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Kids and AI Companions - A Parent Guide
There are many AI related topics to tackle, but today I want to focus solely on kids relationships with AI companions. In this post I will break down what they are, where kids are finding them and what the research is showing about the potential risks. I will also, as always, leave you with strategies for being your kids’ ally and mentor, setting healthy boundaries and broaching open and curious conversations.
Best Screen Free Music Options for Your Kids - UPDATED
Music is now, almost exclusively, connected to a screen and many parents don’t want their kids staring at a device all the time - especially alone in their rooms. So what are we parents supposed to do? Here are my updated research and recommendations when it comes to giving your kids screen-free music.
How to Raise Critical Thinkers in an Age of Disinformation and Misinformation
We are in an era where information spreads at lightning speed with no context or verification to help people assess whether it is true. Children are especially susceptible to believing what they see and hear, particularly if the message is encased in a brief, shocking or entertaining snippet - they can feel smart and informed without doing any of the work. So, if your child has access to YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Discord, X or any other social sharing platform it’s time for some parental guidance.
Peace, Love & Screen-time : Screen Tips for Winter Vacation
The holidays are a great time for bonding with family and catching up with friends. But all that free time can also lead to three weeks of constant battles over screen time. Let’s look at a few ways to curb the tantrums and bring peace to your home this holiday season.
The ‘Manosphere’ and Its Profound Influence on Boys
What is the “manosphere” and what influence is it having on our son’s perceptions of masculinity? In this article I define the manosphere and look at what led to the rise of this extremely influential, hate filled ideology. If you don’t think your son has been touched by this, think again. These influencers are everywhere - from YouTube to TikTok to Discord and Twitch. If your tween or teen son is online, they’re exposed.
The Red Flags Every Child Needs to Know to Spot an Online Predator
Kids are spending way more time online in the past year and for many this means time in multiplayer games, online chat forums or social media platforms where strangers and friends mingle. If your child is spending time in Roblox, Minecraft, Discord, TikTok or any other social platform, they need to learn how to spot a potential child predator early.
Kids and Group Chats - How to Help them Avoid Disaster
From the sharing of offensive memes, to violent threats to bullying and overall meanness; chaos flourishes in group chats. What feels to a 9, 10, or 11 year old like a silly or benign comment can have very real negative consequences. As such, I want to take some time here to outline the texting MUST KNOWS for kids so that parents can mentor their children and guide them as they navigate this thorny landscape.
Assistive Access Turns iPhones and iPads into DUMB devices!
Check out this great hack for turning your child’s iPad or iPhone into an ultra simplified device with only the apps you choose!