August 3, 2012
Q: I have a 5 and 10 year old and am wondering how I can monitor their internet use. We have a wireless Lynksys system, a Macbook, Wii, Xbox, and a Windows computer. Any thoughts?–Surfing, in South Jersey A: Dear Surfing, There are a number of software and firmware products that claim to monitor and/or […]
June 8, 2012
Q: I’ve been begging my teen son not to text while driving, but I know he does it anyway. What can I do to get him to stop? –Texting and Driving in Beverly, MA A: Dear Texting and Driving, You’re right to be concerned–according to a recent study, 38% admitted to driving and texting at […]
December 16, 2011
Q: Help! I’m shopping for kids of all ages this year for the holidays, and don’t know where to begin. What are your thoughts about the kinds of toys that are good for kids?
A: This year, focus on the CHILD–opt for Creative gifts you’ve decided upon after doing your Homework on the recipients’ interests, keeping in mind the importance of Imagination, Learning, and making Donations.
November 17, 2011
Q: I am the mother of three daughters (15, 13, and 11). Although I try to set limits, technology is ruining my family life. My oldest daughter in particular is addicted to Facebook, Skype, texting, etc.—whenever I try to reduce or eliminate her access, she finds a way to be in touch with her friends. […]
January 20, 2011
Q: How do I protect my children against what I consider to be harmful media when they are at school or on the bus?
A: Don’t leave this issue to be regulated by the bus driver, the other riders, or the school. Inform and empower your child to make sound media decisions for him or herself.
January 6, 2011
Q: My kids are attached to their cell phones and laptops, and it worries me that they’re not paying as much attention to the world happening around them. How can I prevent this?
A: Talk regularly about–and set a good example of–being a responsible citizen on- and offline. We’ve got tips to get you started.
December 30, 2010
Q: What sort of media-related resolutions do you suggest for families?
A: Ones that are free, attainable, and fun to work toward! These 8 simple goals will help you tweak your family’s media use and enjoy the resulting time together.
December 6, 2010
Q: Help! I’m shopping for kids of all ages this year for the holidays, and don’t know where to begin. What are your thoughts about the kinds of toys that are good for kids?
A: This year, focus on the CHILD–opt for Creative gifts you’ve decided upon after doing your Homework on the recipients’ interests, keeping in mind the importance of Imagination, Learning, and making Donations.
December 1, 2010
Q: My middle-schooler seems like a zombie during the day since we agreed to let her have a cell phone. What’s going on here?
A: Like most tweens and teens, your daughter probably uses her phone primarly as a platform for texting–thus, she may sleep with it on a nightstand or even under her pillow, just in case she receives…
October 18, 2010
A: Research shows that using a phone while behind the wheel increases a driver’s risk of getting into an accident by four times (that’s about the same risk as driving drunk) and that drivers who text can be up to 23 times more likely to crash…
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, The Mediatrician®
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