Category: Parenting

The digital landscape offers a wealth of knowledge and challenges. As a parent, you’re responsible for ensuring your children discern the real from the fake. Arming them with the right tools to challenge online misinformation is more crucial than ever. Here are some actionable ways to help guide your children.

1.  Teach Them to Question Everything

Teaching kids to be discerning online readers starts with fostering a questioning mindset.

Encourage them to probe deeper when they encounter new information. Rather than taking everything they read as the truth, they should challenge it.

Ask them to consider, “Is this information up to date? Can I trust this source? Who wrote this and why did they write it?” This approach aligns with the C.R.A.P. (Currency, Reliability, Authority and Perspective) Detection Test — a straightforward method to assess online content’s credibility.

2.  Instruct How to Spot Fake Social Media Accounts

Misinformation often finds its way to you through deceptive social media accounts, so teach your children to differentiate genuine profiles from fake ones. Tell them to examine profile pictures closely. A generic or stock image might be a sign of a fake account.

Next, encourage them to look at the account’s follower count in relation to its age. A user that’s only been active for a short time but boasts a large following can be suspicious.

Additionally, the content of the posts matters. Advise your children to read through several posts to determine if they seem genuine or are merely reposting sensational or controversial content without original thoughts. It’s also beneficial to check if the account interacts genuinely with followers, or if the comments seem automated or irrelevant.

3.  Encourage Lateral Reading

Lateral reading involves actively seeking out multiple sources to validate or refute the information they come across. Instead of solely relying on one article or video, prompt your children to open new tabs and compare facts from different outlets. Dr. Joel Breakstone — director of the Stanford History Education Group — champions this method, especially when debunking fake news.

To make this practice a habit, you could set up a family fact-checking challenge. Whoever successfully debunks a piece of misinformation could earn a small reward. This makes the process engaging, and instills a sense of responsibility and skepticism that will serve them well in the digital age.

4.  Train Them Look for Red Flags

When it comes to misinformation, the devil is often in the details. Take a lesson from the world of financial scams. Specific red flags can tip you off to a threat, such as spelling mistakes, public domain email addresses and unsolicited requests for personal information. These warning signs aren’t exclusive to financial scams and can be key indicators of fake news online.

How can you translate this into practical advice for your kids? First, teach them to scrutinize the language used in articles or social media posts or videos on platforms such as YouTube. If they read something online, tell them to look at the account that posted it. An account with no profile picture or description could be a scammer or a bot spreading misinformation. On social media, kids may receive private messages from accounts like this asking for personal information to enter a giveaway or saying they need to click a link.

Misinformation can come from any source, however. On social media, it’s common for news stories or popular trends to go viral without any verification. Advises your kids to be careful about repeating stories they hear online or trying popular trends that could impact their health. Tell them not to take advice from someone online who is not a professional.

5.  Show How to Verify Information

Encourage your kids to adopt a mindset of healthy skepticism. This means questioning the information they encounter while remaining open to discovering the truth. It’s a delicate balance but an essential one.

Drill the importance of not taking any information at face value into your children, especially from social media or unfamiliar websites. Show them how to use reputable fact-checking websites like Snopes or FactCheck.org to confirm the validity of a news story or viral post. Also, teach them to consult multiple trusted sources for any information.

For example, if they read a news article making a significant claim, they should cross-reference it with other reputable outlets. This practice helps confirm the information and provides a more nuanced understanding of the topic.

6.  Discuss Real-World Examples

When teaching your kids about misinformation, real-world examples prove invaluable. Instead of relying on hypothetical scenarios, turn to the digital content they interact with daily. Whether it’s a trending game, a viral TikTok video or a popular Instagram post, these platforms offer rich material for discussion. Encourage your kids to break down what they see and hear.

For instance, if they encounter a captivating YouTube video, prompt them to summarize its main points. Then, delve deeper by discussing the creator’s intentions. Was the video made to inform, entertain or persuade? Analyzing actual content helps children sharpen their critical-thinking skills and learn to discern the underlying motives in the vast sea of online information.

Equip Your Kids With Skills to Combat Misinformation

Don’t just warn your kids about the pitfalls of misinformation. Give them the tools to confront it head-on. Remember — a well-informed child doesn’t just passively consume information. They actively engage with it, question it and understand its impact. Start teaching your kids how to be savvy digital citizens today because an educated mind is the most effective weapon against misinformation.

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.

Seeing the need of the hour, the United Nations (UN) made a universal call to transform the world in the form of 17 sustainable development goals. This 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aims to protect the earth and its inhabitants.

The current situation is still dire. Scientists and environmentalists believe that our precious world is “quite sick” due to ecological pollution. It has entered the danger zone, pushing past seven out of eight scientifically established limits of safety.

The massive shift from an agrarian to a manufacturing economy during the Great Industrial Revolution has impacted the environment. With climate change being a heated topic, every citizen must join hands to reverse the problem.

This includes children, as Harvard University explicitly conveys through its ‘Children are Citizens’ project. However, we need to make environmental concerns relatable to them.

It is not enough that your child learns about environmental issues in their eco-education classroom. They need to engage in real-world participation through their parents. Generally, a child is an observational learner, picking up behaviors through imitation. Since parents spend more time with their kids than other adults, they can directly influence them toward a greener future.

This article will discuss five important reflexes to inculcate in your child so they become an ecologically responsible citizen.

The Daily Economic Reflex: Saving Electricity and Water

According to the US Energy Information Administration, fossil fuel accounts for the largest energy generation source (60.2%). At this rate, the day is not far when our non-renewable energy sources will run out.

What’s even worse is that the US also leads in energy wastage (with electricity wastage being the second leading cause). In an age of heavy tech use, it’s vital to teach your child to conserve electricity (beyond switching off the lights).

You can start by cutting down your own screen time and engaging in fun board games. Teach your child why you choose to do so and encourage them to follow suit. Also, instruct them to unplug a device once completely charged.

You can even turn it into a fun game – ask your kids to compete against each other for the shortest screen time. The same goes for water conservation – who takes the least time to shower? Additionally, let them know the importance of watering plants with water left from washing vegetables, not letting the tap run as they brush their teeth, and so on.

The Must-Have Reflex: Reducing Waste

The three Rs of saving the planet may have become cliché, but they’ll never lose their relevance. The process of ‘Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle’ begins with minimizing waste. It is the easiest to do as there’s no need to reuse or recycle what you reduce.

Let’s use a different take to understand the waste generation scenario of the US. Statista revealed that the US waste management and remediation services market had a net worth of $140 billion in 2022. That is almost double the figures of 2010 ($78.82 billion).

This alone should give you an idea of how urgent the need for waste reduction is. But how can you teach this to your kids? Definitely not through statistics! You can start by letting them see the mountain of trash in a local landfill. As repulsive as that sounds, a strong mental image is a good motivator.

Moreover, let your kids accompany you for grocery shopping to teach them about intentional purchases. This includes preparing a grocery list and sticking to it. Choose fruits and vegetables in reusable bags rather than those available in plastic boxes. Additionally, take the opportunity to educate your children about environmental sustainability by discussing topics such as what is fast fashion and its impact on the planet.

If you’re tempted to buy something impulsively, resist the urge and let your kids know why you won’t need it.

The Solidarity Reflex: Donating Items 

The next on the environmental Rs hierarchy is reusing waste materials. This is a method of keeping waste from ending up in landfills. Reuse works best for items with great longevity and a slow decomposition rate.

The first thing that probably comes to mind is plastic. Does your child already own plastic dolls or other toys they’re bored of? Encourage them to donate unused ones to a local charity. Teach them how so many children are not as privileged as they are. Then, you can introduce them to the world of all-natural dolls and toys.

These include soft toys filled with organic hemp or cotton, bamboo or wooden kitchen sets, wooden cars and animals, etc. The same goes for clothes, as textile production is responsible for 8% of global carbon emissions.

If possible, invest in natural fibers like linen and cotton (while teaching your child why). If you have children only one or two years apart, let the garments go down the pipeline. If a child complains that they’re bored with a piece or there are visible spills and stains, sustainably upcycle it.

Some examples include tie-dye, adding or removing sleeves, patchwork, etc. Get your kids involved in the fun process!

The Eco-Conscious Reflex: Recycling What’s Recyclable

Despite reducing and reusing waste, there are times when you must resort to recycling. Providing your child with whatever they want, whenever they want, gives them the impression that resources are limitless.

Making recycling info for children available in relatable ways will help them lead conscientious lives. Start with something simple, say, waste cans or plastic bottles. Gather your kids and engage in a fun DIY project where you convert the waste into beautiful planters.

This will help them realize the multi-purpose of any object and awaken their inner crafters. Other examples of recycled projects include egg carton flowers, a recycled robot, tin can wind chimes, cardboard box organizers, etc.

Install different trash cans in your home for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. This will spark your child’s curiosity to learn more about each. If you want, invite your kids to help decorate each bin to segregate the waste.

Follow in the footsteps of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to pack your kids a waste-free lunch. You can also take them on a recycling scavenger hunt where they find items to turn into glamorous art projects. Have competitive children? Make this hunt a race!

The Green Reflex: Loving and Respecting Nature

It’s challenging to raise an eco-conscious child if they have little respect for nature. Creation, in all its glory, is healing to the body and mind. This is why it’s vital to let your kids play in the outdoors daily.

Not just play, allow them to hold the soil in their hands and feel its texture. Also, let them enjoy a few splashes in muddy waters. If they loved playing with leaves and flowers, let them bring home a few to play with later.

Teach kids that everything is connected.  The use of non-toxic products in the home greatly protects the environment outside, from time any product is created and manufactured in a production plant, to when they are disposed of down the sink or toilet drain, or into a landfill.

Sadly, an entire generation is apathetic or worse yet, scared of nature. There was a time when kids enjoyed holding bugs in their hands and chasing after butterflies. But all of this seems to be lost now. Repeated exposure to trees, blades of grass, insects, and farm animals will instill a deep sense of reverence for creation.

Furthermore, you can install a bird feeder on one of the trees in the backyard (preferably made using “waste” materials). Plant an herb or vegetable garden, and let your children take part in the process. Watching life grow from tiny seeds is nothing short of a life-altering experience.

On lazy days, just spend time on the patio gazing together at the sunset or watching birds chirp. This is sure to raise some curious questions from your little ones. The more you make nature a part of their childhood, the more they will love and revere it as adults.

A Final Word

Besides the reflexes mentioned above, you must also infuse the healthy reflex into your children. This includes choosing seasonal and organic produce as well as traveling smart. For instance – lead by example and make intentional statements while eating. It could be as simple as, “These strawberries are sweet, delicious, and good for the immune system.”

Help them understand nutrient labels, read books on healthy eating, and have fun with food by introducing healthy rainbow recipes. As for traveling, choose to walk or bicycle wherever possible and explain to your kids the reason behind this choice.

Allow them to accompany you to a run in the woods for exercise and forest bathing. Do not worry about the fact that they’re children. Every child is capable of making healthy and sustainable choices when given the right example.

Reverse socialization, where children help parents to make sustainable choices, is also a real phenomenon. Raise them right, and you don’t have to worry about them going wrong!

Additional Reading: Learn whether or not you can recycle or repurpose a mattress.

Halloween can be fun for children, especially when they go trick-or-treating. But this activity can expose them to potential dangers, especially if they don’t know what they should and shouldn’t do when they are out there. You can keep them safe with these five trick-or-treating safety rules to teach your kids.

Wear or Carry Reflective Items

When your kids go out in search of candy on Halloween night, it can get dark fast. Nighttime can make it harder for drivers to see trick-or-treaters, which can result in a dangerous accident occurring.

However, your kids can avoid these accidents if you teach them to wear or carry reflective items while out and about. This can be something as simple as bringing a flashlight with them or putting reflective tape on their outfits or candy bags. That will allow drivers to see them better and drive more safely.

Cross the Road Safely

Some kids may feel tempted to jaywalk so that they can hurry to a house across the road and get more candy. Unfortunately, this can be risky and put them in harm’s way. You can prevent this from happening by taking your time to show your kids how important it is to cross the road safely.

Make sure they know that they should go to the crosswalk and look both ways before they go to the other side. This caution will help them stay safer. You should even consider teaching your children other essential road rules before Halloween night.

Travel in Groups

Going trick-or-treating with many people is another good safety rule to teach your kid. Even if your child is old enough to go trick-or-treating without parental supervision, ensure they do it with their friends. Tell them to stay with their buddies, avoid lagging behind, and stay away from strangers.

Maintain Clear Vision

When going over fun Halloween costume ideas with your kids, make sure they pick one that keeps them safe. For example, if your child plans to wear a mask while trick-or-treating, ensure that they can see out of it before they go trick-or-treating. Otherwise, your kid may trip and hurt themselves due to impaired vision.

If they wear face paint instead of a mask, they can avoid having their vision impaired altogether. Now, you won’t have to worry about them having an accident.

Check the Candy

When your child comes back from trick-or-treating, they may want to immediately dig into their haul. Remind them that they should carefully examine their snacks first before they indulge.

This caution will prevent them from consuming anything that experienced any tampering before it reached their candy bags. Throwing away homemade snacks is also a good idea since it will eliminate the risk of them eating something that may make them ill.

When your child knows these rules, they will have a much safer Halloween adventure. Plus, you will have peace of mind while they stay careful and have a good time.

Choosing a school for your child can be one of the most important decisions you make as a parent. It can all become overwhelming, from public to private, charter to magnet. But considering what kind of educational investment is best for your family and your child’s future takes extensive research as you consider the multiple options available.

Before making such an important decision, review this post and consider a few factors when selecting where your child will attend school.

1. Research the Schools in Your Area

Start by gathering data on the schools in your proximity. Look for their performance metrics, typically found on school or district websites or through state Department of Education portals. These metrics usually include standardized test scores, graduation rates, and teacher qualifications. However, remember that these statistics only paint part of the picture.

The next step is to delve into the qualitative aspects of each school. If possible, arrange to visit the schools to get a firsthand feel of the learning environment. If you live in Maryland, check out the best elementary schools in Maryland according to Niche. Talk to parents, students, and teachers from the schools you are considering to understand each school’s academic focus and culture. This will provide insights into each school’s culture, ethos, and community, which is equally important to academic performance.

2. Consider Budget Constraints

Private schools, while often offering a rich array of resources and smaller class sizes, can be quite expensive. It is essential to consider the costs – tuition, uniforms, transportation, extracurriculars, etc. – align with your family’s financial resources. Additionally, inquire about the available financial aid or scholarship programs, as these can significantly offset the cost.

On the other hand, public schools, funded by local taxes, do not have any tuition fees. However, additional costs for specific programs, sports, clubs, and school supplies might exist. Some public schools might also have donation requests to supplement their funding. Understanding these potential extra costs is recommended when considering public schools fully.

3. Assess the Specialty Programs

Schools often offer specialty programs to enrich your child’s education and interests. Research advanced academic programs like Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or gifted and talented programs. These can provide challenges for students who need an accelerated curriculum and enhance college applications.

Also, consider extracurricular activities and clubs that cater to your child’s passions. This may include sports teams, music and art programs, drama clubs, debate teams, robotics clubs, or foreign language programs. Participation in these activities helps develop leadership skills, teamwork, and confidence. Choose a school that aligns with your child’s interests and ambitions.

4. Investigate Transportation Options

Transportation can be a major factor in the school selection process. If the school is close enough to your home for your child to walk safely, this could save money and time spent on car rides or bus trips. If not, consider whether good bus or train routes are available and if those suit your family’s needs.

Additionally, some schools offer bus services that can be an appealing, convenient option for parents. Ensure the transportation system is safe and reliable, and inquire about its availability and cost before deciding.

5. Check for Aftercare Programs

If you have to rush off to work after dropping your child off at school in the morning, or if you need some extra help with childcare after school hours, an aftercare program can be enormously helpful. Inquire whether the school provides such a program; if it does, determine the cost and availability of spots.

It is vital to determine if there are any rules regarding aftercare activities – are children allowed to participate in sports or clubs during this time? Also, ensure your child will feel safe in the aftercare environment, as you may not be able to pick them up right away.

6. Consider Your Child’s Uniqueness

Each child has unique strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and interests. When choosing a school, finding an environment that supports your child’s individuality and matches their learning style is advised. For example, if your child is a visual or kinesthetic learner, a school that emphasizes hands-on learning or incorporates interactive visual media may be a better fit.

Consider your child’s social needs, too. Some children thrive in larger, bustling environments, while others prefer smaller, quieter settings. If your child has special needs or learning difficulties, ensure the school has adequate resources and trained staff to provide necessary support. Remember, the goal is to cultivate a love of learning in your child, and that’s more likely when their uniqueness is acknowledged and celebrated.

Finding the right school for your child is a big decision that can have long-lasting consequences. It’s essential to consider all aspects of the school, from academic performance metrics to extracurricular activities and social environment. Carefully weigh these considerations against budget constraints and transportation options while assessing your child’s needs. With the right research and due diligence, you can find a school that perfectly fits your family.