So let’s say your grandchildren are coming to your house for a visit. They might want to “play” on your computer. Whoa! Wait! Is it secure? What if they inadvertently download a virus or delete a file? Is it safe? What if they accidentally land on a webpage on “the dark side” of the Internet? How can you keep your grandkids safe online?

Are you worried that your grandkids may accidently see something online that would be harmful to them?

Have you set up a safe environment for your grandchildren?

There are two concerns here. 1. Protecting your computer: keeping your hardware, software, files, documents, and bookmarks secure. 2. Protecting your grandkids: creating a safe environment for them that prevents them from accessing inappropriate content on Internet websites.

So let’s discuss some of these potential problems here in part one of this article. Then in part two, we will outline a plan — what you can do to protect your computer and your grandchildren, and alleviate your concerns.

Do you realize if it weren’t for Edison we’d be watching TV by candlelight?  ~Al Boliska

The Internet is a wonderful place for children to explore — lot’s of interesting sites, interactive games and activities, educational resources, etc. But like the real world, there are places on the Internet that are inappropriate for children. You’ve probably heard and thought about potential dangers for kids online. So, when your grandchildren come to visit, your computer needs to be safe. How do we help our grandkids get the most of this virtual cyberspace, while keeping them safe in it?

Over the years, I have personally used various techniques for protecting my computers and my children, and now my grandchildren. Since threats change with new technologies and modern computers, I have had to stay on top of the solutions. But the basic problems are always the same: bad people trying to do bad things to me and my family and to my computers. The basic solutions remain the same also: keep ahead of the bad guys. Install a shield between you and your computers, and the bad guys.

Now, I’m not trying to be paranoid. It’s like locking your front door at night. You don’t have to obsess over all the potential evil out there. You just lock it to be safe, and you don’t worry about it.

Throughout history, parents and grandparents have been concerned for the safety of their children and teenagers. It seems even more challenging the ever with new types of media and gadgets — radio, TV, music, computers, the Internet, mobile phones, iPods, iPhone…. But we can’t follow children everywhere, holding an umbrella over their heads. We need to teach them how to avoid the dangers in the world.

There are certain activities on the Internet that some adults participate in that are not appropriate for children, and other areas that are suitable for some children and not for others.

Pornography — there is sexually-explicit material on the Internet that it is not appropriate for children to view it or seek it out. And search engine results for innocent topics may occasionally include links to inappropriate websites. Email can be a potential problem, with sexually-explicit spam.

Sexual predators try to disguise themselves as a young person in order to befriend and attract children.

Don’t despair! Even though there are potential dangers on the Internet, it is fairly easy to create a secure environment for your family. In part two, you will find steps you can follow to help ensure that your grandchildren have a positive experience online.

- Shayne

Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.

We’d like to hear from you. What things do you do to keep your computer safe for children?

A few weeks ago, I wrote about my trip to visit two of my young grandsons. I had planned to stay one week, but we had such a wonderful time together, I stayed an extra week. As you may recall, I wrote about my plan to give the boys “Grandpa bucks” as a positive reinforcement. Well, I did it, and I’m telling you, it worked really well! Talk about motivating children!

I had originally come up with the idea when my children were young. When we would go to our extended family reunions and camp outs, we wanted a way to encourage all of the kids to pitch in, help out, eat up, and chow down. (A bit of child psychology.) So I printed lots of small play money before the reunions. They had a picture of my dad on it, and wrote “One Packer Buck”. Each day, all of the adults would hand out a Packer buck to any young’un that they wanted to reward for good behavior of any kind. Then every afternoon around snack time, we’d open up the “Packer Store”. We cover a table with all kinds of healthy snacks. (Well, maybe there were a few mini-sized candy bars and licorice.) We’d also have some inexpensive stuff from the dollar store: toys, crafts, etc. The kids all enjoyed earning and spending Packer Bucks.

Do you know why grandchildren are always so full of energy? They suck it out of their grandparents. ~Gene Perret

So during my recent visit, I thought of how hyper and cranky 3 and 6 year old boys can get sometimes. I know yelling at them doesn’t work. Besides, Grammy Tanda taught me by her example that a grandparent’s job is to give love, hugs, and positive encouragement; to be a cheerleader and a talent scout.

I remembered how successful the Packer bucks were. So the first thing my daughter and I did was stop by the dollar store and pick up some play money and toys. We also got some snacks. Then when we got to their house, I borrowed a “treasure chest” to stash the loot. Then everyday I would be on the lookout for reasons to reward them with Grandpa Bucks. The kids loved it!

I think this is a fun way to encourage grandchildren, and I highly recommend it. Try it! Here are a few suggestions for you. First, explain to the kids how the program works. Also let them know about some of the “surprises” you have in your “cache of goodies”. Each time you open up your “store”, first ask them to count how many grandpa/grandma bucks they have. This will give you an idea of how much to reward them. Then show them the stuff you have available. You can charge any amount you want per item, depending on how well they did and how cool the item is they want. If they want too much (and they probably will the first time), tell them they can earn some more bucks for tomorrow. Most of all, just have fun!

Reasons to give a buck:

• when kids need positive encouragement
• good behavior of any kind
• when they “choose the right”
• positive reinforcement
• putting away their toys
• picking up their clothes off the floor
• putting dirty clothes in the hamper
• doing something right without being asked
• eating their veggies
• not hitting or calling names when they get upset

Stuff to stock your store with:

• arts supplies
• crafts
• stuff for a hobby of theirs
• items to add to a collection they have
• toys
• cool flashlights that blink colors
• coloring books
• crayons or non-permanent markers
• regular pencils and colored pencils
• watercolors
• games
• healthy snacks
• fruit
• sugar free gum
• ingredients for s’mores
• junk food (just kidding)
• sports: soft baseballs and footballs

What do you think? Any other ideas come to mind that you could use as a reason to reward your grandchildren? What stuff would you stock your store with?

Have fun! Shayne

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Photo by kreg.steppe

Hi. Grammy Tanda here. I love being a grandparent. I just wish that my grandchildren lived closer. A curse of our modern culture I guess. I often long for the Norman Rockwell days of having the grandkids down the block and spending lazy summer afternoons on the porch playing with them. So much for fantasy. So how does a long distance grandparent keep in touch and have a close relationship with those precious grandchildren? One way I keep in touch with grandchildren are weekly phone calls. Even the youngest smile when they hear grandpa’s or grandma’s voice. Each grandchild’s age has its own unique challenges, but the important thing is just do it! One of the challenges in our high tech, multitasking world is to keep the grandchild’s attention. The following are some of the best suggestions we have tried and received from other grandparents.

1. Make it a routine. Kids love routines, knowing things are predictable, and that they can count on a call from grandpa or grandma each week. This also allows you to build a personal relationship with each grandchild. If possible, set up a standing date to call at a certain time every day or certain days depending on your schedules. It’s something the kids can look forward to.

2. Have a few knock knock jokes ready to tell each time you call. And ask them to tell you a joke. Take turns.

3. Make up funny stories like mad libs (word game) together, or make up stories with your grandchild as the main character. My kids always like making up stories over the telephone with their grandparents. Usually they need some help getting started, but then they like adding details to the story (like what color the super-hero is wearing, etc.). It’s a special treat when they get a call at bed time and can make up a bedtime story together. You’ll find your grandkids have great imaginations and you’ll learn a lot about how they see their world. Great fun!

4. I love to sing silly songs to the grandkids. I begin when they’re born. These songs become favorite memories. So when I call, we often sing their favorite songs. Sometimes they sing with me; other times they just want to listen. But it always seems to bridge the miles and remind us of our favorite times together.

5. We absolutely love talking with and seeing our grandchildren on our videophone. They loved showing off, doing somersaults and being silly. The videophone is so fun and you don’t even need a computer. It’s just like the Jetsons. Live video and audio. Another service is Skype, which is a carrier that shows your picture with your voice on your computer. You can talk to anyone in the world who also has skype for free. The ultimate video chat experience is iChat, an easy-to-use, full-featured communications program that comes free on the Macintosh. Video chatting is the next best thing to having grandma in a rocking chair on the porch to talk to any time you need her!

Everyone needs to have access both to grandparents and grandchildren in order to be a full human being. ~Margaret Mead

Grandparenthood is the best. It is kind of like the teenage years all over again. We get all of the fun and none of the responsibility. One of the blessings though, is the opportunity to connect and enjoy those wonderful grandkids. Don’t let miles keep you from the close relationship you’ve always dreamed of. Try a weekly phone call; and share you experiences and tips with the rest of us.

What things do you enjoying talking about with your grandchildren? What other suggestions do you have to keep their attention?

Grammy Tanda