How do I make things work for my kids in a wired world?
How much is too much? What about monitoring kids on Facebook? How early should kids be online? Do other ‘kid things’ get short-changed? Like reading, outings, family time?
Or can it all mesh seamlessly with a little oversight? Can electronic media amplify life instead of drowning it out?
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The questions just keep coming, and we’d like to share yours, on Laguna Beach Patch Moms Talk. If you have some questions or answers, let us know. Sometimes one solution or perspective can be the answer another parent needs.
The issues are as numerous as the devices: school involvement, harmony at home, safety, privacy, ability to analyze information, instant response, and ‘round the clock’ access.
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Do your child’s classes generate the same enthusiasm that his after-class electronic world triggers? Is there a balance with sports, friends, family trips?
Consider how much time you spend online, and how much time your kids spend. Talk with them about what can happen in the same way that you might talk about skateboard rules, classes, or other day-to-day issues. Keeping the doors open for talking can be invaluable. For me, talking and sharing funny stuff with my kids made life work.
Extra resources help too. Rewired by Larry D. Rosen, Ph.D., covers a lot of the bases with chapters on “Multi-Tasking Madness,” “Real Life or Screen Life,” and “Tapping into a Very Creative Generation of Students.”
Toss in a few real diversions, too. The Youth Theatre offers classes for ages 6 to 18. The Ocean Institute in Dana Point has classes and youth programs. The welcomes volunteers.
gives students a 20% discount and has a big arts and crafts section for kids. The has geology, birding and fitness hikes this month. The offers lessons, personal trainers and equipment. Or your kids might choose chess, music lessons, photography, a special library program, or a new pet ...
Meals at our house are sometimes great, sometimes not. Suggestions?
Ruts are easy to get into when the meals just keep happening and there’s always more to do. Or when your kids are very small and energy is at a premium.
Quick-to-fix or carry-out specials also happen when it’s late, and family happenings keep popping up. Tell us how you create really good dinners, even when your energy is lagging.
Tell us about the sites that you use for recipes, shopping for toddlers or teens, and free samples.
Recently Maya Moya told us about a site for babies with free baby products and formula, Baby Landing. When I get into a menu rut, Epicurious inspires me every time.
Shopping Farmer’s Markets for grapes, strawberries and nuts can trump processed chips and dips. Good stuff like smoothies, fruit juices, teas and Greek yogurt can become habits if they're up front in the fridge. Comfort foods can show up with less fat with lean ground turkey for meatballs, or veggies for pizza and lasagna.
My favorite is the new version of the classic oatmeal cookie recipe. Now it skips the butter, sugar and whole eggs and uses brown sugar, applesauce, dried cranberries and egg whites. Adding a little dark chocolate works, too. I find they disappear as quickly as the originals.
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