it’s OK to leave her like that. She probably has the ability to roll herself back.
3. Place your baby on a firm sleep surface. Your baby’s crib should meet current sleep safety standards (find out more at cpsc.gov – new crib safety standards were introduced in 2011) and her mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet.
4. No extras in the crib. That means no stuffed animals, loose bedding, pillows, crib bumpers, quilts, comforters, or any other objects that could potentially suffocate your baby while she sleeps.
5. Sleep near your baby. Keep her crib or bassinet within arm’s reach. But don’t let her sleep in your bed, which can actually increase the risk of SIDS.
6. Breastfeed and immunize. Doing both can reduce the risk of SIDS, according to research.
7. Keep your baby cool. Signs your baby might be too hot include sweating or a hot chest or forehead. As a rule of thumb, you only need to dress her in one more layer than you would wear to keep warm.
8. Offer a pacifier. Pacifiers given during sleep or naptime may reduce the risk of SIDS. But if your baby isn’t interested, that’s okay — you don’t have to force it.
9. Avoid SIDS-reducing products. Despite what the package’s label might say, wedges, special mattresses, and sleep positioners have not been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. In fact, they could cause suffocation.
Tips to Soothe Your Crying Baby
Last updated on March 2nd, 2018 at 02:42 pm
One of the toughest sounds to hear as a new mom is your baby crying. But consider this: Crying is the only way your baby can communicate at this stage. After all, he can’t yell out, “Mom, my diaper’s dirty!” or “I need a nap!”
To soothe your crying baby, first look to see if there’s a problem: Is he hungry? Tired? Does he need his diaper changed? Does he seem too hot or cold? Over time, you’ll start to hear differences in his cries for help, and these will quickly clue you in to his needs. In the meantime, go down the checklist – if you hit on the right issue, the crying will likely subside.
If your baby has no pressing needs, he may be crying just to let off steam. Play around with the expert soothing techniques below and find the one that works best for your baby. Mommy to the rescue!
1. Encourage sucking. If your newborn can find his hands, he probably can’t get enough of sucking on his fingers – or yours! Sucking is a natural reflex that a 3-week-old baby is likely to use when he’s upset or needs to settle down. Once breastfeeding is established, many moms find that pacifiers are the key to contentment, soothing and distracting a fussy baby almost instantly.
2. Wrap and rock. Mimic the environment your newborn inhabited before he was born: Wrap him snugly in a receiving blanket — he’s used to the confined space – to make him feel secure. Sing lullabies or play mellow music – the womb was noisy with the sounds of your heartbeat and your voice. Or try gently rocking him in your arms or while sitting in a rocking chair. Your baby is used to the smooth, rhythmic motion from your natural body movements during pregnancy. You can also try placing your crying baby in a motorized infant swing to help calm him down.
3. Hold tight. Snuggling your baby close to you – holding him in your arms or in a soft carrier or sling – has been shown to reduce crying and help forge a strong mother-baby bond. Don’t worry about spoiling a newborn with too much holding or carrying. Young babies need lots of love and attention; when you give it freely, you’ll be rewarded by less crying and greater contentment.
Keep in mind that many babies tend to have crying jags in the afternoon or evening. Don’t take it personally! Your baby isn’t crying because you’re a bad mom. In fact, newborns generally cry anywhere from one to four hours a day as they transition to this new strange life in the big world. Try to stay calm yourself, getting help from family and friends when you need a break.
Lack of sleep and big changes in your old routine may hit you hard during this time in your parenting career, but hang in there! Try to think of this as a brief extension of your pregnancy. Rest when your baby sleeps, eat regularly, and enjoy every moment with your bundle of joy – babies grow up fast!
Camping Tips for Safe and Fun Family Bonding Experiences
Last updated on September 12th, 2015 at 10:29 pm
Why on earth would any parent go camping with their kids? Between the packing, the hauling and the dirt, it’s enough to send you running to the Holiday Inn. But it’s these very same rustic realities that make a weekend or even a week in the woods the perfect glue for a great family bonding experience.
“Unlike other types of vacations, you aren’t led around, signs don’t tell you what to do or where to go, there aren’t lines to wait on,” says Rick McClintock, executive director for the National Association for Therapeutic Wilderness Camping. “As a family, you have to depend on each other to create the activities and the structure for the day and to provide the necessities you all need for living.”
Camping isn’t just about working together as a family, of course. It’s about having a blast in a world where the regular rules don’t always apply. Things that may be taboo back at home — starting campfires, skinny-dipping in the moonlight or sliding in the mud — may be perfectly OK in the woods. “My daughter Zoe and I fight so much less when we’re camping, because I’m no longer “the enforcer” that I am at home. She’s more relaxed, I’m more relaxed, and we can both enjoy bending the rules together,” says Jamie Scurletis, 49, of Rumson, N.J. Sound interesting? Here are some tips to get you started:
Cut your teeth with car camping. Hiking into the woods with kids and setting up a backcountry camp is a recipe for stress if you’ve never done it before. Find a campground that allows you to park your car right next to the spot where you’ll pitch your tent. That means your supplies — and your quick escape — are seconds away.
Start short and stay close. Think in terms of two nights away and two hours from home. There’s less at stake and less to pack. Save big, long trips for when you’re more confident campers.
Choose a campsite with care. Campgrounds range from pastoral and peaceful to downright dreadful. Ask friends and family who camp what campgrounds and campsites they suggest. You can also find campground reviews online.
Borrow what you can. There’s no sense in investing big bucks in all the gear only to find out camping isn’t for you. Ask friends or relatives if you can borrow the basic stuff. Check out The Coleman Company for a laundry list of basics (as well as other good beginner camping tips).
Do your homework. Find out ahead of time what facilities your campground does and doesn’t have. It’s no fun showing up, for example, and finding out that everyone else has bikes because the woods are laced with great backcountry carriage roads. Do some research about local attractions, such as hiking trails and white-water rafting, as well as rainy-day bailouts like movie theaters and bowling alleys.
Stage a backyard dress rehearsal. A dry run just a handful of yards from the house can help everyone get comfortable with the idea of camping. It’ll also give you a chance to get acquainted with the tent and other equipment. Now’s the time to discover that the air mattress your neighbor loaned you is flat as a pancake a mere 10 minutes after you blow it up.
Even with careful planning, camping can present real challenges: drenching rains, mosquito swarms or fishhooks in the hand can test even the heartiest camping clans. “There are definitely times that you’ll be sitting under a tarp playing cards as the rain pours down, and thinking, ‘wow, this really stinks,’” says McClintock. “But when you think about it, when’s the last time you and the kids actually played cards together?”
**************************************************************************************************************************
Editor’s Note: As a true Canadian, I grew up camping every summer for extended periods and we have been passing that tradition on to our son. It is a great way to bond doing things you don’t normally get to do – like figuring out where to string a clothesline and making s’mores and popcorn over a fire. But as the article says, do check out online camping supply lists and make sure you plan for excessive sun and heat as well as rainy days. After record heat during our camping trip in Kentucky last week we were very grateful for the canopies we brought and the opportunity to do local underground cave tours in cool temperatures. Also make sure you have a complete first aid kit that is stocked for camping – including burn creams and sunburn treatments. We found ourselves in need of these but were far from any well-stocked shop or pharmacy. Hope you have safe and enjoyable camping experiences – they can provide memories to last a lifetime! Cheers, Audra.
