|
|
The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter
Feature Article - More Ways to Keep Your Computer Safe
What's happening on the discussion boards?
Guest Article - Discipline without Punishment
Free Offers
Classified Ads
Do I really only have about six more weeks of pregnancy? It just doesn't seem possible. For all the extra aches and pains, this really has been a pretty good pregnancy.
Of course, what this really means is that I need to get ahead on things now. Sometime in the next one or two months, I'll be having this kid, and if I'm not ahead, I might do something silly like not get an issue of this newsletter sent out. Well, if that happens, you'll know why. But I'm hoping to have a couple issues queued up and ready to go so that I can relax and recover without feeling bad, even though I don't think anyone would scold me for missing an issue because I was having my baby at the time.
Don't forget, you can contribute your articles or tips anytime for consideration. Just use the contact form.
Free Affiliate Marketing Tips Report - New from Jason Potash!
Most people have antivirus protection, and know that viruses are a major problem on the internet. But there are more problems out there it can really pay to be aware of.
One major problem is spyware and adware. These programs change the way your computer works and may present a danger to your online security.
Spyware is perhaps the more malicious of the two. It is intended to “spy” on your activities on your computer. This can include keystroke logging, password theft and so on. Adware is generally intended to push products on you, and may create popups to an annoying level, add links to products on pages you are browsing, and may change the settings of your firewall in order to allow itself to accomplish these things, leaving you vulnerable to other problems.
There are several free tools to help you with these problems. A new, yet promising tool comes from Microsoft. Obviously, this one is limited to Windows users. It’s still in beta, but you can download it free by looking for it at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search.aspx?displaylang=en. Please note that this being in beta means that a commercial (read paid) version may be the only option in the future, and that the beta is going on through July 2005. I do not know what will happen to the price at that time.
However, with the tremendous range of spyware out there, I do not recommend sticking with only one solution. Good news is that the other suggestions are free as well, although paid options may be available. First is Spybot Search & Destroy, second is AdAware. Both can be downloaded free from Download.com. Panda also offers a free online scanner at http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm. One final option is to buy PC-Cillin from Trend Micro for your antivirus protection if you need that, as it includes anti-spyware protection as well.
You do not need to run all of these. However, I would recommend having at least two of them, as no one spyware scanner ever seems to catch them all. Most you will have to run yourself, as they generally do not run scans on their own. I recommend making sure your system gets a weekly scan for spyware, just as it does for viruses.
Not everything these programs find will actually be spyware. Most list harmless cookies from certain websites. Cookies do not steal your information, they are for tracking you on a given site, but it also won’t hurt anything if you allow your computer to delete them. When you next visit the site they come from it may not know that you have been there before.
The tricky part comes when a program is too stubborn to be removed by one of these programs. I ran into this recently on my in-law’s computer, and had to research the problem by typing the program’s name into Google, and then following the removal instructions, which included going into the registry. Only do this if you must, as the registry is a great place for completely ruining your system if you remove the wrong things. For those who are wondering, the troublemaker came from eBates. It reset their firewall, which left them vulnerable in other ways. This is why you do not want spyware or adware on your computer.
Stephanie Foster is the owner of Home with the Kids, a resource that knows that there's more to staying home with your family than just business. For more stay at home tips, visit the site at http://www.homewiththekids.com/ and subscribe to the free newsletter.
Add to Your Social Bookmarks:
Del.icio.us
Furl
Reddit
Simpy
Spurl
Y! MyWeb - Netscape
Sharia Law SHOULD be used in Britain, says UK's top judge. in Let's Talk About the Issues - stephfoster, Sat 05-Jul-08 (1 Reply)
Happy 4th of July! in General Chatter - stephfoster, Sat 05-Jul-08 (2 Replies)
Google Has Enough Data To Pull You Out Of A Crowd in General Chatter - stephfoster, Sat 05-Jul-08 (2 Replies)
Snow Being Sold on Ebay in Let's Talk About the Issues - Knight, Sat 05-Jul-08 (5 Replies)
Hussein Executed in Let's Talk About the Issues - snowdog20, Sat 05-Jul-08 (3 Replies)
My parenting years have spanned six years. I feel like a fairly seasoned expert and yet I am humbled with the constant knowledge that I have only just begun. It’s kind of tragic that just as we master the baby and toddler years we are thrown a new set of curves. Our kids grow and develop a whole new set of not always desirable behaviors and we now have to learn how to cope once again. Suddenly, I am asking myself how to control a child who sometimes is just out of control.
This became ever so apparent with my kids as they became aware they actually have a mind of their own. They are slowly realizing they don’t really have to do everything I say, and they indeed don’t want to do as I instruct in every situation. The saddest part is the obvious joy on their faces as they see they have driven me to the brink once again. I realized I was losing the battle and unless I got a hold of things the years ahead were going to be challenging beyond measure.
My first plan of attack was to read everything I could. This helped in the moment, but it never seemed to eliminate the problems from cropping up again and again. So I set out to construct the perfect plan and I am proud to say it has stood the test, at least for now. Behavior battles seem to be at a minimum in our home. Based on information from a variety of experts, I have put into motion a strategy that should provide long term relief and a much happier and harmonious day.
The Set Up
Every parent knows when we have pushed our children too far. We have strayed from the routine to the point where even the most accommodating child will break. It could be preventing them from getting their rest, letting them get too hungry, asking them to be overly patient while we do our errands, chores or work, or providing so much fun and stimulation that they simply are on overload. This is a critical element you need to watch, or you will have the perfect situation for the ultimate tantrum.
Watch the Barometer
Without warning kids can suddenly hit their limits and patience begins to wane rapidly. Too often parents try to dictate in this moment how they want their child to behave. Unfortunately, the barometer is rising and our wishes will almost certainly fall on deaf and increasingly angry ears. As soon as you notice the struggle begin take the child aside to a quiet location and try to reason with them. For example, “I don’t want to take a bath” can become a conversation about whether to take a bath or shower. In these crucial early moments, giving kids a small choice can go a long way toward preventing a potential meltdown.
Change the Course
Even the most prepared parent will encounter those horrid moments when kids are just going to wail. The key in this moment is to move past the moment as quickly and quietly as possible. Deciding to give them a bath in the morning instead of right at that moment or letting your child read in bed with the door closed for five more minutes will almost certainly restore harmony. Sure, you may not be able to expedite the plan you had in mind, but the goal is to work together. It’s not about giving your child control; it’s about giving your child some control. Disciplining your child is a team effort. You need to involve your child in the solution so they are more willing to cooperate. Parents who raise kids in this manner have kids who will want to behave more often than not. The battles are over before they begin and you will not be caught wondering what to do when those difficult moments arise.
Keep in Mind
There are two key elements most parenting experts recommend. The first is the magic of transitions. Nobody likes having someone’s agenda thrown at them with an instant demand for a response. Kids aren’t any different. They need a few minutes to shift gears. A two minute warning is an essential tool in your discipline arsenal.
The second element that is important to remember is the kind of language we use with our kids. Once again, no one reacts well to the word “no”. There are dozens of ways we can say no without actually using this word. Simply saying, “Gee, that’s a thought. I will think about that,” has a completely different sound to a child, even though it sounds cagey to an adult. Kids know when we mean no. But once again, they like to feel they are being considered in the process. A little tact is another key ingredient to raising kids with at least a few less tantrums.
Ultimately, this strategy gives parents something we all long for. We want to feel like we can actually overcome the battles and feel like we have won, but not at the expense of our kids’ love and respect. Discipline that empowers the parent and the child is a winning formula for the long haul.
Anne Leedom is the Editor-In-Chief and founder of Parentingbookmark.com. For more information on Character Education for kids visit http://www.parentingbookmark.com.
Do you like freebies? Perhaps this week's free offer will interest you:
If You're Looking for Free Insurance Quotes, Then Click Here!
-Quick and Easy
-No Obligation Necessary
-Find Out How Much You Can Save Today
InsuranceFinder WILL Meet All of Your Needs!
If you offer a freebie, let me know! I will consider it for inclusion here and in the freebie section of the website.
Want to find more free offers? Search here to see if there's a freebie for your needs.
============================================================
The Internet Marketing Center's top rated Affiliate Program
is 100% free to join and gives you the ability to INSTANTLY
GENERATE AN ONGOING STREAM OF INCOME without any cost or
obligation on your part.
To start maximizing the profit-producing power of your web
site in the next 10 minutes, click here and take advantage of the arsenal of Internet marketing
tools they provide you with just for joining!
============================================================
Make bundles of Cash on Google P/T F/T
Let us tell you about people who are doing it and how you
can do it too… It's fast, easy and can be done from home
part or full time (no previous experience necessary).
Click here to start making money on Google.
Site Map - Press Room - Disclaimer - Disclosure
Copyright © 2003-2008 Stephanie Foster unless otherwise indicated
Enter to win a FREE SBI website! Drawing held on the first of each month.