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Across cultures, parents try to regulate the number of hours their children watch Television. According to a new Study, in addition to the number of hours, what kids watch on TV is equally important. An area, most parents tend to over look.

The study says that: the content of TV Shows Can Affect Kids Behavior. Watch the Study Researcher speak on the study findings:

Thoughts:

Although in the video above, the Researcher advises the parents not to allow the kids to watch violent shows and most of the parents do try to keep their kids away from violent and explicit television shows. It's important to understand that the Kids these days are not just watching violent cartoons or programmes; they are also watching overtly romantic Disney cartoons and movies. That apart, the kids are also watching (passively watching) Adult shows, with their parents. Such Shows are another influence, Kids should be kept away till a certain age.

As a rule of thumb: While are the Kids are around, the Parents should watch only those shows which are fit for the Kids (as per their age). Parents can watch the shows of their liking (which are usually meant for adults); once the Kids go to bed.

Parenting demands Sacrifices.

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Bad Parenting , For Parents , Parental care

What TV Shows Children Watch Affects Kids Behavior

Anil Singh Monday, February 18, 2013

It's has been seen that, the Governments across the world keep banning cell phones (mobile phones) while driving. But according to a new study by MIT Researchers, this hardly has any impact; and accidents attributed to 'distracted driving' do keep happening on the highways.

The MIT research on contrary says that, rather than the use of Cell Phone while driving; it's the bad/careless/rash/rebel(who don't care for laws) drivers who cause accidents; and using a cell phone at the time of driving hardly makes any difference.

In simple: A Bad driver is more likely to use a Cell Phone while driving.

The drivers who are termed Good drivers, rarely use a cellphone while driving.

A sloppy driver, who normally uses a cellphone while driving; picks his cell phone the same way -- he picks a packet of Chips from the back seat, keeps re-adjusting his rear view mirror, keeps accelerating and putting breaks hard, changes lanes twice as often, over takes from the wrong side, closes his Eyes and hums his favourite song.

What Governments and Parents (in case of a minor) do:

Both the Government and the parents, should focus on implementing and teaching civic sense and Traffic Rules to a Driver. If parents ensure civic sense and respect for traffic laws, the child will not only "Not use Cell phone while driving", but will also follow other traffic rules.

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Cell Phones , For Parents , MIT Study , Mobiles

Reason why Banning Cell Phones while driving doesn't work

Anil Singh Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Introverts, who don’t express their feelings to outside world OR who just don't talk unless they have something to say, are seen in most cultures, as a different specie. This perception is fueled majorly by the lack of understanding on “Who is an introvert?”; and partly by ‘What any society sees as constituting to Smartness’. If a society like America, sees crisp talking, articulate individual as smart; then introverts, who lie on the other pole of the benchmark are seen as ‘non-smart OR Dull’.

Contrary to what most people think, an introvert is not simply a person who is shy. In fact, being shy has little to do with being an introvert! Shyness has an element of apprehension, nervousness and anxiety, and while an introvert may also be shy, introversion itself is not shyness. Basically, an introvert is a person who is energized by being alone and whose energy is drained by being around other people.

But, no matter how different societies see their introverts; intorverts also have their share of extraordinary people. This is the message, Susan Cain, who is on a mission to speak for introverts -- those who would rather not take the spotlight themselves – wants the world to believe.

In the video below, Susan, who lived in US, where telephones, Answering Machines, Door security computers and other things which introverts don’t really like; are a part of life since eternity; talks about her personal experiences being an introvert and makes her case for the world:

About Susan Cain:

Susan Cain is a former corporate lawyer and negotiations consultant -- and a self-described introvert. At least one-third of the people we know are introverts, notes Cain in her new book Quiet. Although our culture undervalues them dramatically, introverts have made some of the great contributions to society – from Chopin's nocturnes to the invention of the personal computer to Gandhi’s transformative leadership. Cain argues that we design our schools, workplaces, and religious institutions for extroverts, and that this bias creates a waste of talent, energy, and happiness. Based on intensive research in psychology and neurobiology and on prolific interviews, she also explains why introverts are capable of great love and great achievement, not in spite of their temperaments -- but because of them.

To Parents:

This may not settle well, with many parents; but from my personal observation, I can say that 'Being an Introvert' is as fascinating as any other personality trait. And hence, it is not right to push a child to become extrovert, if he/she is not. Just a discreet analysis of the behaviour of an introvert person; can answer, why "Not every person inhabiting this planet can be an extrovert".

I have seen kids, who speak only when it's absolutely necessary. Any activity they are engaged in, whether it be playing an outdoor or indoor game, studying or even watching television; they appear to be analyzing their actions non-verbally and those taking place outside. This makes them derive inferences (which can used elsewhere for improvement), utilizing the same time, extrovert kids are trying to please others to accomplish goals like team building, garnering goodwill and establishing leadership.

As can be seen, both the personality types are equally important for any society. Society have real jobs to acknowledge both.

If parents see their kid introvert, rather than discouraging him/her, try to see how they can help the kid take better advantage of their introvert trait. A food for thought will help such parents:

Introverts make up about 60% of the gifted population but only about 25-40% of the general population.

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Bad Parenting , For Parents , helicopter parents means , Parental care , Susan Cain , TED2012 , What being an introvert means

Introverts Are a Powerful Lot, claims Susan Cain

Anil Singh Monday, March 5, 2012

Tag, the leading Reading System, has brought LeapFrog Tag Book Cars 2: Project Undercover.

The project can help your toddler/child learn useful and interesting facts about world cultures and new languages, by racing around the world on a spy adventure, with Cars 2 stars Mater and ning McQueen.

The project helps your child to learn to read with the #1 selling reading system. Courtesy, the touch technology of Tag, the Tag books are infused with life to life to teach phonics, vocabulary, comprehension skills and more to your kid.

The project also includes 40+ interactive storybooks, maps and more feature characters to help inspire children to learn to read (more details Here). 99% of teachers recommend Tag.

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Disney Pixar Cars 2 , For Parents , Tag Books , Tag Reading System reading system interactive reading interactive reading system

Tag Books, Disney Pixar Cars 2 collaborate to make your Kid Master of Languages

Anil Singh Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Concerned how the time spent on Facebook is affecting you or your kid, psychologically and mentally; then a new study may come handy.

The study, which was revealed at the Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, tried to enlist the benefits and adverse effects of Facebook usage, particularly for kids.

Underlining the fact that, Facebook has altered the landscape of social interaction, particularly among young people, the researchers emphasized that they are already seeing marked positives and the negatives effects of social media, which are backed by solid psychological research.

Some negative effects of time spent on Facebook or any social network:

The researchers found teens that use Facebook more often show more narcissistic tendencies, while young adults who have a strong Facebook presence show more signs of other psychological disorders, including anti-social behaviors, mania and aggressive tendencies.

The researchers found that Facebook can be distracting and can negatively affect learning. To bring how the point, the study revealed that students who checked Facebook at least once during a 15-minute study period achieved lower grades.

A Daily overuse of media and technology also had a negative effect on children's health, making them more prone to anxiety, depression and other psychological problems.

Some positive effects of time spent on Facebook or any social network:

But there are some good consequences of Facebook use as well. The study found that young adults who spend more time on Facebook are better at showing "virtual empathy" to their online friends.

A really beneficial aspect of Facebook, seen in kids is that online social networking can help introverted kids learn how to socialize.

Teachers using Facebook can also use social networks to their advantage, as social networking can provide tools for teaching in ways that engage young students.

A Note to the parents: The researchers believe it is wrong to secretly monitor a child's online activity. There are two reasons for it. First, if a parent feels the necessity of using some sort of computer program (Parental control software) to surreptitiously monitor his/her child's social networking, then the parent is wasting time, as the child will find a workaround in a matter of minutes.; Second, if the child knows about the spying then, it can have irreparable damage to the trust between kid and parents.

That’s why Larry D. Rosen, Ph.D., professor of psychology at California State University, Dominguez Hills recommends parents to start talking about appropriate technology use early and often and build trust, so that when there is a problem, whether it is being bullied or seeing a disturbing image, the child will talk to them about it. The researcher also encourages parents to assess their child's activities on social networking sites and discuss removing inappropriate content.
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Facebook , Facebook using kids , For Parents

Good and Bad effects of Facebook on Kids

Anil Singh Monday, August 8, 2011

UPDATE: A 42 year old man was arrested recently for assaulting two minor girls, sisters aged 14 and 11, who he has befriended via Facebook.

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Before enlisting the things you, as a parent, should do to save yourself from the blame of bad parenting, here is a recent incident involving a 14 year old kid in US:

“On Wednesday, a Grandville man, 37-year-old Matthew Bauman, appeared in Wyoming District Court to face charges for online solicitation of sex with young girls. Police say, a 14-year-old girl agreed to meet Bauman in person. Although fortunately, No assault was committed, but police say it's a warning to parents that predators may be on Facebook. The judge sent Bauman back to jail at a higher bail."

As said by the police: it's a warning to parents that predators may be on Facebook.

So make sure you play the role of an ideal parent, when it comes to your Facebook using Kid.

Below are Things you should tell/convey to your Facebook using kid, to save yourself from the blame of bad parenting:

1) Don’t allow your kid to join Facebook, or for that matter, any social network, if he/she is under 13. It is often being seen that parents hail their kid, of his/her smartness, if he manages to open a Facebook account by quoting an age more than his/her real age. Don’t encourage such a behavior. Tell him/her, no Facebook before he/she attains the age the social network has put in its criterion.

2) If your kid has joined school late for whatever reasons, then rather than his/her chronological age (real age), use his/her school age to decide whether he/she fulfills the Facebook’s age criterion.

3) If the kid can join a social network, tell the kid, the presence of dubious people on facebook, who are all out to deceive people in any way possible. Tell the kid that if he/she is not vigilant enough, they can be duped of money, and harmed in other ways.

4) Tell him/her not to befriend any stranger, even if he/she appears to be of the kid’s age. Begin with capping the kid’s social contacts with just his/her school classmates, someone you are aware of too.

5) Once sufficient trust is maintained between you and your kid regarding Facebook usage; allow him/her to broaden his/her network, among kids of same age. No matter Stranger.

6) But make a policy that, the kid will not interact with the person, friended online, in person. If some friend makes a desire to meet in person; as a definite policy the kid will inform you first. And if the kid is hell bent to meet the person, you will accompany the kid, at a proper public place.

7) Make it a policy, that the kid will block any friend in their friends list, who speaks lewd, bullies others or has a behavior non-conforming to his/her age.

8) Make it a policy for your kid, that he/she will not speak lewd, post questionable pictures of self or some friend, and most important – will not Bully anyone. If you get to know, about some derailing in your kid's own behavior, don't confront him/her first time. Try to masquerade your talk to convey the behavior expected. In case of a second breach, be more direct.

9) Supervise your kid’s online excursions and tell him/her that in case of any difficulty arising out of some dubious behavior, bullying or other situation; you are by his/her side. And in this case you are the most person, who should be the first to be trusted.

10) Although this is not quite recommended, as spying on kid’s online behavior, can lead to trust deficit between the parents and the kid. Still if you are working, and don’t have the time to supervise your kid’s online activities; then you can use some good parental control software, Like this one; that lets you know, your kid's entire web activity, without him/her knowing it. But try to use it with utmost responsibility. ---------

Bad Parenting , Facebook , For Parents

10 Things you should tell to your Facebook using kid, to save yourself from bad parenting

Anil Singh Thursday, April 14, 2011

Is surpassing parents to encourage kids demand or buy a product, an offense?

Many parents who accede to their kids’ frequent demand to buy them a McDonald meal, as they contain tiny toys, will not see this as an offense on the part of the fast food chain; OR may be they have not given a thought to this aspect of sales “where parental control is cleverly surpassed”. But in many countries parents find such a “lure kids and sell” strategy offensive.

Recently a US woman, took McDonald to the court, for luring her kids with toys, an action, which makes it difficult for her and her husband to exercise effective parental control.
The case is under hearing.

Another form of sales strategy adopted or intentionality overlooked by companies, providing online services like Games, apps etc, is -- not having enough security to prevent children from inadvertently spending hundreds of dollars of their parent’s money.

Now, unlike the McDonald’s context, this, which obviously is a more direct breach of parental control; is under FTC or Federal Trades Commission US as well. Rumors are that Apple was unhappy with Capcom over the way in-app purchases could be made in Smurf’s Village. And the reason for this is, The Federal Trade Commission announcement that it will be investigating the way in which “in-app purchases” can be made via Apple’s handheld devices.

It seems FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz is concerned that there is not enough security preventing children from inadvertently spending hundreds of dollars of their parent’s money, and will also be looking at the way apps like Smurf’s Village appear to be “free” and then aggressively market these in-app purchases.

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Exercising effective parental control on kids is a difficult task; when one considers the lures market lines up on a every day basis. But studies have shown that, talking with kids, and explaining them the logic behind any conflicting issue, is a good method to apply effective parental control. If talked to from an early age, kids, instinctively start taking good decisions by weighing all available alternatives.

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Apple , For Parents

FTC unhappy with some iPhone Games for surpassing parental control

Anil Singh Friday, February 25, 2011

According to a survey conducted by BitDefender, 95 percent of parents are aware that their children have accessed pornography on the web.

Other findings of the survey are:

1) The average age of a child to start using the internet to search for adult content is 11 years.

2) 97 percent of the parents surveyed said they had installed parental controls software on a PC the child uses. However, 12 percent of them admitted that their child has successfully uninstalled or unlocked the software.

3) Adults are in no way senitized in this regard, with nearly two thirds (62 percent) of adults admitting that they had searched for and accessed adult content on the web themselves.

4) The survey found that parents wish to control a child’s access to porn online, until he/she is considered too young for the content. This is reflected, when 87 percent of parents said they would allow children over 19 to surf the web for sexual content.

BitDefender notes that while parents understood the necessity of a parental control software and the need to monitor their teenagers' activity on social networks and on the internet in general, they are very aware that children will always find a way to access adult content. This, notes the security firm, makes the role of parental control in this context more important.

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Many parents will want to see the findings of the survey, as restricted to a particular country. But contrary to their wish; if their kid has access to a web connected PC (or even a non-connected one) from an early age; the kid's behavior regarding porn can mimic that revealed by the survey.

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For Parents , Tech24Hours Europe

Average Age for a UK child to search porn online is 11 years

Anil Singh Thursday, February 24, 2011

Want to have valuable tips tip on Parenting? So that others; or many years later, your children don’t accuse you of bad parenting? Then Try this iPhone App.

Tom McIntyre, who also teaches at Hunter College, has developed an app called Positive Parenting Practices, to provide parents with a solid foundation of why kids do what they do; and showing parents how replace negative behavior with positive behavior through effective use of behavior-change procedures, like time out, shaping, task analysis and effective praising. And most important it tells Parents the hazards of using punishment to reform.

In Mr. McIntyre’s words, the app tells -- “How to use positivity in effective — not wimpy — ways.”

The app, which is now available on iTunes, is a two-hour audio lecture with rapidly changing pictures.

Mr. McIntyre, plans to bring this app to other mobile platforms as well. ---------

Apple iPhone , For Parents

An App that saves from the accusation of Bad Parenting

Anil Singh Friday, February 11, 2011

What does a substantial part of most of the tweets or Facebook wall messages convey among friends; or what does a sizeable number of tweets or Facebook wall messages of a celebrity marketer, blogger or a star, convey: "I'm just waking up”! , "I'm going for lunch!", "I'm eating this", "I'm eating that" -- in short something which although conveys a lot among friends or matters a lot to the recipients of an influential voice; have inherent no value for rest of the world.

So if someone says, messages shared socially need to be useful; then it should be seen with a perspective: How can one define 'useful'?

Say for instance, what will constitute useful and meaningful; if toddlers decide or given an opportunity to interact with fellow toddlers in some social network (without adult assistance).

As obvious, their social network will look very different; their reactions to what is being said and their level of indulgence will be different too.

Finnish design team Passi and Rapatti have brought social networking to the Toddlers.

In the video below, tweets and status updates are brought to two toddlers with the “IOBR-- a block and shape toy that also functions as a minimalist social networking platform".

How the Toddler Social Network works: Each toddler is provided with an IOBR Box and a set of shapes; when one toddler places a particular shape conveying some message on its designated place on his box; the other toddler's box illuminates at the shape having the same shape.

The video below shows how the two social media enthusiasts share meaningful things between each other.

The two are not doing bad, they are sharing very meaningful insights; just as some grown ups do! Aren't they? ---------

For Parents , Social Networking

A Social Network For Toddlers!

Anil Singh Wednesday, December 1, 2010

By A Bisht

Security Company Symmantec has claimed in one of its recent studies that:

--Kids 7 And Under Regularly Search For Porn on internet.

-- porn was the fourth most popular search term for children seven years and under, behind YouTube, but ahead of sites such as Disney or Nickelodeon.

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Even if the claims seem very illogical and thus hard to believe(for obvious reasons); One thing is for certain, when it comes to web, kids (tweens and teenagers both) do need to be supervised and their internet usage behaviour does needs to be closely monitored. This role assumes even more gravity when another recent study claims that even not so bright kids can easily search porn on Web.

So parents need to take the supervision and monitoring task quite seriously. In fastly evolving times we live in, this task also needs to be included under good parenting manual.

Below are the things that you as a parent can do to shield your child from the bad side of the internet and help them explore the good side of the web:

1. Always let your kid use internet in your supervision.

2. Help kid explore the beneficial side of the web. Beneficial doesn’t mean anything good or informative. The information should conform to the age of the child. The idea is not make the kid, excessively information hungry.

3. Teach the kid only those skills which you think the kid will not misuse in your absence.

4. Incorpaorate discipline to your child’s web usage. Like that number of hours a day, at this time of the day etc.

5. As a parent try to learn advanced PC and internet skills. This will include, putting filters to block adult and maleovalent content.

6. On home PC (which is used for internet surfing), be administrator yourself and give the kids, limited access accounts. That way you can have a better control.

7. If the school your kid goes has internet in the curriculum, make sure they have adequate arrangement in place to block porn, bad and other maleovalent content.

8. Don’t educate your kid with something which is not conforming to his/her age. Educate at the right age.

9. Regularly check the web usage history, to see whether the kid is conforming to the rules that you made.

10. If your works keeps you out for long hours; making you unable to supervise your kid personally; or you are not that tech savvy; you can regulate your child’s web usage with the help of Parental control softwares like Family Cyber Alert Parental Control and Keylogger etc. ---------

For Parents

10 Things you can do to gaurd your child from bad side of web

Anil Singh Thursday, December 24, 2009

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