Safe Search Kids - Education, Parenting, Internet Safety for All

It’s essential that you allow your kids a formal education so they can read, write, and learn about the world. However, there are some lessons most kids won’t learn in school. To prepare them for adulthood and to be more well-rounded, you need to think beyond the classroom and consider some unconventional life lessons.

From the importance of understanding tax season to how to survive when stranded on the roadside, there’s a lot your kids need to know. Consider these lessons, games, and methods of helping your children prepare for the real world.

Fun Ways to Teach Kids About Money and Taxes

As your kids start to learn math in school, use this as an opportunity to supplement those lessons by teaching them about math in fun ways. Many enjoyable card and board games can teach your kids about money and keep them engaged. Younger kids may get a kick out of playing The Game of Life, which allows them to own pets, start a family, or opt to go to college while learning how to make and manage finances along the way. As they get older, try Monopoly, where they can hold paper money in their hands that they can use to buy houses and hotels. They’ll also learn a bit about paying rent, which will be an important lesson later in life.

Many card games can also teach young people a lot about money management, such as Exact Change, which is like Uno, where the first person out of cards wins, but it’s about money and change instead of shapes. Even playing solitaire can teach the players about strategy and demonstrate how one move can impact the rest of the game or their life.

While your children start to grasp the basics of money, income, investing, and expenses, you can also start to teach them about taxes and how impactful they can be. You can have fun while showing that taxes are a part of everything. When they’re old enough, show them an old paycheck to see how much you made and what is left over after taxes as a way to grasp the concept further.

Music Lessons Help Kids to Thrive

If your child is interested in playing a musical instrument and the school doesn’t offer a class, consider private lessons or teaching them yourself. In addition to playing beautiful music, learning an instrument is an unconventional way to teach various important skills and lessons. For example, playing the violin requires concentration, focus, and memorization. These are all necessary attributes that will help them play the songs correctly and mold their brains as they age and take on more complex tasks.

Just about any musical instrument will help kids develop their fine motor skills as they make the necessary movements to make sound. Once they start playing in a band, they’ll learn the value of teamwork.

Teach Outdoor and Survival Skills

You should also go beyond the classroom and the house by taking the kids into the wilderness to teach them some essential survival skills. Use this as an opportunity to take them away from the modern conveniences of tech and teach them how to fend for themselves if the time ever comes.

To really take them out of their element, bring them primitive camping. You’ll go to as isolated an area to better connect with nature and learn a few things in the process. While out there, teach them how to safely build a fire, pitch a tent, and educate them on basic first aid strategies. When they’re not learning, primitive camping provides the kids a space to run and explore while bonding with the family in a way they can’t always do at home.

Since, as a parent, you always want to provide a safe learning environment, prepare for the trip accordingly. Pack warm clothing and sleeping gear, inform emergency contacts back home of your plans and where you’ll be, and although you shouldn’t use it, consider bringing an emergency cell phone just in case.

Show Teens How to Be Independent

Although you may be sad about the idea of your kids one day leaving the house, teach them important lessons that they can take with them when they live on their own, like how to maintain a car and change a tire.

The ability to change a tire on the spot can be a lifesaver when an unexpected blowout occurs. Teach them that if they get a flat tire, they should pull off the road to a safe place. Then, show them how to use a jack to lift the car, take off the lug nuts, and put on the new or temporary tire. While going through the instructions, have your teen do the actions themselves so they gain a full understanding.

You can also teach them how to read and use a map and compass in case they ever need to find their way and modern technology, like GPS, is unavailable.

There are other ways that you can teach your kids to be more independent, even when they’re young. Although it may go against your better judgment, allow them to make mistakes so they can see what went wrong and learn how to adjust their behavior the next time. Also, don’t neglect the chance to assign your kids chores around the house. Certain chores, like taking out the trash, require them to think ahead and plan, which can come in handy when they take on more responsibilities down the road.

Conclusion

You can teach your kids many lessons to help them live a more fulfilling life now and in the future. Take every opportunity to teach them new things, and they’ll be more well-rounded as adults.

The technological landscape around us continues to evolve at a rapid pace. So, it’s no surprise that educators face the challenge of providing students with innovative tools and the skills to use those tools. In particular, 3D scanners are devices that students should learn how to use for a head start. Learn why schools should invest in 3D scanners for their students here.

Accustoms Students to the Devices of the Future

Integrating 3D scanners into the classroom setting does more than just impart technical skills; it accustoms students to the devices of the future. As industries continue to adopt 3D technologies, such as manufacturing and healthcare, the presence of these technologies in the job market grows exponentially.

By familiarizing students with 3D scanners, schools create an environment where young minds can learn and become proficient with the same tools they will encounter in their future careers. This foresight in education enhances a student’s adaptability. Additionally, it increases their marketability as they enter a workforce that highly values tech-savvy individuals.

It’s Not Just 3D Scanners

3D scanners aren’t the only innovative devices your school should introduce to students for their future technical savvy. Virtual reality is another rapidly advancing technology that is already becoming part and parcel of everyday life.

Fortunately, virtual reality helps education in more ways than just exposing students to the tech.  Incorporate it alongside 3D scanners to produce the most well-rounded, prepared students you can.

Enhances Learning for Students Interested in STEM

For students with aspirations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, 3D scanners serve as a pivotal educational resource. In fact, one of the key uses of 3D scanning technology in schools is catering to and fostering interest in STEM fields.

These devices allow for the conversion of any object into a digitized model that students can manipulate, study, and analyze. This brings abstract concepts to life. Hands-on experience with advanced technology deepens students’ comprehension and sparks an interest in complex subjects.

The resulting versatility in experiments and projects rockets STEM education from the confines of textbooks into the tangible world.  It provides a more comprehensive learning experience that can accommodate many learning styles.

Fosters Student Creativity and Curiosity

Finally, 3D scanners play a significant role in fostering student creativity and curiosity. When students can scan objects and manipulate them within a virtual space, they are encouraged to explore a multitude of design possibilities.

This exploration goes beyond mere novelty; it teaches students to think critically about the design and function of everyday objects. It challenges them to invent, innovate, and solve problems in creative ways. By creating space in the classroom for this type of inquisitive and inventive thinking, schools are equipping a new generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers. It empowers the children of today to better face the challenges of the future.

The potential that 3D scanners hold for enhancing education is immeasurable, making it clear why schools should invest in 3D scanners for their students. By helping students seamlessly interact with future technologies, strengthening their grasp on STEM disciplines, and nurturing a creative and problem-solving mindset, 3D scanners act as a catalyst for an immersive and future-forward education.

As your preschooler finishes their time in kindergarten and ventures off to ‘big school,’ there is bound be apprehension for any young child. Their new adventure will at the very least bring at least a bit of apprehension when starting all over again in a new environment with new faces, places, and activities.

The moment can also be met with a mixture of emotions for both you and your child. While there’s no need to buy their elementary graduation cap and gown sets just yet, there may still be a touch of sadness at how fast they are growing up. Some may embrace this new step with a sense of eagerness and enthusiasm, others, however, may feel overwhelmed at the prospect.

To make their first days easier, we have outlined some helpful tips to ease the anxiety and ensure the transition from kindergarten to elementary school is as smooth and as seamless as possible for your little one.

Engage Practically With Your Child

Take some time to sit with your child, allowing them to express their thoughts and feelings about starting school. In addition to talking together, you can engage your child in this process through imaginative activities such as storytelling where they describe their first day at school or act it out with the help of some toys.

This can help your child to unburden any worries or concerns they may have and allow you to address these beforehand. By continuing to communicate in this way as your child begins school, you can offer them the reassurance and support they may need to get over any initial nerves and settle into their new routine.

Practice Makes Perfect

While kindergarten is often only for a few hours a week, starting elementary school will likely be the beginning of a new, and longer schedule. This can be difficult for any child to adapt to, so it is helpful to ease them into this.

Encourage them to wake up and dress themselves in time, by gradually shifting their bedtimes and wake-up times over the summer to align with the school schedule. You can also help them adjust to a more structured school environment by practicing scheduled activities at home such as an allocated play time, reading time, meal time, and quiet time.

It is also beneficial to familiarize your child with their daily journey to and from school by practicing the school run together. Whether this is by car or by foot, doing so can help them become comfortable with their routine and make their school run a more positive and enjoyable experience.

Create Excitement

Help your young one get excited about their big day by drawing their attention to the positive aspects such as learning new things,  taking part in different activities, and making new friends. You can also share happy stories about your own experiences at elementary school and encourage any younger siblings to join in and do the same.

Whether it’s a brand new lunch box, pencil case or backpack, shopping for school supplies together can also generate excitement in your child as they look forward to putting these things to good use.

By following these suggestions, you can help your child feel ready and relaxed as they take their first steps into elementary school.

Many parents wish they could keep their kids away from every harmful person, thing or event to guarantee their safety. However, in the digital space, there’s limited control over what they may encounter. It doesn’t help that stalkers and bullies are lurking around the web and your child could be a potential victim.

However, there are several ways for people to be careful. Take the initiative to protect your kids from cyberstalking and online harassment when they surf online.

1. Install Protection Software

Most stalkers online will try to launch cyberattacks and access your device. Prevent this from happening by installing antivirus software on your computers. Getting parental protection apps for your kid’s mobile phones and tablets is also ideal.

These digital programs protect your devices from tracking software, which could reveal your and your child’s location. Update them regularly along with the operating system to ensure they’re effective.

2. Create and Set Account Privacy

Anyone can create a social media account. About 81% of U.S. adults favor platforms requiring parental consent for minors who want an account, so stick to those sites.

Remember that all accounts are initially public to almost every user on a social network. Be sure to configure your child’s privacy level. That way, they can only view and interact with people within their space.

3. Educate Your Kids

Talk to your kids about dangers they may encounter online. They’re more likely to abide by your rules when you inform them why they should follow them. Share a few details about how cyberstalking and online harassment can endanger their safety.

You can also give them the following tips:

• Don’t accept requests from strangers: Strangers can still send follow or friend requests to private accounts. Tell your kids to ignore these messages or to notify you about them. 

• Don’t post personal information: It’s vital not to share personal details with people you don’t know online. Discourage your children from posting anything that includes their name and address. 

• Don’t connect to public networks: When your kid goes to the mall or heads to school, they may connect to the public Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, your child’s data is more vulnerable to attacks when they’re on these networks. 

• Don’t add location tags: Location tags help viewers know where a person has been. Cyberstalkers can use them to narrow down your child’s location. Disable these or tell your kid to avoid making posts with these tags.

4. Capture Evidence

Stalkers and harassers may send nasty comments and messages to your kid’s account. If this is the case, avoid interacting. Instead, capture the evidence by recording and taking screenshots. Let your child focus on something else as you do this.

Screenshots can help law enforcement learn more about your experience. Police can also use them to start an investigation and bring the person to justice. File a report and keep a record of cyberstalking incidents for the authorities.

5. Block the Bad

After gathering evidence, delete the messages and block people to remove them from your kid’s account. These users typically appear in a block list on the account settings. You can hide the feature from your kids or discuss it with them.

Parents could explain these incidents to their kids. Enlighten them about why you took those measures. Plus, you can encourage them to do the same and block bad people in the future.

6. Change Account Details

Some stalkers and harassers can go as far as messaging the email address of an account holder, especially after getting blocked. Make it a point to change your address or hide it from your kid’s online profile.

You can also ask your kids to change their screen names and passwords regularly or do it together. Strengthen security when logging using account authentication methods.  Keeping anonymity can make it harder for people to find your account and harass them. It can prevent hacking and accessibility, too.

7. Limit Internet Use

Parents should monitor and lessen internet use. Kids should not be using social media at a young age. Aside from being the target of stalking and harassment, being on these sites too early and for too long isn’t good. It can have adverse effects on their mental well-being.

Discuss this with your children and set limits on what they can and can’t access on the internet. A 2022 survey finds that 16% of U.S. parents believe 16 is the appropriate age for kids to use social media. You can also set restrictions for other sites.

Keep Your Kids Safe Online

The internet can be a wonderful place full of knowledge and entertainment. However, it can also be dangerous territory for young minds. Online stalkers and harassers are always present. Take the appropriate actions to keep your kids safe when using social media.

Navigating your kids’ screen time can be a struggle. Luckily, there are small strategies you can implement daily to enforce limited time on their phones.

Author bio:  Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She strives to live a happy and healthy life with her family by her side.
Follow Cora on Facebook and LinkedIn.