Category: Parenting

Apps, Parenting

Qustodio: Internet Parental Control App for all devices

Erin Sluka

Qustodio: Internet Parental Control App

We are in the thick of a booming digital world. It is all around us as we shop, communicate and learn. It is also a big part of our children’s lives as they communicate and learn as well. This is all new to us and we are the first generation of parents learning about this technology so that we can keep our kids safe and healthy as they are online.

Qustodio provides powerful monitoring tools and parental controls that do all of the thinking and tracking for us. Qustodio is for things like screen time, adult content and games. I use it for my 10 year old!

The best way for me to show you what Qustodio can do is to run down a few screen shots form my son’s activity summary. For this I am showing you his tablet activity during a weekend we went on a road trip to the coast and he was in the back seat with headphones.

I cannot see his tablet while driving and I cannot hear what he is doing when he has his headphones on for driving so Qustodio is great as I can see what he is doing right away.

Here you see that Anthony spent the most time watching YouTube videos and also looked at something on Amazon and Search (Google). The Facebook shows because a video he was watching had a contest he asked me to click and it took us to Facebook. He does not have a Facebook account himself. Because he does not have a Facebook account I showed you a Qustudio-branded shot of what the social media monitoring looks like a few photos up.

About that Google search I saw in his activity dashboard? I can see the pages he went to. Looks like he was looking at Fortnite articles.

Each time he was active on his tablet I can see where he was located. It’s like a little GPS tracker which is great when he is with friends and I can track his phone usage and see where he is as he uses his phone. The ‘unknown’ locations say that because we were driving to the coast and reception/GPS is spotty plus we are moving at highway speeds.

Once we got to our destination it picked up tracking again. What is the full list of Qustodio features?

  • Block inappropriate content with our smart web filters
  • Limit games and apps and block inappropriate ones
  • Track your children’s Android or iOS device on a map
  • Manage and limit your children’s screen time by device
  • Monitor their activity on social networks
  • Monitor and block your children’s calls on Android
  • Qustodio works on desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

There are THREE plans to choose from. They range from about $4.50/month to about $11.40 for a large amount of devices in large families.

START HERE!

Comment: I was given a membership subscription for feature. Opinions are my own

2018 Holiday Gifts, Books Reviews, Children's Books, Kids, Parenting

2 Books That Teach Children the Importance of Sleep

Erin Sluka
2018 Parenting Healthy Gift Guide Feature: Books about Importance of Sleep

The topic of sleep with kids is not discussed often enough. Anthony is going on 11 years old and I find that I get the best response from him when I don’t use a ‘because I said so’ tone and instead educate and really explain my reasonings. Sleep is as important as diet and exercise so a child needs to just feel for themselves how much better they are after healthy sleep.

In the book, Devin & Evan Play Fortnite ‘Til 11, the twins quickly get too attached to their game. It begins to effect their sleep and they are so tired the next day. With some rules and understanding of the importance of sleep, the brothers realize how much better they feel when they have healthy amounts of play time and stop early in the day to get ready for evening.

In the book, Devin & Evan Slep from 8-7, learn why sleep is so important for their physical health, emotional well being, behavior, and success at school. 

Get your copy of these books. They make great gifts! Available on Amazon.

Comment: I was sent product so that my feature can be authentic and my own original thoughts for you. I am an Amazon Associate and I may be compensated for your purchase through my Amazon links.

Parenting

How To Win Custody Of Your Child In A Divorce

Erin Sluka

Photo Source: Pixabay

Divorces can become terrible struggles when custody of your child is involved. A divorce can do long-term damage to a child, both physically and emotionally. While there are many steps you can take to help a child after a divorce, the state takes the task of assigning child custody seriously. A parent undergoing divorce must work hard and plan ahead to win custody of their child. The wrong move in this struggle, and you may lose custody of your child forever. These steps will show you how to win custody of your child.

Hire A Child Custody Lawyer

Hire a child custody from the first to lead you through this process. Custody law is complex, and each state keep their own standards. Even if you never reach the court in terms of custody, a lawyer will be essential to ensure you are granted custody. According to the divorce lawyers at Annutto Law Office, “The dynamics of any family dealing with child support issues is one that requires patience, compassion, and respect for the sensitive nature of the situation.” If you cannot afford such a lawyer, there are legal clinics that might provide you at least with some consultation. Without a lawyer, your custody battle is likely lost before it began.

Try To Negotiate

If at all possible, try to negotiate with your spouse to work out a custody plan. Even if there is little chance to get your spouse to agree, the attempt is important. It will show the courts that you care enough about your child to try to make a deal for them. The courts believe a child look after by two parents is best, even if those parents no longer live together. Whatever your disagreements with your spouse, you both presumably want what is best for your child. You might even work out a joint custody agreement for the sake of your child. If a deal can be reached at this stage, it would be better than going to court over custody.

Get Temporary Custody

As the custody battle, and your divorce, moves to the court try to get to judge to award you temporary custody. This will mean your child will be in your care while the court decides the matter of custody. This is a great advantage. As the court examines you and spouse’s fitness, they will get to view you parenting your child alone. Looking after the child in this traumatic time may also ingratiate you to the child. Since the child’s choice is a factor in custody, this can be an advantage. Temporary custody will ensure that you can prove yourself a worthy guardian.

Focus On Your Strengths

When in court, argue your fitness for custody, not your spouse’s unfitness. The rules determining a parent’s unfitness is complicated. Unless your spouse was physically abusive to the child, you are not likely to prove it in court. In doing, so you will also look bad in front of the court. Focus instead on proving your own strengths. Show how your schedule gives your child more freedom, or that you can provide health foodstuffs. The court’s prefer parents who work together for their child even in divorce. Do not be tempted to trash your spouse to prove your superiority.

Avoid Bad Behaviors

The best way to ensure custody of your child is to behave in an upstanding manner. As the court decides it will view you both your past and manner in detail. Criminal records and employment status are important. You should also avoid using alcohol or drugs while the court decides. Additionally, make sure you are prompt not just at meeting with the court, but also for any visitation with your child. Make it clear you are not only a good choice to look after your child, but that you deeply wish to. Assume your every action is being monitored and give them no reason to question your judgement.

There are a few steps that can help you retain custody of your child during a divorce. Hire a good custody lawyer to lead you through the process. Try to negotiate custody with your spouse. Once the court case begins, try to get temporary custody while the court decides. In court, focus on proving your worth as a guardian, not your spouse’s unfitness. Keep you habits clean and remember that you are observed by the court. Following these steps, you stand a good chance of gaining custody your child.

Parenting, Tips and Tricks

5 Tips to Capture the Perfect Family Holiday Card

Erin Sluka

5 Tips to Capture the Perfect Family Holiday Card

Chances are that in the next few weeks you will be planning that perfect family photo for your annual Christmas card. I have not done a family photo card in years. We have 3 boys and 2 are grown and on their own or in college. When we all happen to be together I always forget to snap a photo and then months can go by until our schedules meet up again in a moment to grab a photo.

As the kids grow you almost have to plan all year. To keep in the back of our brain to snap that photo when you get the chance. Maybe it will be with the restaurant tables in the background, but you were all together. Better yet, getting everyone all together is easier the younger they are and you can take some steps to make that posed photo fantastic.

Tim McCabe, creative director and cofounder of CardFool, has put together his five tips to capturing the best photo.

1.       Magic Time. If you have grade-school kids, be prepared to get in and get out. Kids typically can sit and participate for about 20 minutes. But with a game plan, you can utilize those 20 minutes efficiently.

2.       Get Lit. Make sure the background is properly lit. With cameras these days, you can review a photo before you go ahead and print it to ensure everyone’s faces forward and clearly visible.

3.       Skip The Props – if you are having more than eight people in the frame, skip the props and instead focus on your location. You don’t need any extras like bales of hay or a gigantic Christmas tree taking up precious restate. Think simple and clean, regardless of how many people are in the photo. This applies to everything, clothing, background, poses, etc.

4.       Smartphone – if you don’t have a fancy camera, or know someone who does, don’t worry. Today’s smart phones are equipped with a great camera. The key to making the photo professional are three simple tips. First, have someone else snap the photo. You don’t want your holiday photo to be a selfie. Second, capture the photo both horizonal and vertical, making sure that the legs and head are not chopped off. That way when it comes time to choosing the card layout, you have some options. Third, have fun with the filters. Your phone comes with several color options and lighting, play around with it, but don’t choose more than two different filters to prevent the photo looking over-processed.

5.       Have fun – with today’s busy life, treasure the moment that your family is all together and you’re spending some quality time capturing a great moment. Reflect on the past year, your family’s accomplishment, and don’t forget to say “cheese.”