Category: Parenting

Child development happens partly as traits emerge from within, but another big part comes with children learning from the adults in their lives. Role models convey values, acceptable types of interaction and behavior, and ways of living in the world to kids. Providing good role models for your kids is a key part in supporting their positive development.

How do you find role models for your child? You can be a good role model yourself, of course, but children benefit from the presence of additional adults they can look up to and seek advice from. Here are some resources for giving your kids positive role models.

Historical Figures

When you’re not yet sure what your kids’ interests are, start with well-known contemporary or historical figures to see who catches their attention. There are plenty of well-known men, both historical and in contemporary culture, for boys to look up to.

And when it comes to raising daughters, there are lots of positive role models we can point to both in present times and from history. Check out this curated video playlist of powerful women in history to share with your older kids.

For younger kids, even Matel has created dolls based on historic women. It really helps your cause to point to people who actually lived: their lives, their challenges, their triumphs, and their struggles. It might just be inspiring, and at the very least, it will be educational.

As your children express interest in particular well-known people, you can start looking around in your own community for in-person role models, too.

Community Members

Ask your kids what traits they admire in those famous figures and think about people in your life who embody those qualities. You can look for role models who have the types of careers your kids are curious about, but better than that, find people who display desirable traits like compassion, integrity, and motivation. Younger kids learn what kind of people they can be from their role models. When they’re older, it’s more suitable to help them connect with people in professions they may want to pursue.

Who do you know at your children’s school, at your workplace, at church, in your own social network, or in your family who might want to form a relationship with your kids? Are elderly people they could learn from?  Think about who you admire; chances are the same qualities will make that individual a good role model for your kids.

Fictional Figures or Celebrities

Though there are some limits to fictional role models, your kids may at some point idolize a fictional figure, so better to prepare for it and send good options their way. Discuss with them what they like about their favorite characters and how they see themselves being similar or different.

When choosing media to watch with your sons, consider these shows with strong male role models. Trying to find books for your daughters that aren’t just about princesses or romance? Here is a helpful list sorted by age group (from preschool through teen years) of books with strong female characters.

Be prepared for your kids to come home one day wanting to be exactly like a celebrity they saw on YouTube. The most important thing in this situation is how you talk to them about these role models. Rather than discouraging them from their infatuation, ask them what they like about their new favorite person. Keep the conversation going by asking your kids what that celebrity is up to over time (and give yourself more opportunities to discuss poor decisions said person might make).

Yourself

You are the first and most potentially powerful role model for your kids. Your children are watching and learning from you before they can even speak—and your actions will convey more than your words. This will also result in good online behavior as well.

You can’t do everything perfectly, but there’s a lot you can do to show them what kind of person you hope they’ll become by being that person yourself. For instance, one tip  is to take good care of yourself, which will help you better care for your kids while demonstrating the value of self-care.

General advice is great, but sometimes it’s hard to figure out how to convey positive traits in day-to-day life. For instance, how do you teach your kids about healthy eating without simply telling them what to do? Try to include them in the food shopping and give them choices about what they want to eat.

Once you start exploring, you can find positive role models for your kids in all kinds of social circles and fields. A good mix of people—historical figures, community members, and fictional characters—gives your kids plenty of opportunities to identify different facets of being human they want to emulate and can provide you with ample material for discussion.

by Hilary Thompson

The American Optometric Association reveals that every one child amongst four children suffers from vision problems which go unattended for a long period of time. This is an alarming figure, because eyes are one of the most crucial organs for effective growth and development of any individual.

Good vision not just provides a seamless learning experience, but it also aids in a good quality of life and boosts an individual’s self-confidence. So, it is very essential for parents to ensure healthy vision in their children by encouraging healthy behavioral habits.

Early Detection

Hand in hand with educating kids about healthy habits, parents must be proactive in noticing any vision impairments that may occur.  Early detection with an annual eye exam minimizes damage and thus promote healthy eyesight for life.  

Here are some early signs which may indicate vision impairment in children.

Squinting:

If your child is squinting often, it is possible that he is suffering from near-sighted vision which is why he may be squinting his eyes to look at objects that are at a distance. Similarly, kids who squint while reading or playing with toys could be suffering from the opposite condition which is far-sightedness that may be indicative of astigmatism or hyper myopia.

Head tilt or turn:

Children who may have eye alignment issues tend to tilt or turn their heads in order alleviate the discomfort they may be feeling as a result of straining their eye muscles. This could possibly indicate issues in the eye alignment.

Sitting too close to the TV or computer screen: 

Children who sit very close to the television screen may be suffering from near-sightedness. They may not be able to see from a distance, which is why they move closer to the TV screen. In the classroom kids may be able to see the teacher from afar, but have trouble focusing on school work at their desk.

Showing sensitivity to light:

Some children tend to have excessive sensitivity to light, even when they are sitting indoors. This can be a sign of a condition called photophobia, which causes discomfort in the eyes when exposed to bright light.

Frequent Eye Rubbing, Headaches, and Nausea:

We often see kids rubbing their eyes while trying to focus on something when they are reading, looking at computer or phone screens, or when they are playing with toys. Rubbing is a sign that your child may be having problems in clear vision and demands medical supervision. Headaches and nausea are also suggestive that your child’s eyes may be strained.

Chronic redness of the eyes, itchy eyes:

When your child feels an abnormally high amount of itching or redness in the eyes, it is possible that there is some form of defect or impairment. It is best to consult the optometrist in such a situation.

Having an eye that turns in or out:

In the human body, both the eyes are usually aligned with one another. However, if you find that your child’s eyes are not in sync, it best to consult an ophthalmologist and detect the condition. When detected on time, it can be treated successfully and with ease.

Drooping Eyelid:

Ptosis is a medical condition in which the upper eyelid muscles weaken and start sagging. This leads the upper eyelids to droop and affect the vision. This condition can develop with age or be present right from birth (congenital ptosis). If you notice this condition in your child, it is best to consult a doctor at the earliest. When left untreated, it can also develop into a lazy eye (amblyopia) or astigmatism.

If you notice any of these conditions in your child, it is best advised to consult an ophthalmologist at the earliest. Eyes are one of the most precious organs of the body and hence. Therefore, it is essential that all children undergo ophthalmology examination when they are about 3 years of age, to detect any possible vision impairments that exist.

Additional Resources:

Many children are apprehensive about wearing glasses, especially for the first time.  Here are some ways you can warm them up to the idea and also give them confidence in their new look.  

Author Bio:

Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center, eye care center, Fresno. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK. Aaron loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visits during his travels.

Smart TVs function just as regular TVs but with internet connectivity, like smartphones. They have built-in apps as well as capabilities to surf the web, send emails, access social media platforms, and stream videos on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and other similar streaming services. 

In the second quarter of 2020, Netflix had 72.9 million U.S. subscribers, so there’s no denying how popular smart Tvs are. However, with the advent of this technology, designed to access the internet using interfaces like Apple TV or the Fetchbox, there is a glut of content alongside child usage risks that parents need to consider.

With that in mind, here’s the Safe Search Kids guide to setting up a smart TV, plus some advice on how to ensure your kids search safely.

Parental controls on Smart TVs

Before purchasing a Smart TV, it is good to be aware of the parental controls available. Also, make sure you can create different user profiles, including setting up a child’s account.

To understand each parental control on a brand of Smart TV, go to the specific manufacturer’s website. You can also utilize this free database to learn about how to set up these controls.

If you have a regular TV but are considering buying an Android TV box to give you the ability to stream content and access online apps, you will also need to set up parental controls.

To do this, select the “Settings” icon (the little cog in the upper-right corner of your screen). Next, click “Parental Control” which is below the “Input” option. This will take you to the Parental Control settings. You can find more information on this here.

Potential privacy risks of a Smart TV

Unfortunately, most digital inventions are not without some degree of risk. Like a computer or a smartphone, Smart TVs have access to inbuilt cameras, audio recordings, personal data, and social media data. It is essential to read the privacy policy when a manufacturer releases a software update.

A voice controlled Smart TV can keep data of what you are saying, searching for, and watching. This information is used to provide you with adverts suited to your preferences.

To set up privacy settings accurately, do not go for a quick set-up, but search for custom settings that allow you to turn on or off each privacy feature. It is advisable not to download any suspicious software on your Smart TV as there is no anti-virus developed for Smart TVs yet.

Apps

As with smartphones, apps are installable on Smart TVs. Some apps require a subscription fee like Netflix and Amazon Prime to access and enjoy the features. Others may require additional tweaking of settings to function properly.

Remember that these apps don’t come with in-built parental control settings, and your kids can view inappropriate content. Hence, the need to canvas through the TV manual or guide to further set these controls. Another feature accessible on smart TVs are social media apps. We have a guide you can read on how to protect your kids on social media.

Even if they are merely gaming apps that claim to be child-friendly, you still need to know the gaming apps’ PEGI rating.

Managing streaming content

If you have allowed streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu to run on your Smart TV, you have to set separate parental controls for each of the apps.

For the various streaming services, you can find out how to set parental controls here: Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu.

Internet filtering and connectivity

Almost all Smart TVs offer built-in Wi-Fi to access your home network and the internet. Although ethernet provides a faster and stable internet connection, smart TVs come in-built Wi-Fi that leaves no cable trails lying around.

Internet filtering is a must when protecting kids on the internet. With a simple Google search, you can easily find a trusted internet filter software and apps for parental controls that allows you complete control over your kids’ access to the internet. Many other apps are designed to keep your kids safe online and give you peace of mind.

 Browsing

Once you have set up parental filters on the broadband-connection to your smart TV, you don’t need to worry as your children surf the net. Just as with other devices connected to your router, won’t smart TVs allow the display of inappropriate websites or content after this one-time set-up.

Parental filters allow kids to watch child-safe content from YouTube or Netflix, via the web or app. It is essential to set browsing limits for all devices in your home, which has internet connectivity.

 Content

The only thing to keep in mind is to be thorough in the content you allow your kids to access. There are many children-designed channels provided on Smart TVs.

Look at the channels offered for children on the streaming services you have subscribed to and ensure you are satisfied with the kind of program your kids would be viewing. Some streaming services allow you to create multiple user accounts with age limits features.

Screen time management

Before setting up a way for kids to manage their screen time, ensure that all the inappropriate sites and content are filtered out of your home network broadband.

If you have not already done that, limiting your child’s screen time won’t change much. You can now use helpful screen time management software designed for parents to monitor and control their child’s access to the internet and screen time.

Final thoughts

As more content gets uploaded on the internet daily, there are growing concerns from parents who want to protect their kids from inappropriate content. The number one thing to do however is to set up parental controls on all the smart devices at your home.

Parents can now monitor their kids’ access when surfing the internet, even via smart TVs. With digital services, it’s best to continually update the apps and devices’ settings, especially if your child has access to them.

Finally, remember to chat to your child and instill a good screen-time to off-screen time balance. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than two hours of screen time for children and teenagers per day, and absolutely no screen time for children under 2. Too much screen time can not only disturb children’s sleep patterns, but increase the risk of emotional, social, and attention problems, and even obesity.

Safe searching!

Educating your child about taking care of themselves is what all good parents do. You also teach your kid how best to interact with the world and things around them. One area that is sometimes overlooked is car-safety. We will look at what you should tell your children about cars. We shall also explore how you can prepare your car to be safe for your kids.

Remembering to check your car for recalls and other simple things may make a world of difference in keeping your little ones as safe as possible. 

Things Your Kids Should Know About Cars

You don’t have to be an expert yourself to teach basic car maintenance. Many tips can be found online on websites like YouTube. Step by step guides can show you what to do without you having to be a master mechanic. You can then teach the most basic of these tasks to your kids.

1. Basic Maintenance

What you teach your child can include:

    • Checking and filling up the vehicle’s fluid

    • Adding oxygen to the tires

    • Reading the fuel gauge and speedometer

    • How to replace filters

    • Replacing the headlights

    • How to check on and change the car oil

    • How to change a flat tire, even on your own

These simple maintenance tasks will give your kid a life skill they’ll take into adulthood. But the real cherry on top is the great bonding experience you’ll develop as you interact with your child in this way.

2. Identifying Emergency Vehicles

Telling your kids how to identify emergency vehicles is another good piece of information.  When a police car’s siren blares, it’s a good idea to tell your kids what to do when the police need to drive past. 

You can also tell them about other important vehicles like ambulances, fire trucks, and armored vehicles. You can find ways to teach your kids in a fun and interactive way. If you turn teaching moments into games, the lessons are likely to stick. 

This is also a great time to teach them about emergency procedures. You can tell them that they are supposed to keep to the pavement for a firetruck and dial 911 for accidents and if they are hurt. It may seem frivolous but these lessons are invaluable for your kid’s well-being.

3. Teach Children about Cars & Money

You can use your car to also impart the value of money to your kids. Matters that you can explore with them include: 

     • Fees such as car payments 

    • Maintenance costs

    • Tickets and fines

    • Insurance premiums

Even adolescents may need these lessons. Not all adults are financially literate or responsible. Many grown-ups themselves struggle to understand the value of money.  As for insurance premiums, it may be better to start them off as part of your insurance plan. Most companies allow your children to be part of the parent’s policy for as long as you want.

It’s important to teach all of these aspects to kids from a young, impressionable age. If your child can learn to manage their finances they can be equipped to manage the costs associated with maintaining a car later in life. A well-maintained car is basically a safe one.

4. Dangers of Driving

Children and teens are shockingly almost twice as likely to be in a fatal crash than young adults aged 19-25. This can be related to an insufficient use of car seats, seat belts, and whether younger kids are sitting in the back seat or front.

Statistically, teenagers are the most likely to be involved in a car accident.  Once they are old enough to drive, teaching them about the dangers and how to drive with care and caution can save their lives. 

5. Rules of the Road

Beyond telling your kids how to safely cross a road, you may wish to inform of them of other rules of the road. This includes teaching them what drivers should and shouldn’t do while driving.

There are road rules to do with traffic signals and driving carefully. Explain the importance of obeying road rules so that every road user is safe. Inform them of certain rules regardless of their age. 

This can help you abate the fears or concerns you may have for when they have full control of their own cars. Also, advise on “outside of the square” tips like whose car they are allowed to ride in (if you are not around), or what to do whenever they feel unsafe as a passenger.

Preparing Your Car for Your Kids

Just as we make our homes safe for our children, we also need to take some time to do the same with our cars.

Get the Right Car Seat

Before you get a car seat, consider doing an online search of what’s out there and what would be best for your child. One basic rule is that the best car seat for your child is the one that fits. That is, the car seat should fit your child, your car, and install correctly into place.

Wear a Seat-Belt

It is against the law for minors not to be strapped in their seat belt. Though sometimes easy to forget, this is a crucial way of ensuring your child’s safety every time they are commuting. It is crucial to teach them the necessity of staying buckled up. Seatbelts have been proven to prevent severe injuries and save countless lives. 

Distracted Driving

This one is a major cause of car accidents. You should teach your kids how to avoid or manage distractions. For example, instruct your kids to never throw objects in the car to each other or at you.  

They shouldn’t distract you or block your vision. Of course, calm and normal conversations can occur between drivers and passengers. However, causing agitation in any way can be a dangerous distraction.  Emphasize how important it is for drivers to focus while driving. 

Moving Objects

 Apart from ensuring your child does not throw objects in the car, it is worth considering whatever objects you have in the car, especially on the dashboard. In the event of an accident, these objects may become projectiles and cause injury to those in the car. 

Find a secure place to store toys in your car to avoid such incidents. Secure other items in your car that could also move around and become a hazard. In some cases, it would be safer to store these items in the trunk of your car. 

Maintenance and Routine Checks

Sometimes cars are recalled. Check your car for recalls to ensure you have a vehicle that keeps you and your children safe. Just like with regular health checks for yourself, servicing your car regularly is necessary. 

Ensure you keep a handle on all the basics like good tire pressure, reasonable oil levels, and window washer fluid. Keeping a schedule for maintenance can promote the longevity of your car. 

Entertainment

Whether it’s music that your kids enjoy, or books, games, or movies; our child will appreciate having entertainment on car drives. This would help your mood on long road trips and since your child is occupied, you can concentrate on driving. This all contributes to road and passenger safety.  

Car Care and Good Driving Habits

Taking conscious steps to teach your child about cars is invaluable. Going further to prepare your car to be safe for them is equally so. Following the tips in this article may not only save your kids’ lives but also equip them with the knowledge they need to drive safely when they are able to do so.  You may also want to consider the parental control app that monitors driving habits so you can provide provide ongoing training.