Two great Father’s Day gifts for Divorced Dads

We have plenty of other gift ideas for dads in general, but here are two good gifts for divorced dads, probably from friends or family interested in supporting dads’ relationships with kids who may not even be in the same city. Both are also wonderful presents for dads who “can’t be there” whether due to business travel or military service.

The first is the Vidtel telephone service. Vidtel is finally the telephone of the near future that AT&T promised to us at the 1964 Worlds Fair. Vidtel, using broadband (cable or DSL) connections, finally makes good on that promise.

Because it’s broadband, rather than POTS (plain old telephone service), the picture quality and voice are as good as any online connection using Skype or one of the many online video chat services. The big difference though is that the connection is made using what looks to be a traditional telephone. This means that any child can answer the phone, and even dial from it, making connection possible without an adult to set the connection up.

Vidtel is a bit expensive at $14.95 per month for each phone (other Vidtel payment plans available). At this price, it’s not for everyone, but in our tests, it does what it promises to do: makes it easy to make video calls, inlcuding video voicemail. For a divorced dad who doesn’t want to go through a ex-spouse gatekeeper for every conversation with his child, this might be a good solution.

Additionally, the Vidtel has an auto-answer setting making it possible to be used as a room monitoring device. We’d counsel against using this for spying, but there are very real situations (new babysitter) where this might be handy.

The ease of use of the Vidtel system also makes this a good choice for older grandparents who may not be able to use computer videoconferencing.

The second is the etendi BRIDGE, available at etendi.com. BRIDGE is a website that provides a closed environment for families to communicate without fear of outsiders and open emails. The users of BRIDGE can only write, share photos, look at a shared calendar and see video of the specific BRIDGE users in their group. This makes it perfect for kids who might be too young to have their own email.

The desktop if set up for sharing photos and there’s even a shared whiteboard where you can imagine dads able to help on math homework. This is certainly not “ideal,” but changing family situations demand technology solutions, never to replace real dad time, but far better than no contact.

Key for dads right now: the service is FREE for four or fewer users. So dad and up to three kids can communicate. A more extensive plan is available for larger families and more users.

Video Games That Keep The Family Together

Survey: Videogames Are Not Detrimental to Kids’ Academics

A new study has shown that videogames have no adverse effects on the academic performance of kids. The research, done by the Michigan State University, reveals that video games do not affect children’s math skills and may have a positive effect on visual-spatial skills.

The study monitored the academic performance of students from 20 middle schools in Michigan. The researchers compared the usage of online and offline video games that the students played in correlation to their academic performance. It found that the videogames helped the kids learn visually by reacting and thinking in terms of images. The children were able to develop key skills that would come in handy in various fields such as engineering, technology and science.

Parents Perspective
Parents may have encountered the good and bad side of videogames. Many parents who allow their children to play educational videogames from a young age have known their kids to be more responsive to them than while simply watching television. For example, videogames are known to increase children’s reaction times in response to stimuli.

Another advantage for many parents is that videogames can be used to introduce children to computers, thereby giving kids a head start for the future.

On the flipside, there are disadvantages to videogames too. Children who play age-inappropriate games may have a bad experience and react negatively to them. Some studies have also demonstrated that first-person-shooter (FPS) and other similar games may increase childrens’ aggression levels and desensitize them to violence.

Survey: Videogames Are Not Detrimental to Kid’s Academics

A new study has shown that videogames have no adverse effects on the academic performance of kids. The research, done by the Michigan State University, reveals that video games do not affect children’s math skills and may have a positive effect on visual-spatial skills.

The study monitored the academic performance of students from 20 middle schools in Michigan. The researchers compared the usage of online and offline video games that the students played in correlation to their academic performance. It found that the videogames helped the kids learn visually by reacting and thinking in terms of images. The children were able to develop key skills that would come in handy in various fields such as engineering, technology and science.

Parents Perspective
Parents may have encountered the good and bad side of videogames. Many parents who allow their children to play educational videogames from a young age have known their kids to be more responsive to them than while simply watching television. For example, videogames are known to increase children’s reaction times in response to stimuli.

Another advantage for many parents is that videogames can be used to introduce children to computers, thereby giving kids a head start for the future.

On the flipside, there are disadvantages to videogames too. Children who play age-inappropriate games may have a bad experience and react negatively to them. Some studies have also demonstrated that first-person-shooter (FPS) and other similar games may increase childrens’ aggression levels and desensitize them to violence.

9 Tips for Teaching Good Sportsmanship for Dads

Most dads bristle when they see dads behaving badly on the sports field, going overboard to produce a win at any cost. Most of us just want the kids to have fun, get some exercise, and learn valuable life lessons from the sport. Here are 10 tips for teaching good sportsmanship to kids:

1. Try to avoid investing your ego into any game the kids are actually playing. Remember: you’re not 9 years old again and whether your team wins or loses doesn’t say anything about how good a coach you are. If it does, you should be more highly paid for your time!

2. Make sure to emphasize other parts of the game rather than just the winning.

3. Teach players to take responsibility for personal actions on the field. Don’t let kids “blame” each other for situations that arise, and at the same time, don’t let anyone get worked up over a bad play.

4. Use current events to reinforce good sportsmanship lessons. Since kids are often avid sports page readers, there are plenty of lessons in the papers on good and bad behavior. Start dugout conversations that reinforce good behavior by sports heroes.

5. Make sure kids realize that good sportsmanship means sharing victories in a team. It’s great to be a star, but in many sports, it’s impossible to win alone.

6. If you’re watching from the sidelines, don’t interfere with your child’s coach. Don’t abuse the referees.

7. Make a point to find positive actions and attributes in your child’s team members and also in the opposing team. This helps reinforce the idea that sports are a game, not a war with an enemy.

8. Take a lead with other parents to create an atmosphere that puts good sportsmanship above winning at all costs.

9. Finally, remember that you’re the most important role model for your child. He or she will see the value of sports and sportsmanship through your eyes.

What dads need to know about Club Penguin

If you have a son or daughter around six or seven, you may have already heard about Club Penguin. Club Penguin is a virtual world (think Second Life) for little kids. Kids choose and name a penguin character to act as their avatar as they move around the Club Penguin site and play games to earn coins. These coins can be exchanged for clothing and other items. The site says it’s for kids 8-14. There are 700,000 paying members worldwide and over 5,000,000 visitors per month.

Club Penguin is touted as a safe place for kids to play on line, and unlike some similar sites, it does have some safety features built in. For example, Club Penguin allows parents to set up one of two levels of security. One level only allows Penguins to talk to each other using a pre-set list of words and phrases. Even the “standard safe chat” uses a filter to make sure no inappropriate language used. Additionally, the site uses “spies” to monitor messages between Penguins.

Dads should be aware of several things.

1. Membership looks absolutely free at the beginning. You’ll see no indication of a price tag as you enter in your personal information. You’ll only become aware of the cost when your child asks you to pony up $5.95 month for extra “upgrades” (or if you dig into the parents information area). Upgrades include penguin accessories and clothing, igloo decorations and the ability to adopt more “Puffles,” the Penguin’s pet. On the other hand, the membership charge makes it possible to run the site without advertising (so far).
2. Disney recently purchased Club Penguin. There may be more tie-ins and promotions for Disney products in the future. Given the $700 million price tag, Disney clearly sees a potential to leverage the site and its membership beyond the current scope.
3. Club Penguin is basically a site for on-line game playing. Dads should be aware of the content and spend some time on the site and limit time on the computer accordingly.

Club Penguin is a good site for young kids to spend time playing safely on line. At the same time, parents need to monitor online and offline computer usage. We recommend setting up the computer in a public area in the house so you can easily monitor your kids’ internet traffic. You can use a Mac, with its Parental Control settings, or use filtering software to make sure your kids don’t end up in the wrong place on the internet, either intentionally or by accident.

Bee stings in kids

Kids are smart enough to avoid wasps, bees, snakes, scorpions, and most venomous creatures. But every once in a while, a run in with a bee occurs. Usually, there is no real call for alarm, other than to soothe the surprise and sting. While most kids aren’t allergic, there are some things to watch out for and do if your child is stung.

1. Look for the stinger, a black dot right in the center of the sting. If it’s there, remove it as soon as possible, using a tweezers, or even the flat end of a credit card to pull it out like a splinter. Wash the wound with soap and water.

2. To ease pain and swelling, try the following:
* Neutralize the venom by applying solid antiperspirant (seriously) or a solution of meat tenderizer and water directly on the sting.
* Put an ice pack on the area of the wound.
* Give your child the appropriate dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol or its generic equivalent).

3. If the sting area is itchy, try an over-the-counter children’s antihistamine. Remember, that severe allergic reactions happen in only 3% of kids, but call your doctor if your child:
* Was stung more than 10 times.
* Develops hives.

4. Call 911 immediately or the hospital if your child:
* Was stung inside the mouth or eyes.
* Has difficulty breathing or swallowing.
* Is dizzy or passes out.
* Develops a stomach ache, severe head aches, or diarrhea.

NOTE:

* The information provided through “Dr. Keer On Kids” is for general education purposes. It is meant to aid you in discussing your specific medical or health issues with your physician or qualified health-care provider.
* The information is not intended as a substitute for personal health-care advice, or for diagnosis or treatment. You should always consult your physician or other qualified health-care provider as soon as possible about any medical or health-related questions.
* Do not wait for a response from our expert before this consultation.

Dad’s Guide to Raising Kids – Teaching Children Table Manners

Introduce them to a spoon and fork

Teaching table manners to toddlers may seem like a futile endeavor when you can’t even get them to sit still at the table. However, it has been observed that spoons and forks tend to give toddlers a ‘handle’ on the situation and eventually orient their attention properly towards their meals.

The introduction of table manners at an early age is essential and the implements with which you introduce your children to a proper eating experience will go a long way in making it all possible. So start off by buying the right kind of cutlery.

Make sure to buy:

* tableware that is light-weight with a cushioned grip.
* multicolored forks and spoons with stickers.
* forks and spoons with round corners that don’t hurt your child.

Here are the steps to introduce toddlers to spoons and forks:

* Introduce forks and spoons at the beginning of each meal.
* Show them how to hold the spoon and fork and follow through by eating your meal with relish.
* Show toddlers that it’s a ‘grown-up thing’ to do—allow them to serve and feed themselves with their brand new cutlery.
* Whenever they put their hands directly into food, simply hand them a spoon.

When your toddlers sit quietly with a spoon, finishing their meals, don’t forget to praise them for good behavior.

Making an Interesting activity out of Paper Doll Chains

Making a paper doll chain is a perfect activity for dads and children on a sleepy afternoon. It is simple and does not require either time or money. Most importantly, it will be an exercise in creativity that the children will surely enjoy.

Things you will need:

* Some cardboard or hard paper

* A pair of scissors

* Pen, crayons, markers, and color pencils

* Glue

* Colorful paper or fabric scraps, buttons, beads, ribbons, sequins, and stickers to decorate the dolls

Steps to make the doll chain:

* Cut out a broad strip of the cardboard or paper. This could be about 10 cm high and as long as you want to make your doll chain.

* Fold about 6 cm of one end of the strip. At the point where the folded end overlaps, fold the strip again, but in the other direction. Go on making similar, alternating folds, so that the entire strip is folded into accordion style panels.

* Hold the folded panels bunched up tightly, with the top panel facing you. Help your children to draw the outline of a doll on this top panel, with the hands and legs spread out so that these extend to the panel borders.

* Carefully cut around the doll, taking care to retain the folds where the hands and legs touch the borders.

* Now unfold the strip to see your chain of dolls, joined by their hands and legs.

* Let your children decorate the dolls using the crayons, markers, color pencils, pieces of fabric, beads, ribbons, etc.

* You can even help your kids cut out little shapes from fabric scraps that they can use to create colorful dresses for the dolls.

You can use this chain to decorate the walls of your living room. You could even stick it around a lampshade, hang it as a mobile, or use it to decorate your child’s door.

Easy Ways To Be A Better Dad

In today’s fast-paced world providing for your family and at the same time being a dad is no easy task. But with a little extra help and some sound advice, you can become a better dad. Here are some tips from our readers who suggest that there can be no replacement for love and spending quality time with your kids. So be a friend and role model to your kids but always let them know who the boss is.

“Make it a point to know your children’s friends, what they like about that person, etc. Refrain from any criticisms, but if you are uncomfortable about your child’s association with a particular child or their family, try to see if your concerns are truly justified – if so, take the time to express those concerns to your child (if appropriate) and listen carefully to your child’s feedback.”
-M, Sullivan, NH

“Have an open line of communications with your children. Take time every day to talk to them about their day, their schoolwork and their concerns.”
-Buddy, Jefferson, ME

“To be a better dad, listen to them. Really listen and take in what they are saying and feeling. Nodding your head and saying yes rolls right off them.”
-Steve, Midlothian, VA

“Stay involved in your child’s personal life!”
-S, Madison, WI

“I think it’s important to treat your children as individuals, and to give them what they need without shorting yourself.”
-Kayce, Knoxville, TN

“Don’t forget, they are the kids and you are the parent.”
-Jay, Chicago

“Don’t be afraid of being the parent. You don’t have to be their best buddy all the time but you do have to be the parent.”
-C, Cartersville, GA

“Do what’s best for your kids, even if you think it’s makes you the bad guy.”
-Tim, Chico, CA

“Take an active role in your child’s education.”
-Robin, Hodgenville, KY

“Do lots of different projects, games, crafts, baking, play dates with your children to create memories.”
-M, Vancouver, WA

“Listen to your kids. Don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy every moment. Time flies!”
-Kaycee, Tallahassee

“Be their friend and NEVER betray your child’s trust.”
-Ramzi, West Hollywood

Complications – Some Pregnancy Problems without Symptoms

Some Pregnancy Problems without Symptoms Some health problems your spouse may have during pregnancy do not have warning signs. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, one of these is Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection. GBS is a common infection that rarely makes adults sick. The bacterium lives in the gastrointestinal system, along with many other harmless bacteria.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, between 10 to 30 percent of pregnant women carry GBS in their vagina and rectums. But, if GBS is passed to the baby during delivery, it can cause serious health problems in the newborn, such as pneumonia, blood infection, or infection of the tissues around the brain.

Because there are no symptoms of GBS, she will be tested at 35 to 37 weeks of pregnancy. The simple test involves swabbing the vagina and rectum for a sample of cells that are sent to a lab to look for GBS. If she is infected, she will be treated with intravenous (IV) antibiotics during labor and delivery to make sure the baby is protected.

Another problem is anemia, or having below-normal levels of iron in the blood. Iron is needed for hemoglobin (a protein in blood that helps take oxygen to body tissues for energy and growth) for your spouse and your baby. Iron also helps build bones and teeth. Most women do not have any symptoms of anemia. For those who do, extreme fatigue is often the only sign. Your doctor will check for signs of anemia using routine blood tests during different stages of the pregnancy. If your spouse has anemia, she will be given iron supplements.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, you can help her prevent anemia by getting her to eat lots of iron-rich foods like lean red meat, potatoes with skins, raisins, broccoli, leafy green vegetables, whole-grain breads and iron-fortified cereals.