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

Parenting comes with an equal number of rewards and challenges, especially if ADHD runs in your family. Children with ADHD often share this neurotype with at least one parent. Sometimes parents are already aware of their diagnosis before they have children. Other times, parents only look into getting a diagnosis when their child receives one.

Since ADHD diagnoses didn’t become common until the 1990s, many people born in the ‘70s and ‘80s aren’t aware they have it until they compare their child’s behavior with their own. This realization can make parenting your ADHD child easier because you understand their challenges and can manage symptoms together.

Symptoms of ADHD in Children and Adults

Though the symptoms of ADHD are often the same in children and adults, they present differently for different age groups. For instance, hyperactivity may manifest in children as a constant urge to jump, play, and run, while adults may simply feel restless and unable to relax. A child’s impulsivity may look like an inability to wait their turn or play quietly, while adults may interrupt others and become easily frustrated.

The best way to manage these symptoms is to do it together. Below are some strategies you can apply to help your child manage their symptoms while handling your own.

Parenting a Child with ADHD for the Parent with ADHD

Accommodate and Manage Your Symptoms

Before you can effectively help your child learn to regulate their ADHD symptoms, you need to devise strategies and methods for managing yours. It’s similar to a flight attendant instructing passengers to put on their oxygen masks before helping their children. If the parent isn’t cared for, they can’t care for their children.

The same principle applies here. Accommodating your needs by storing important items in plain sight and setting an alarm to take your medication not only frees headspace for parenting, but also models to your child that they can do the same thing.

Create Routines

Establishing routines with ADHD can be challenging. However, once you’ve created a routine that works for your lifestyle, your days will go more smoothly. Adhering to a routine creates a kind of muscle memory, enabling you to move through daily tasks without thinking about them too much and allowing executive dysfunction to set in. The idea is to make the routine so rote that you and your child can entertain yourselves with stories, music, and fun discussions without missing a beat. Routines also help establish healthy habits like staying hydrated, eating regularly, and taking ADHD medication on time, if prescribed by your doctor.

Routines also help establish healthy habits like staying hydrated, eating regularly, and taking medication on time.

Reduce Distractions

But don’t go to the extreme with this. While too many distractions can draw you and your child’s focus away from things like schoolwork, too little stimulation could lead to seeking distractions because your brain needs dopamine.

Rather than sitting in silence while doing homework, talk to your child about what helps you focus, and let them choose some things to try. For instance, movies and podcasts may prove too distracting, but rock music or ASMR videos could be just the right amount of stimulation.

Engage in Activities Together

Planned outings or activities at home not only contribute to the holistic development of children, but parents also benefit to their own emotional well-being. Participating in fun endeavors takes parent and child away from the pressures of everyday life, promoting positive emotions and creating lasting memories filled with happiness, laughter, and excitement.

Whether it’s cooking, gardening, listening to music or playing sports, children can acquire new skills and knowledge from their parents’ expertise. Parents can also learn from their children’s unique perspectives and trust in the relationship it strengthened.

Teach and Model Self-Care

While it’s beneficial for children to learn that we sometimes need to do things that aren’t fun or pleasant, it’s equally important to teach and demonstrate optimum self-care—especially for parents and children with ADHD.

ADHD brains often move at lightning speed, skipping from one task to another without a break, putting them at greater risk for panic attacks and burnout. Showing your child that it’s okay to rest—and how to rest effectively with ADHD—gives you a break and teaches them how to care for themselves long-term.

Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey. She writes for Klarity, an online ADHD diagnosis service.

Streaming services offer a bounty of entertainment options for all ages. However, plenty of content is unsuitable for kids and only suited to teens and above. What is a parent to do that wants to protect their child from unsafe content?

Parental controls offer some of the best possible protection from content unsafe for younger eyes. To get the most from these options, you will want to know how to use them to your advantage.

Read on to learn more about using parental controls.

What Are Parental Controls?

In short, parental controls allow parents to block their children’s access to certain types of programming. For example, you could bar children from watching R or TV-MA-rated content. You can focus on catching up on your favorites without your kids watching what’s off-limits.

How to Set Up General Controls on Google Play or Apple Devices

General controls help provide an extra bit of security, and you will want to consider using them in tandem with the services’ controls.

Google Play Protect

Google Play Protect helps keep your kids safe by checking your devices and apps for suspicious behavior, a beneficial feature to use alongside parental controls. Open the Google Play Store app, then tap your profile picture on the upper right.

Next, you’ll need to tap Google Play Protect, then Settings. Then, turn on the option to Scan apps with Play Protect. This will make sure that your CouchTuner experience remains free of any malicious content. For instance, this feature helps prevent your child from mistakenly downloading malware. Moreover, the feature continuously checks your apps to ensure no suspicious behavior occurs.

Google Family Link

Google Family Link allows you to set up profiles for your kids under 13 to better protect them from harmful content or monitor an existing account. You’ll start by installing the Family Link app.

Use the Create New Account option when signing in, and enter the name, password, age, birth date, and email address for your child. Then, you’ll follow instructions showing you how to select your child’s settings from your Google Account.

iPhone/iPad

Although many iOS-compatible streaming apps have rental controls, it’s helpful to have controls for your child’s Apple devices. You’ll start by navigating to Settings, then tapping Screen Time. Next, find and tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.

Next, you’ll want to tap Content Restrictions. By selecting Movies or TV Shows, you can block programming with specific ratings, such as R or TV-MA.

Setting Up Parental Controls by Streaming Service

Using parental controls on each service is also essential, as most services (with the rare exception of  FuboTV) offer these controls.  A second line of defense is learning how to vet movies and shows for your kids using sites line Common Sense Media.

Hulu

One option that parents have on Hulu is to set up a Kids profile, which only allows content suitable for all ages.

You can also log in to your account, select Manage Profiles, and select Turn on PIN Protection. Anyone who wants to access the non-Kids profiles will have to input the PIN.

Netflix

Sign in to your Netflix account and find Profile & Parental Controls. You’ll need to click on the profile that you want to change the settings for. Find the setting for Viewing Restrictions and select Change. After entering your Netflix password, you can select the maturity rating for that profile.

Sling TV

Sling TV, in addition to allowing restricting content based on ratings, also allows parents to restrict other content they may not want their kids seeing, such as mature unrated programs, sports, and news. You can start this process by going to Settings in your account.

You’ll need to enter an existing PIN code or create one if you haven’t already. Select Parental Controls On. Next, you can opt to restrict content by thematic material or rating. Once set, these settings will apply to all devices with SlingTV access in your household.

DirecTV Stream

DirectTV Stream makes it easy for parents to restrict content across all devices their children may use. Although you’ll change your preferences by going to Settings regardless of whether you are using a TV or another device, there are some differences between the devices regarding what to do next.

On a streaming device connected to your TV, you’ll be to Preferences, then Parental Controls and follow the prompts. If using the Chrome or Safari browsers, you’ll find the Parental controls under General, enter your PIN, and select Turn Parental Controls ON. Parents using the app will select Parental Controls, toggle ON and enter their PIN to confirm their choice.

Disney+

Disney+ has an easy process for setting which content your child may access. After visiting Edit Profiles from your account, select the profile in question.

Choose Content Rating under Parental Controls, then enter your account password. Select the content rating you want the profile to access, then Save to put the controls into effect.

Paramount+

Like many other services, you’ll begin setting up parental controls on Paramount+ by going into your main account settings. Go to the Parental Controls and toggle the setting into the ON position. Enter your account password and select submit.

The next step will be to create a PIN that anyone using the service must enter before they watch anything restricted. As an extra precaution, you can lock the Live TV feed as well.

FuboTV

FuboTV is different from the other streaming services highlighted so far because it lacks parental controls. However, you can use the parental control options on your device itself to set up these preferences.

HBO Max

HBO Max offers kids’ profiles that help you control what types of content your children see. You’ll start this process by selecting your Profile icon, regardless of which device you’re using.

Go to the Switch Profiles option, selecting +Kid. If this account lacks a PIN, you’ll need to create one. You’ll add your child’s name and birth date at the next step. After selecting Next, you’ll be able to pick appropriate content ratings for your child. Finally, select Save to ensure your changes are final.

Summary

Parental controls make it easier to keep kids safe while streaming. A combination of controls available with most services, as well as device-specific controls, help provide the safety your child needs when watching their favorites.

Read more about keeping your kids safe with this parents guide to setting up smart tv safely.

If you’re like many college students, you probably buy all of your books brand new the first time around, only to sell them back at the end of the semester or year when you no longer need them. It’s easy to give in to this temptation, but it’s always better to sell your books online rather than just giving them away or throwing them out at the end of the semester.

Here are five reasons why it’s worth your while to sell your used college books instead of letting them gather dust on a shelf in your dorm room!

1) Fast Cash

Selling your used college books is a great way to make some extra cash. You can sell them online, through a bookstore, or even through a private sale. This will save you from the hassle of carrying them around and being charged for every day that they are overdue! Even if you’re not from a family that is really struggling with money as a college student, there’s always something that needs paying for. Plus, it’s never bad to get ahead on saving when possible!

2) Save Space

As a college student, you likely don’t have a lot of extra space in your dorm or apartment. Selling your used college books can clear up some much-needed room. This not only gives you more room for other things, but it also helps lighten the load for move-out day.

3) Save Energy

When you sell your used college books, you help reduce the amount of resources required to print new books. This saves energy and reduces pollution and deforestation. This also helps save natural habitats for animals and increases biodiversity.  You’ll have more space in your dorm room if you get rid of all those old textbooks that take up so much space. Plus, it’s really easy to store them with all the online retailers these days.

4) Avoid Buyer’s Remorse

You may be thinking, do I really need to sell my college books? I mean, I spent good money on them. And I can probably just keep them on my bookshelf and use them as a decoration, right? WRONG. This is an example of what we call buyer’s remorse. The buyer thinks that the seller is better off because they sold their used book for less than it was worth and the buyer ends up paying more than the book is worth! We all know how that feels – it stinks!

5) Get a Return on Your Investment

If you’re like most college students, you’ve probably spent a pretty penny on textbooks over the years. And while you may not be able to get all of your money back, selling your used college books is a great way to recoup some of the costs of your education. This doesn’t just mean that you’ll have more cash in your pocket at the end of the year—you’ll also save yourself time and energy by eliminating many hours spent looking for that one textbook with three problems left in it. Plus, you no longer have to worry about where to sell books; online bookselling websites make it easy to sell them right from home, so you can take care of everything in a matter of minutes!

Conclusion

In conclusion, selling your used college books is a great way to make some extra money. It’s also a great way to declutter your home and get rid of items you no longer need. Plus, it’s a great way to help out other students who may not be able to afford new books. So if you’re looking for a way to make some extra cash, consider selling your used college books!

Educating your Kids on How to Save Energy

A playground is an important part of a child’s life. When we think of a playground, we imagine one that’s packed with kids of different shapes and sizes as well as abilities and physical activity levels. To handle such a broad user base, playgrounds need to introduce appropriate play structures that attract and engage children with different capabilities.

Children of different ages have vastly diverse physical, cognitive, and social skills. As you may imagine, preschoolers will need very different playground equipment than preteens. The guidelines for age-appropriate play equipment are clearly stated in the Consumer Product Safety Commission‘s Handbook on Public Playground Safety. The idea behind separate play equipment is to make the environment more secure, entertaining and stimulating.

What is an Age-Appropriate Playground?

The style of play kids enjoy evolves as they get older. Age-appropriate play activities allow children to better express and enjoy themselves. It also encourages them to push and test their bounds. On the other hand, when children are forced to play with equipment that may be too complex for them, it can result in injuries.

Specialized play equipment providers need to find the perfect balance between fun and safe. There are several factors to consider while selecting appropriate play sets for children of different ages, such as the child’s:

• Size
• Physical ability
• Auditory system
• Mental acuity
• Stimulation of senses
• Balance
• Spatial orientation
• Gustatory system
• Olfactory system
• Proprioceptive development

Benefits of Age-Appropriate Play

By engaging kids of different ages and abilities, age-appropriate playground equipment offer the following benefits:

Physical Health

The NHS recommends that children should have at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily to build their muscles and bones. Thus, children must visit the playground daily and use playground equipment to enhance their fitness and strength. Doing so keeps kids healthy and prevents them from falling sick often.

Challenge

Fear of a complicated piece of equipment may cause children to abandon it, whereas one that provides no challenge becomes less engaging and is finally discarded. It is, therefore, critical to include age-appropriate playground equipment to keep different children interested, while also allowing them to develop their cognitive abilities.

Safety

Playgrounds should be enjoyable, and age-appropriate equipment is crucial for keeping children happy and engaged. A safe playground takes into account the height of the equipment for each child.  What is suitable for a 12-year-old may not be safe for a 2-year-old. Seating and standing heights differ for toddlers, pre-toddlers, and school-age children.

Appropriate Playground Equipment by Age Group

When selecting a play structure, one crucial factor is the age range of the children enjoying the equipment. The three age groups for which gear is typically designed are:

6 – 23 Months

Choose equipment that helps toddlers to exercise their new physical independence while they strive to explore their immediate environment with their senses. When picking material, ensure it is lightweight, low to the ground, and within their grasp. The exteriors should be soft, either foam or rubber wrapped. It is important to select equipment that allows them to crawl or move about comfortably.

Suitable playground equipment for children in this age group are:

• Ramps
• Swings with bucket seats
• Slides of low height
• Low crawl tunnels

2 – 5 Years

This preschool-level group is eager to attend and enjoy the play equipment. At this age, children attempt to imitate their elders. The play equipment should be physically challenging, while also being safe in height. Children in this age range begin to learn about playing in social groups. Choose play equipment that will encourage their creativity, while also strengthening their body. Sliding and climbing are popular activities among children in this age group.

Suitable playground equipment for children in this age group are:

• Climbing structures
• Playhouse
• Spring riders
• Ramps

5 – 12 Years

The school-age children are energetic and vibrant. They like more complicated play that provides mental and physical challenges to keep them engaged. Children in the group have learned social skills and are honing their gross and motor abilities, allowing them to incorporate various play equipment into enjoyable activities.

Suitable playground equipment for children in this age group are:

• Spinners
• Merry-go-rounds
• Stairways
• Vertical sliding poles

A playground is an excellent area for children to learn and develop fundamental skills. For their overall development and playground safety, age-appropriate equipment is a must. In addition, the age group of the users should be explicitly stated in the play areas, as the proper equipment is critical in helping children progress physically, cognitively, and socially.

Image Source: https://pinterest.com/pin/562175965956621313/

Related Resources:

Read about age appropriate toddler tables and chairs.