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Cutting Grocery Costs without Cutting Nutrition
Simple, healthy, and affordable ways to weather the rising price of food
Karen Collins, R.D., American Institute of Cancer Research
Grocery prices are projected to increase again in 2008 – that’s following 2007’s highest annual increase in 17 years. But surviving these tough economic times doesn’t have to mean sacrificing good nutrition. Some simple strategies can help you cut food costs and eat more healthfully, too.
read more...
8 Ways to Connect with Your Teenager
By Sandra Magsamen
...Hug, sing, dance and tell your child you love them. Even if your teen acts as if they can't stand it, she promises you it's something they love and need. Use these other suggestions as ways to connect with your teenager...
read more...
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
by Jeff Kinney
It’s summer vacation, the weather’s great, and all the kids are having fun outside. So where’s Greg Heffley? Inside his house, playing video games with the shades drawn...
Make the most of your weekend
by Charlotte Latvala
• Too much free time can be just as nerve-racking as an overload of scheduled events
• If you run errands over the weekend, make them enjoyable with silly games
• Put your children to sleep at their weekday bedtime
• Have a sitter take the kids while you enjoy an afternoon alone in your own home
read more...
It’s playtime! The best of big outdoor toys
Get active! These fun toys will appeal to both parents and kids this summer
by Stephanie Oppenheim - TODAYShow.com contributor
What was your family’s favorite summertime game? For my less-than-athletic family, it was badminton. While we probably weren’t very good at it, I can still hear the laughter and it remains one of those happy “every summer” childhood memories.
read more...
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Single Moms - find here resources on financial aid, scholarships, help with basic needs, food, prescription drugs, health care, housing, legal info, and much more...
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CyberTipline®
If any of the of these happen to you or a friend, tell an adult you
trust and report it to the
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's CyberTipline:
• Anyone you don't know who asks you for personal
information, photos or videos.
• Unsolicited obscene material from people or
companies you don't know.
• Misleading URLs on the Internet that point you to
sites containing harmful materials rather than what you were looking for.
• Anyone who wants to send you photos or videos
containing obscene content of individuals 18 and younger. (The possession,
manufacturing, or distributing of child pornography is illegal.)
• Online enticement for offline sexual activities.
(No one should be making sexual invitations to you online – and it’s an
especially serious crime for adults to do it.)
Listing of Top Online Schools
The Danger
Millions of teenagers go online every day, and most are safe. The way to stay
safer is to understand the dangers and follow some simple rules to help you
steer clear of trouble. By following these rules you’ll minimize the risks and
have more fun.
Sharing and Posting Personal Information Online
Webcams, microphones, and digital cameras allow you to post videos, photos, and
audio files online and engage in video conversations.
Webcam sessions and photos can be easily captured, and users can continue to
circulate those images online. In some cases people believed they were
interacting with trusted friends but later found their images were distributed
to others or posted on web sites
Caution:
• Use webcams or post photos online only with your
parents' and guardians' knowledge and supervision.
• Ask yourself if you would be embarrassed if your
friends or family saw the pictures or video you post online. If the answer is
yes, then you need to stop.
• Be aware of what is in the camera’s field of vision
and remember to turn the camera off when it is not in use.
• Be careful about posting identity-revealing or
sexually provocative photos.
Don’t post photos of others — even your friends — without permission from your
friends’ parents or guardians. Remember - once such images are posted you give
up control of them and you can never get them back.
On The Web
When you visit web sites you can read newspapers, tour museums, check out
libraries, visit distant lands, play games, look at pictures, shop, or do
research to help you with your homework. There are millions of web sites on just
about every subject imaginable.
Caution
Some web sites ask for information about you. The site may ask for your name,
your mailing address, your E-mail address, and other information before letting
you in. It may ask you to provide information in exchange for sending you a gift
or entering your name in a contest. Never enter any information about yourself
without first checking with your parents or guardians.
When you enter information on a web site or any place on the Internet, you’re
giving up some of your privacy. Your name may wind up in some database, probably
to be used to sell you something now or later. Or it may be used to try to harm
or take advantage of you.
Just because a web site seems to be OK doesn’t mean it necessarily is what it
seems to be. Anyone — including creeps and criminals — can set up their own web
site.
If you download anything from a web site, be extra careful. Some web sites ask
your permission to download a program or “plug-in.” In some cases these programs
can be used to display annoying advertising on your computer. Even worse, they
can invade your privacy by tracking what you’re doing online. They can also
plant viruses or increase your risk of a “hacker attack.” Don’t download
anything unless you’re certain it is from a trustworthy source.
Some teenagers have their own web sites or post information on web sites run by
the school they go to or an organization they belong to. That’s terrific, but if
you do post something on the web, be sure to never include your home address,
telephone number, school name, or photograph. If you do want people to be able
to contact you online, just give a nondescript email address, but make sure you
have your parents’ or guardians’ permission first.
Chatrooms
Chatrooms let you have a conversation with people around the block or around the
world. It’s like being on a party line, only you type instead of talk. Everyone
in the “chatroom” can see everything you type.
Caution
You may want to get together with someone you meet in a chatroom, but remember –
people are not always who they seem to be.
Never give out personal information and never arrange a face-to-face meeting
with someone you first “meet” in a chat room unless your parents or guardians
have said it’s OK. Even then you need to follow the precautions in “Do Not Meet
in Person.”
Stay away from chat rooms that get into subjects associated with sex or cults or
groups that do potentially dangerous things. It may seem interesting or fun, but
some people may take you seriously or try to convince you to do something you
don’t want to do. Be particularly suspicious of anyone who tries to turn you
against your parents, guardians, teachers, or friends.
On some services and web sites you can enter into a private chat area. Once
there you can arrange to meet people. In some cases those rooms are truly
private, but in other cases they may be listed in a directory of rooms. If so,
there is nothing to stop others from entering those rooms. So be extra careful
in these rooms, or avoid them altogether.
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging (IM) is an easy way to stay in touch without having to wait
for an E-mail response. You type a message and click “send.” That message
instantly appears on another person’s screen wherever he or she happens to be.
You can exchange instant messages on computers and cell phones or between
computers and cell phones or any other Internet-connected devices.
As great as it is, IM can be dangerous. Like chat rooms, you need to be careful
about whom you IM with and what you type. Never give out any personal
information in an instant message unless you are 100 percent sure of who is
receiving the IM and your parents or guardians have given you permission to do
so. Some instant message services make it possible to exchange messages with
several people at once — just like a chatroom. So make sure you know everyone on
your IM list.
Caution
BBe sure you know who is receiving the IMs you send. Even if you do know the
recipients, anything you type can be forwarded to other people. There is no way
to “take back” something once you send it. Be careful about using video or
digital cameras and sending images of yourself during an IM session. Remember,
you don’t have to respond to any messages especially if they are rude, annoying,
or make you feel uncomfortable.
eMail
Each E-mail message you send and receive contains a return address. Many people
don’t realize the return address can be fake. So, just because you get a message
from “grandma@cottage.com” doesn’t mean it’s really from grandma. It may really
be from wolf@bigfangs.com.
E-mail also contains a “header.” Headers provide more information about who sent
the message and where it came from. Understanding the header information can be
difficult, but if you ever receive an E-mail message that doesn’t make sense; is
threatening; or contains things that make you feel scared, uncomfortable, or
confused, you should report it to your Internet service provider and ask them to
investigate where it came from. You can easily find that address on the
service’s main web page (www.servicename.com). When in doubt report the message
to webmaster@servicename.com (substitute the name of your service for “servicename.”)
If you think any information you receive is illegal, you should report it to the
CyberTipline® at
www.cybertipline.com or call 1-800-843-5678. Illegal
material includes threats to your life or safety, threats to others,
pornographic images of children, and evidence of other crimes. NCMEC will refer
this report to the appropriate law-enforcement agency.
Caution
Be careful about replying to E-mail from people you don’t know. Remember, the
sender may not be who he or she seems to be. By replying you are verifying a
valid E-mail address to the sender, and that information can be used to
encourage a person who may send inappropriate messages or put you on even more
E-mail lists. Never send a photograph of yourself or any personal information to
someone you don’t know.
E-mail can easily be copied and forwarded to others. So if you do send personal
information to friends, be sure they will respect your privacy.
Peer-To-Peer Services
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) systems let you exchange files without a web site or other
centralized system. The most famous of these services are used to share music
files. There are plenty of other P2P systems. Some allow you to exchange other
types of files including video, photographs, text documents, and software.
P2P file-sharing systems encourage users who download files to upload them as
well. This may turn your PC into a server that shares your files, which can
place you in legal trouble or possibly allow others to gain access to personal
stuff on your computer. It’s like giving someone you don’t know the opportunity
to know everything about you. It can also cause problems for other computers if
you’re on a business, home, or school network.
Caution
If you use a file-sharing service, be careful about what “permissions” you give
when you set it up. Avoid sharing your own files and say no to any offers to
install extra software. Even then, there is no guarantee you will not experience
problems as a result of having the software on your computer.
Newgroups, Forums, and Bulletin Boards
Newsgroups, sometimes called bulletin boards or forums, are places where you can
read and post messages or download or upload files. Unlike chat rooms, newsgroups
are not live or “real time.” If you post a message it remains on the newsgroup
for people to look at later. In newsgroups you can also post files including
computer programs, illustrations, pictures, and stories.
Caution
The biggest risk is in revealing information about yourself. Whenever you post,
in most cases, your words are available for anyone to see, even if you are
responding to a particular individual’s posting. Remember the basic rules, and
never reveal identifying information about yourself. And posting something
usually makes your E-mail address available to the public.
Social Networking Sites
Social networking sites allow you to express yourself and keep in touch with
friends by exchanging messages or comments and posting personal profiles
describing who you are and your interests, blogs or online diaries, photos,
creative writing, artwork, videos, and music. Instant Messaging (IM) and sharing
online profiles are popular forms of social networking.
Caution
• Never post your personal information, such as your
cell phone number, address, or the name of your school or school team.
• Be aware that information you give out in blogs
could also put you at risk of victimization. People looking to harm you could
use the information you post to identify you or gain your trust. They can also
deceive you by pretending they know you.
• Never give out your password to anyone other than
your parent or guardian.
• Only add people as friends to your site if you know
them in person.
• Never meet in person with anyone you first “met” on
a social networking site. Some people may not be who they say they are.
• Think before posting your photos. Personal photos
should not have revealing information, such as school names or locations. Look
at the backgrounds of the pictures to make sure you are not giving out any
identifying information without realizing it. The name of a mall, the license
plate of your car, signs, or the name of your sports team on your jersey all
contain information that can reveal your location. And never post sexually
provocative photos of yourself or your friends.
• Never respond to harassing or rude comments posted
on your profile. Delete any unwanted messages or friends who continuously leave
inappropriate comments. Report these comments to the networking site or Internet
Service Provider if they violate that site’s terms of service.
• Check the privacy settings of the social networking
sites that you use:
Set privacy so that people can only be added as your friend if you
approve it.
Set privacy so that people can only view your profile if you have
approved them as a friend.
• Remember that posting information about your
friends could put them at risk. Protect your friends by not posting any names,
passwords, ages, phone numbers, school names, or locations. Refrain from making
or posting plans and activities on your site.
• Always remember what you post online is not
private. Parents, teachers, coaches, employers, and admissions officers may go
online and find out things about you – from your profile, or from someone
else’s. Some teens have lost jobs, admission offers, and scholarships because of
information posted online.
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Top 8 Tips for Reducing Kids Screen Time This Summer
Reducing time spent in front of televisions and computers is one of the easiest ways to improve your family's health. Here are eight simple ways to limit screen time so you can help crank up your kids’ energy, re-charge their minds, and improve their health.
read more...
What would you change?
Weekly Column, by Annette Bridges
Change -- some people dread it, and others can’t get enough. It may be much like the idiom, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” When it comes to what we would alter or why we would make a modification, the answers vary because we all have different things we value, want, need and consider important.
read more...
Being a Role Model
by Laurie Cesario-Overton
If I had to choose one sentence that would best describe what I feel parents need to learn, it would be this: Be your child's BEST ROLE MODEL in all the ways that truly count. Be your child's HERO. Whatever you do, do it for all the right reasons.
read more...
How to Find the Best Car Loans for Single Moms
Financial Advice for Single Moms
The best car loans for single mothers might be just around the corner at your local car lot.
read more...
3 Money Rules for Stay-at-Home Moms
As we all know, life is unpredictable. We lose jobs, get divorced and even become widowed...
Here are three steps stay-at-home parents should take to better manage their own and the family’s finances.
read more...
You May Have Too Much Debt But You Also Have Options
How Life Works
If you feel like you're in over your head with personal debt, you're not alone. Millions of Americans have become overextended, many as a result of easy credit and the recessions. Credit cards, medical bills, personal loans and raising interest rates do not make a good financial mix.
read more...
Could fat babies mean fat toddlers?
A new study from Harvard Medical School found that babies who gained weight quickly had a sharply higher risk of obesity. The study followed close to 600 babies and found those in the top quarter of weight for their length at 6 months had a 40 percent higher risk of obesity by age 3 than smaller babies.
read more...
Crystal Bowersox - A Single Mom And A Real American Idol
Read how the amazing Crystal Bowersox. the runner-up of American Idol Season 9, handles fame and life as a single mom, raising her 17 month old son.
read more...
5 Ways for Single Moms to Save Money
Single moms are always looking for ways to save money, and for good reason... It’s important to find ways to cut corners on the little things that perhaps you don’t think about too often, because those are usually where your biggest money drains are.
read more
Suze Orman's Recession Rescue Plan - helps you survive in times of financial crisis
OPRAH.com
Do you know what your family would do if you lost your job - or worse, your home? Financial expert Suze Orman is ready to help you devise a recession rescue plan to survive - and possibly thrive - during this deepening financial crisis...
read more...
Your Just-in-Case Emergency Plan
by RealSimple
Who do you call if you can't make it home in time to meet the kids' bus? Who do
you trust to take in your mail when you're on vacation? Who do you trust with
the extra set of keys to your house?
read more...
How to save $10,000
By Liz Pulliam Weston
If you were hoping for a list of small tweaks you could make in your spending to save $10,000 a year, sorry.
The reality is that $10,000 is a lot of money. And saving big money usually means making big changes in the areas where we spend the most, such as: Housing, Transportation, Food.
read more...
The Super, Sexy, Single Mom on a Budget
by Renee Rayles
A quick reference guide designed for the busy, single mom who has
little time to read while running the mom taxi, cooking dinner, helping with homework, and trying to fit in a date night every now and then.
read more...
Single Mothers &
Male Role-Models / Mentors
Single mothers carry an enormous load of responsibility, especially those having sole and/or primary custody of minor children. They nourish, they nurture, they teach, they discipline, they shelter, they protect, and they provide… all without the assistance of another equally-invested adult.
read more...
Mom's Obesity Raises Newborn's Heart Risk
from the National Institute of Health
The more obese a woman is when she becomes pregnant, the greater the likelihood that her newborn baby will have a congenital heart defect, a new study suggests. The finding raises concerns because 1 in 5 women are obese at the start of pregnancy in the United States.
read more...
The 10-Ingredient Shopping Trip
By Tara Parker-Pope and Mark Bittman
... In his latest “How to Cook Everything” segment on the Today Show, New York Times food writer Mark Bittman makes it surprisingly easy to cook a week’s worth of dinners with just a 10-ingredient shopping trip.
read more...
Your 5-minute guide to protecting your identity
20 steps to protect yourself from identity theft, and seven ways to clean up things if you become a victim.
read more...
TheOnlineMom.com offers parents and consumers a guide to the top-rated, age-appropriate, kid-tested and parent-approved tech toys and gifts.
read more...
Single Moms in the News
6 Best Celebrity Single Moms
Read about Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock, Michelle Williams, Reese Witherspoon, Kimora Lee Simmons, Mary-Louise Parker... read more
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw
by Jeff Kinney
For those wondering why tween boys don’t read very much, the answer is that more books aren’t like this...
read more...
What they play: Kids and video games
Parents, are you left in the dark? Arm yourself with these three tips
by John Davison, WhatTheyPlay.com
Call it a generation gap or a digital divide, if you're a parent who is a little clueless about what video games are appropriate for your child, you are not alone. John Davison, one of the founders of What They Play, offers tips that help take the mystery out of the video games your children are playing.
read more...
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