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

The recent pandemic may have resulted in your kids spending too much time staring at a screen. While it’s understandable to meet their homeschool responsibilities, modern lifestyles often leave your little ones online long after they “punch out” for the day.

The overuse affects their health. For one, kids who spend too much time indoors staring at screens are more likely to need glasses. Furthermore, entire books have been written on the impact of social media and online interactions on mental health in youth.

What can you do? How about reconnecting with those you love the most while doing something more fun than scrolling through Twitter? Here are nine screen-free family activities to participate in this week.

1. Host a Family Game Night

What’s an inexpensive way to get your kiddos off the screen? Bring back family game night. This activity offers the perfect bonding opportunity while possibly making your little one perform better in school.

How? Some benefits of playing games with loved ones include improved motor functioning and problem-solving abilities, helping them perform better at everything from science experiments to essay writing. You can even throw a bit of math and economic theory in there if you can resist flipping the Monopoly board.

2. Recreate the Drive-in Experience

When was the last time you visited your public library? If it’s been a while, you should explore. They have much more than books available for rent, including movie projectors — letting you recreate the drive-in experience at home on the cheap.

Light the patio heaters if it’s a bit chilly and create a space where you have an unobstructed view of your projection “screen.” Bring plenty of pillows, blankets and a big bowl of popcorn to share as you kick back and enjoy a flick with the fam. Better yet, invite a few friends and nurture your IRL social network.

3. Have the Great Kids Bake-Off

Have you seen all the cute kid’s cooking shows on channels like Food Network? You can recreate them at home.

Doing so teaches more than home economics. It also reinforces their math skills, especially if you have to double or reduce the recipe to fit your unique needs.

4. Try Out Escape Games

Escape games can provide a thrilling and challenging experience for families looking to engage their minds while having fun together.

Whether you choose to visit a local escape room or create your own at home, this activity encourages teamwork and problem-solving skills. Many companies also offer Private Escape Rooms that can accommodate your whole family, ensuring a unique experience tailored just for you. Not only is this a great way to bond, but it can also be an opportunity for your family to practice communication and collaboration.

5. Play With Pets in Need

Does your lease say “no dogs allowed,” causing you to deny your child’s desperate pleading for a pet? Why not do some good while letting them enjoy their 4-legged friends?

How? Scores of shelters need volunteers to walk dogs and socialize kitties. You’ll have to fill out an application and complete basic training — growing your kids’ skills. Performing acts of kindness is one of the best things you can do for your mental health, as it prompts the release of positive neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin.

6. Go on a Nature Walk

A nature walk is another way to nurture your physical and mental health. Doing so eases anxiety and depression symptoms while lowering blood pressure and helping you manage your weight.

You can make this activity educational if you like. There are scores of plant, animal and insect identification apps to let you discover science out on the trail, and most cost less than $35 a year. Alternatively, you could practice mindfulness, focusing on how you feel and your sensory experience as you stroll.

7. Take Advantage of an Inexpensive Day at the Museum

The museum is a fabulous place to study anything from art to anthropology. It can also be a budget-friendly screen-free activity. How? Many museums offer special family days where kids can get in for free.

Better yet, many such areas feature beautifully sculptured grounds where you can enjoy a picnic lunch. You might brown-bag it but enjoy scenery worthy of the Four Seasons.

8. Family Bonding Through Creative Play

Take your playtime to the next level. Go beyond board games with educational toys that engage fingers and minds alike. Games and toys that require piecing together multi-dimensional structures or puzzles are fun for all ages, including parents.

There is nothing stopping you from working on two projects at the same. Set up two builder-type toys at each end of the table, perhaps one for younger kids and the other for teens. Family members can move back and forth assisting each other to complete each project.

9. Create a Unique Work of Art

Do you want a teddy bear your child will cherish well into adulthood? You can still find Build-a-Bear workshops, sometimes conveniently located in big box stores you frequent anyway, like Walmart.

Alternatively, get creative with clay. Businesses such as As You Wish let you craft custom pottery on their spinning wheels and fire it for you to make a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

10. Build a Better Playset

Do your kids constantly clamor to go to the park? The playground is a fabulous resource, but sometimes, sketchy neighborhoods or even over-concerned parents of other children make it questionable for your kids to play solo.

Instead, consider working on a custom playset in your backyard this weekend. Let your kids help to hone their motor skills and offer engineering advice — how many swings do they want? What could the danger be of placing them too close together? Let them work their wee problem-solving skills. This project may take more than one day to complete, but that’s all the more time to enjoy this screen-free activity with your little ones.

11. Start a Victory Garden

Planting a garden has oodles of benefits. It provides your family with fresh, organic produce and gets you moving in the great outdoors. Best of all, it can lower your grocery bill, and who doesn’t need to save more on shopping these days?

You can make this activity even cheaper if you save the seeds from the produce you already buy. Cucumbers, green beans, tomatoes and peppers are a snap to dry and keep and sprout to new life in the spring.

Screen-Free Family Activities

Are you seeking a screen-free weekend with your kiddos? The above activities provide fun, bonding opportunities and even the chance to sneak in a bit of extra education.

Enjoy these screen-free family activities this week or anytime. You’ll feel closer to your kids and protect their health from too much screen time.

About the Author
Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find her in a yoga class, advocating for her children or whipping up something delicious in the kitchen!

One of the best ways to teach your children about nature is to get them involved in fun activities. There are many different ways to do this and each child will respond differently. However, by engaging them in a hands-on way, you can help them learn about the world around them in a fun and memorable way.

You might take them on nature walks, start a small garden together, or even set up a bird feeder to observe local wildlife.

These simple activities can spark curiosity and foster a deeper connection with the environment.  Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Get Outside and Explore Together

From a day at the beach to an afternoon in the mountains, getting outside is one of the best ways to spend time with your family. Exploring together helps build stronger connections, encourages communication, and allows everyone to be present and connect with nature. Go deep into the Amazon rainforest and have the privilege of seeing finger monkeys. There are incredible facts about finger monkeys that you can share with your children. You can also hike in the woods together and look for different plants, animals, and insects.

There are plenty of opportunities for families to go outside and explore together. Make special memories, have fun together, and create lasting bonds by getting off the beaten path. Don’t be afraid to experience new places and adventures. Nature has so much beauty and adventure; take advantage of an opportunity to share those wonders with your family.

2. Have a Picnic Lunch in the Park

Nothing’s more delightful on a sunny summer than having a picnic lunch out in the park. Sitting beneath a shady tree, with a basket of tasty foods in front of you and lots of room to move around.  It’s an idyllic scene. By taking time away from our busy schedules and dedicating it to simply enjoying the day, stress melts away.

Bring along a couple of friends for conversation and extra hilarity, or stay solo with your thoughts.  Either way, you’re bound to finish feeling relaxed and recharged. A picnic lunch in the park is one of life’s best delights.

3. Plant a Garden Together

Planting a garden together is the perfect activity for strengthening your relationship. Gardening allows you to work together as a team and explore your creativity, setting aside time where it’s just the two of you amidst the beauty of Mother Nature.

By employing some connection science tools, couples can expand their conscious abilities into something much more dynamic when working with plants in their environment. You will get to practice patience and caring for something that needs attention and invest in an activity that rewards itself with tasty fruit, veggies, or vibrant flowers months later.

Moreover, by employing some connection science tools, couples can expand their conscious abilities into something much more dynamic when working with plants in their environment. You will get to practice patience and caring for something that needs attention and invest in an activity that rewards itself with tasty fruit like lemons, veggies, or vibrant flowers months later.

4. Camp in your Backyard

If a camping trip isn’t feasible, why set up the tent in your backyard and camp out for the night? It’s fun and easy and helps build strong bonds between family members. You can gaze up at the stars before bedtime, make s’mores over a roaring fire or tell ghost stories about werewolves and witches. Plus, kids experience the thrill of camping without leaving the comfort of their homes.   It’s an inexpensive way to have a nature adventure and connect — plus, you’ll be teaching your children about the great outdoors.

Of course, there are plenty of families that go on regular RV trips make camping part if their regular summers. In either case, the important part is regular planning to make it happen so that kids kids exposed to nature throughout their growing years.

5. Go on a Bug-Hunting Expedition

With a bug-hunting expedition, you can discover a new world of fascinating and tiny creatures. If you are curious about the insect community around you, donning your explorer cap and planning an expedition may be the thing for you. You’ll need to research what kind of bugs live in your habitat beforehand and what time of year they are most active. With that knowledge, it’s time to pack your bags with your magnifying glass, notebook, and camera before setting off on an up-close exploration game.

Private areas such as meadows, fields, and ponds act as ideal destinations if you’re daring enough – remember to respect the environment when you go. Soon enough, you’ll come across exoskeletons, wings, exciting colors, and shapes – there is a lot to appreciate in this mysterious world, and it may even spark a continuous future passion.

6. Learn About the Water Cycle by Doing Some Fun Experiments

Learning can be made fun and interesting with a few experiments. Kids, in particular, will love trying these interactive activities. You can explore the precipitation, condensation, and evaporation of water that make up the cycle with many easy-to-do experiments right in your home.

For example, you can observe condensation when you fill an old jar or bottle halfway with hot water and allow it to cool overnight. Not only will you observe droplets forming outside the container, but you’ll also notice that steam has converted into liquid molecules inside. Do some research and see what other experiments you can try – the combination of outdoors playtime activities and educational learning will please everyone.

There are many ways to get kids interested in nature, and these six activities are a great place to start. By getting outside and exploring together, you can spend quality time with your child while teaching them about the world around them. With a little creativity, spending time in nature can be fun for everyone involved.

As a parent, you should be aware of the proper care of your baby’s teeth. From the moment that first tooth appears until they start to lose their baby teeth, parents need to know how to keep those pearly whites healthy and strong. From brushing techniques to preventing cavities, there is much that needs to be done for children’s dental health to remain at its best.

We’ll discuss everything a parent should know about baby teeth maintenance – from teething pains and bottle decay to losing those precious milk teeth! Read on for more information about caring for your child’s smile during these crucial early years!

When Should I Start Brushing My Baby’s Teeth?

As soon as your baby’s teeth erupt, you should start brushing them. They can become used to the sensation of having anything inside their mouth by simply cleaning the surfaces of their gums with a moist cloth. Use a soft-bristled children’s toothbrush and fluoride-free toothpaste as soon as the first tooth erupts (no larger than a grain of rice). You must clean their teeth twice a day for two minutes each, in the morning and at night. Did you know that 35% of toddlers experience primary tooth trauma.  By brushing often and taking care of your teeth, this problem may be avoided. Even though brushing your baby’s teeth might be difficult, it’s crucial to carry on as part of their daily dental care routine.

What Causes Teething Pain?

Teething is when your baby’s first set of teeth breaks through the gums. This process usually begins around 6 months of age and may cause mild to moderate pain and discomfort in the gums, cheeks, and jaw area. You can help soothe teething pains by giving your baby a cold washcloth or teething ring to chew on. You might also give them over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (always consult with your doctor before giving any medications).

• Additionally, gently massaging the gums with your finger can provide some relief. Keep in mind that teething pain is temporary and should improve over time as your baby’s teeth come in.

• If you notice excessive drooling, fever, rash, vomiting, or diarrhea, contact your doctor right away, as these may be signs of an allergy or a more serious condition such as an ear infection.

• It’s important to make sure your baby isn’t biting down too hard on their gums while they are teething – this could cause damage to the underlying tissue and lead to infection. And ensure that your child is eating a balanced diet full of healthy foods to support proper dental development.

Bottle Decay

Another issue to be aware of is bottle decay which occurs when a baby’s teeth are exposed to sugary liquids such as milk or juice for extended periods of time. This can lead to cavities and other dental problems, so it’s important to try and avoid prolonged exposure to these types of drinks. Instead, give your baby water in between feedings and after meals, and only allow them to use bottles for drinks when necessary.

What Are Some Ways I Can Help Prevent Cavities?

There are further steps you can take to aid in the prevention of cavities in your child’s mouth in addition to brushing twice daily for two minutes at a time using fluoride-free toothpaste. One of the most successful strategies is cutting back on sugary foods and beverages, as well as juice drinking (only give them 4-6 ounces of fruit juice per day). As soon as a child’s first tooth erupts, you should start scheduling frequent dental exams.

For instance, your child should go to the dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months. You might discuss fluoride treatments or sealants with your children’s dentistry provider to assist prevent tooth decay. Additionally, make sure your youngster is receiving enough calcium in their diet while you’re at it. While brushing and flossing are important, it is also essential to remember the importance of a healthy diet in your child’s oral health.

When Should I Expect My Child To Start Losing Their Baby Teeth?

The majority of kids begin losing their baby teeth around age 5 or 6, and by the time they are 12 or 13 years old, they have typically lost all 20 of their baby teeth. Make sure your child is brushing and flossing often when they begin to lose their teeth to maintain healthy, clean gums. Additionally, make sure to speak with a dentist for additional guidance on how to deal with the pain if you detect any indications of difficulty when they lose their teeth. Even though your child’s baby teeth may ultimately fall out, it is still crucial to look after them and keep them in good condition.

Choosing A Dentist For Your Child

You should seek a dentist for your child who has expertise in treating young patients and who has a calm, loving approach. You might go online for reviews of nearby pediatric dentists or ask friends and family for referrals. Make sure the office has the most recent technology and takes precautions to protect patient safety (such as using single-use instruments and gloves). Set up an initial consultation with the dentist you’ve chosen to go through your child’s dental care requirements. When it comes to going to the dentist, your child is probably anxious, so be sure to highlight the value of excellent dental hygiene and how much fun it can be.

Good oral hygiene is essential for children’s dental health. Make sure you’re brushing your child’s teeth twice a day, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and avoiding putting them to bed with any liquid other than water. You should also schedule regular dental checkups from the time their first tooth appears, and be sure to choose an experienced pediatric dentist who provides a gentle, caring approach. At the end of the day, your child’s smile is only as healthy as you make it – so do all you can to ensure that their teeth stay in tip-top condition!

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Increased cyber attacks are a direct outcome of increased digitization. What is the solution? The answer is more cyber security experts. If you’re considering a career in cyber security, let us introduce you to the various opportunities available. One of the sectors with the strongest growth rates, this one offers a variety of rewarding occupations.

In this article we will strive equip you with the knowledge of how to begin a successful cybersecurity career.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity entails defending digital assets from harmful attackers and their owners. The phrase “digital asset” refers to anything that exists in digital form and has considerable monetary value. Personal information, documentation, websites, servers, and networks are all considered digital assets.

To be a superb cybersecurity expert, you require technical skills like risk assessment, intrusion detection, programming language fluency, and familiarity with Linux OS.

Cyber Security Career:  Prerequisites

The number of knowledgeable cybersecurity experts who can handle common cybersecurity concerns is noticeably lacking. Consequently, a career in cybersecurity is both challenging and rewarding. Many businesses are looking for qualified cybersecurity specialists. These include GE, Siemens, Microsoft, Google, and Philips.

• To pursue a profession in cybersecurity, a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, cybersecurity, or a closely related field, with two to three years of experience as an incident analyst. The ability to use forensic tools like Encase, FTK, Sleuth Kit, and others is a need.

• You might be wondering how to develop your cybersecurity skills without first getting a job in the field. Start by thinking about internships. Through an internship, you can network with companies and likeminded colleagues in the field while leaning relevant skills that businesses are looking for. When you do start looking for jobs, it also gives you a competitive advantage over other applicants. Depending on the company, internships in cybersecurity may be paid or unpaid. Working on independent cybersecurity projects and contributing to open-source projects are additional ways to acquire relevant experience.

• Whatever route you choose, be sure to keep a record of your development and experiences. To increase your opportunity of landing a job, include this record information in your coding portfolio.

• For your cybersecurity profession to succeed, you’ll also need to have a few additional skills, such as networking and operating system expertise.

Entry-level positions in cybersecurity can range from senior management to everything in between. Today, there are numerous employment options in cyber security. The best strategy is to start at the entry-level and advance to the following tier with the aid of the necessary experience and credentials.

Why Choose Cyber Security?

Cyber security is a field where job titles are frequently listed high on lists of the best careers. Here are some factors supporting the choice of a profession in cyber security, including low unemployment and financial benefits:

High Employment Rate

One of the most important advantages of having cyber security expertise is that you will be in great demand from businesses. As diverse companies battle the ongoing growth in data breaches, there is still a considerable demand for roles in cyber security. In 2022, the unemployment rate for this profession fell to 0%, where it has stayed ever since. As a result, you will acquire a skill set for preparing for this vocation that will make it simple and reliable for you to get employment.

Flexible Career Options

There are several job options available in cyber security, so you can pick the one that best suits your interests. If you appreciate thinking logically and solving problems, becoming a cybersecurity architect would be your perfect career choice. Or you might become a chief information security officer if you want to guide people and help in securing systems. There are many other job titles available, including cryptographer, consultant, engineer, information security analyst, and many more.

An Evergreen Industry

Cybersecurity has gradually evolved into an evergreen industry. Similar to how air pollution is a by-product of the industrial revolution, cyberattacks are a by-product of the digital revolution. It is simple to conclude that cybersecurity is a feasible career option going forward in light of the current scenario and the progress our society has achieved since the birth of the internet. While the field of cybersecurity provides a wide range of opportunities in several functional domains, security analysts and experts work in a remarkable variety of jobs. So enrolling in the cyber security master’s program is undoubtedly a fantastic decision if you want to learn cybersecurity in the modern world.

High Job Security

With so many opportunities available, cybersecurity is one of the industries that is rapidly expanding and providing employment to job seekers all around the world. The ever-expanding scope of the technological world ensures that this occupation will continue to be in great demand in the future. Thus, security experts need not fear losing their jobs. This reality is especially comforting given the rapidly evolving nature of the work market, where new positions and functional tasks are gradually replacing traditional formats.

Cybersecurity skills

Cybersecurity analysts evaluate vulnerabilities and respond to security issues using a combination of technical and professional skills. Many workplace skills can be transferred from a wide range of occupations, so if you have experience in information technology (IT), you may already possess some of the technical skills.

• Making a program do something by using scripting is a type of coding. Coding is static, whereas scripts can move text and graphics around. You can become a more effective analyst by learning how to create tools and automate repetitive work using languages like Python or PowerShell.

• You must be knowledgeable in coding languages, including PHP, HTML, Java, and Python.

• You must be familiar with networking, routing protocols, and encryption methods.

• Everybody working in cybersecurity should understand the ideal practices for Identity and Access Management.

Cyber Security Job Roles

There are numerous job titles in cyber security, some of which are covered below:

Network Security Engineer

Most firms employ some type of network security engineer. This is an educated person in the field that works to protect the company with the proper security systems designed to prevent cyber threats. Their duties include stopping attached as they happen. Vulnerability detection, system maintenance, and automation are a key part of their duties.

Computer forensic analyst

A computer forensic analyst’s main responsibilities include evaluating systems and devices and finding strategies for data recovery. They are able to gather data and learn more about the device users. When conducting a criminal investigation into a cybercrime, the authorities frequently enlist the assistance of a computer forensic analyst to help acquire the data they need.

Security consultant

The security consultant is adaptable and tech-savvy, ensuring the company’s assets and data remain safe. They comprehend and assess different security techniques across all industries. The security expert selects the vulnerability test along with other tests to protect the network, computer, and data. Depending on the firm’s requirements, consultants could recommend particular security solutions or products.

Vulnerability Assessor

Individuals who conduct several tests on the systems are known as vulnerability assessors or analysts. Finding the significant security system faults is their primary objective, and they also prioritize issues that have the most impact on the firm.

Cryptographer

Cryptographers are security system professionals who are in charge of creating code that hackers cannot decrypt. Cybersecurity tasks involve encrypting and decrypting data to keep it secure and away from hackers using cryptographic methods. If you enjoy coding, you will enjoy this mid-senior-level position. They are more in demand and quite important.

Penetration Tester

Penetration testers are people who are permitted to hack the system and look for a way in. They behave as though they are trying to hack the security system.

Security Auditor

The security auditors are in charge of identifying system vulnerabilities before anyone else. They examine the effectiveness of the firewalls and other security measures that are currently in place.

Conclusion

Cyber security is one of the most crucial elements in the rapidly expanding digital world. Its threats are difficult to overlook. Therefore, it is critical to learn how to guard against them and teach others how to do so as well. You can choose an online hacking course to learn more about cyber security and how to deal with cyber criminals so you can save the day on digital platforms.

FAQs

Is cybersecurity analytics a difficult task?

The fast-paced work environment and numerous technical skills required for cybersecurity might be difficult. However, it is possible to learn the necessary skills and information with some time and effort. Set aside some time each day to learn cybersecurity, and think about creating your own virtual space to practice such skills.

Does cybersecurity involve a lot of math?

No, a lot of math is not necessary for cybersecurity. But as it falls under the category of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), proficiency in arithmetic can certainly help you advance in your job.

How can I become a cybersecurity expert on my own?

When it comes to cybersecurity training, it is critical to pick a genuine and reliable provider. Online courses on the fundamentals of cyber security are widely available.

You can learn at your own pace when you enrols in an online course or a boot camp. Furthermore, you can meet them by working around their flexible hours. A Bootcamp offers a one to a three-month-long specialized program that typically includes a final exam.

Explore other career paths. Read about an AWS DevOps Career.