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Tips For Giving Your Child Their First Smartphone For the Holidays

Tips For Giving Your Teen Their First Smartphone For the Holidays

Smartphones are a gift that many kids have on their wishlist, and a gift that many parents are reluctant to give. Concerns about privacy and safety make many parents hesitate before handing over such a big responsibility. But with the right approach and planning, giving a cell phone to your child can be a gift for both you.

Set Parental Controls

Before you gift wrap the phone, open it and set parental controls ahead of time. Most smartphones offer settings that enable you to set a security passcode, disable features, and restrict content. You can adjust the ability to purchase/delete/access certain apps and set filters by age appropriateness for content in apps, movies, and music.

To access the parental controls:

  • On iPhones: Go to Settings > General > Restrictions. Set passcode and adjust settings accordingly.
  • On Androids: Under settings, create a new user for your child with restrictions. You can access all phone functions with the original account and passcode.

BONUS TIP: Consider asking your provider if they offer any programs for setting age restrictions as part of your plan.

Discuss Usage and Set Limits

Ensure that your child understands that exceeding the allotted usage in their phone package can result in additional fees. Teach them how to monitor their minutes, data, and number of text messages if you have a restrictive plan.

This is also a good time to set and review usage limits that are unique to you and your child. Their plan may allot for 200 minutes per month, but maybe you want to set the limit at 100 minutes. Set guidelines that you feel comfortable with.

BONUS TIP: Consider asking your provider about options for capping usage so you will not incur additional fees if your child goes over their limit.

Review Social Media Guidelines, Privacy and Rules

It’s almost guaranteed the first thing they’ll want to do is install social media apps. If you child wants to install any app on their phone, it’s a good idea to have them ask you first as you get comfortable with the type of apps they desire. Know as much as you can about the app by the two of you reading the description, reviews and and discuss the dangers or the app and how to use it appropriately. For each social media account that your child creates, document the account, username and password.

Related: MamaBear’s List of Apps Parents should Ban

Create Your Own Cell Phone Contract

As you go through these steps and set boundaries with your child, write down each rule. Compile that list into a contract for your child to agree to and sign before they can use their phone. Make sure they realize that having a cell phone is a privilege — a privilege that can be taken away with violations of the agreement you two put in place.

This will allow you to hold your child accountable for their actions and ensure they engage in responsible smartphone habits. Believe us, there isn’t one teenager I know that wants their sacred phone taken away!

With these tips, you should be able to give your child their first phone with comfort. For more tips about giving your child their first phone, see our post on what to include in your cell phone contract.

Related: MamaBear Cell Phone Contract for Kids

Install an App that Connects and Protects

The top reason we hear from parents that want to give their child a smartphone is that the technology enables them to better protect and connect with their child. By installing the MamaBear Family Safety App, parents can use the phone to access location services, monitor social media activities, and receive one-click check-ins. And, kids have the security of messaging mom and dad with quick check ins and messages separate from their friends messaging apps.

MamaBear App alleviates some of the worries parents may have about giving their son or daughter their first phone, and it creates a way to better connect with their child’s digital world. The MamaBear app is available for easy install on both Android and  iPhone devices.

 

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Tween Gift Guide 2014: Best Christmas Gifts for Tweens

Tween Gift Guide 2014

When your child becomes a tween, holiday shopping isn’t as easy as browsing through the toy aisle. The gray area between a kid and a teenager makes it hard to find gifts that match your child’s maturity and holiday gift list. Because you may need to get a little creative when shopping for this age, here are a few gift ideas that will please both you and your tween.

A Fun-filled Day That Creates Memories

Tweens are at an age when they can start to appreciate and enjoy day-long events and activities. So this holiday season, give them a gift of a fun-filled day centered around an activity they will enjoy. If you have more than one child, make a day for each child separately so they get the added bonus of one-on-one time with you.

  • Concert
  • Sporting Event
  • Museum
  • Arcade Restaurant (Give a gift certificate to Dave and Buster’s or something similar.)
  • Workshop/Classes for a Hobby They Enjoy (skiing/snowboarding, acting/dancing, painting/crafting, etc.)
  • Play or Musical
  • Theme Park
  • Zoo/Aquarium

To make the day extra special, see if there are any add-ons to standard tickets (like an animal encounter at a zoo or backstage pass at a theater)

A Subscription That Spreads Out the Gifts

Tweens are old enough to appreciate the gift that keeps on giving. Subscriptions to magazines and monthly packages will give your tween something fun to look forward to months after the holiday has ended.

Magazine Ideas

  • Mental Floss: Full of interesting facts, this magazine will bring your kids bizarre stories about history, animals, food, and science — entertaining and teaching them the whole year. Currently nine issues $27.96
  • Girls Life: For the girl who wants to read Seventeen but isn’t quite old enough, Girls Life offers an excellent alternative featuring age-appropriate entertainment news and fashion, fitness, and beauty tips. Currently two years $14.95
  • Sports Illustrated for Kids: The budding athlete or sports fan in your family will enjoy stories about sports news and professional and aspiring athletes. Currently 12 issues for $19.95.

Subscriptions Box Ideas

  • Tinker Crate: Described as a “laboratory for hands-on experiences,” this gift box arrives monthly and encourages fun while exploring science, engineering, and technology. Starts at $60 for three boxes
  • Darby Girl by Darby Smart: For kids that love to craft, the Darby Smart box is sent bi-monthly with tools to create your own dazzling and trendy fashion accessories, room decor, and more. Starts at $19 for one box
  • Loot Crate: A gamer’s treasure chest, this monthly box includes a surprise array of gifts from Marvel, Stars Wars, Nintendo, and more. Starts at $20 for one box

For the gift, wrap the first box or magazine of the subscription with a note that explains how many more packages will arrive. (Note that subscription boxes do not typically last for the entire year.)

An Electronic Device that Is Useful and Fun

If your tween is ready for their first electronic device, use the holiday as a time to purchase electronics they will enjoy, but also find practical use for.

Laptop: Give a laptop that works hard and plays hard, and select computer that your child can use for pleasure and education. Recode suggests the Lenovo Yoga, which is a versatile Windows PC that works as a touchscreen and a laptop. Your tween will love the style and you will love the cost, starting at $570.

Smartphone: If you are apprehensive about giving your tween their own smartphone, consider styles and functions that will make you feel more comfortable. Select a phone that can withstand tough tween treatment and provide additional safety bonuses. We recommend the Samsung Galaxy S 4 Active or iPhone paired with a OtterBox case as they are stylish, durable, and compatible with family safety apps like MamaBear.

By giving your tween a smartphone with the MamaBear app, you are giving them a gift they will enjoy, while offering them additional safety and security. The app, which is available for Androids and  iPhones, protects your child by enabling you to use GPS location services, monitor social media activities, and  receive one-click check-ins. It’s a win for both parent and child.

With these shopping tips, you should be able to give your tween a gift that both of you approve of this holiday season On behalf of the MamaBear App team, we wish you and your entire family a happy and safe holiday!

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Parents Can’t Afford To Ignore Their Kids’ Social Media

Parents Can’t Afford To Ignore Their Kids’ Social Media

To those around him, Jaylen Ray Fryberg seemed like a normal high school freshman. He was well liked and happy, played on the football team and had recently been crowned Homecoming Prince. Around family, friends and classmates, Fryberg gave off the impression that he was a typical, upbeat teen.

That’s why those who knew him were shocked to learn that Fryberg entered his high school cafeteria and opened fire on his classmates, killing one before taking his own life. That was not the Fryberg they knew.

But only after the tragic events of his death was another side of Fryberg revealed — through his Twitter account. The happy, friendly disposition that Fryberg gave off during in-person contact was starkly different than the way he appeared on Twitter. In the weeks leading up to the shooting, Fryberg’s Twitter feed was filled with disturbing updates where he openly expressed anger, sadness and aggression.

While his page was filled with updates that clearly indicated the teenager was going through something really troubling, no one realized this until it was too late. Fryberg’s tragedy reminds us just how important it is for parents to connect with their children in their social media worlds in order to see all sides and spot problems early on.

Looks for Signs of Distress that May Not Be Visible In Real Life

Friends said the Fryberg they saw in person and the Fryberg they saw on Twitter seemed like two different people. On the day of his ominous final tweet, (“it won’t last…. It’ll never last….”), one of his classmates said that Frybeg was “all fine” at football practice that day.

As parents, we need to realize that how our kids act in front of us may not tell their full story. We need to keep our eyes open to underlying issues and use social media as a window into what our kids are really thinking and feeling.

Remember That Your Kids May Have More Than One Account on the Same Platform

It’s easy to set up multiple usernames on the same social media platform. So be mindful of this when reviewing your child’s account. If you notice that they are not active on the account you know about, ask them if they are using another. Pay attention to their friends and notice if they are tagging or communicating with your child at another username.

Check the Direct Messages To and From Your Child

Not all social media is public. Remember to check private messages that your child is sending and receiving. Look for communication that could be hurtful to both parties. Stopping your child from sending hurtful messages to other children is also part of your job in protecting your child from dangerous situations.

Related: Social Media, Bully and What You Can Do to Help

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late — Connect to Your Child’s Social Media Life Now

As a parent, you should connect to all of your child’s social media accounts and regularly monitor how they are using those sites. You can use a platform like MamaBear Family Safety App which to receive notifications when they get new followers and friends, easily view photos uploaded and set alerts for certain language and phrases.

It is our job as parents to know what is going on in our children’s lives offline and online. So don’t look the other way when it comes to social media and connect with your child now using a social media monitoring platform like MamaBear App which is available for both iPhones and Androids.

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Flu Season Is Here. Are You Prepared?

Catching the flu is a real pain. First there is the physical pain or even worse watching your child go through it. Learn how to protect your health and your wallet.

by Robyn Spoto

 

Catching the flu is a real pain. First there is the physical pain that comes with the fever, headache, body chills, and nausea — which is even worse when you are watching your child go through it.

Then there is the financial pain that comes with paying for expensive treatment, doctor’s appointments, and prescriptions. Depending on the type of health insurance you have, paying out-of-pocket expenses for treating the flu can quickly add up.

My son recently had the flu and his doctor prescribed him Tamiflu to treat it. The cost — $250. That cost was doubled when the doctor also prescribed a preventive prescription for my other son. It was an $800 day after appointments and medicine.  I was prepared with contributions to my health savings account as I haven’t yet met my insurance plan’s deductible for a co-pay. However, my heart broke thinking about the families that aren’t covered with health insurance to cover the expense.

Protect Your Health: Get Flu Shots for Your Family

Stop the flu before it happens by taking each member of your family to get a preventative flu shot. The flu vaccine causes antibodies to develop in the body which provides protection against the infection. So when you get a flu shot, you substantially decrease the likelihood that you will catch the flu.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that any person over the age of six months get a flu vaccine every season. The associated risks with flu shots are small, and despite what many think, you cannot get a case of the flu from a flu shot.

Many pharmacies and doctor’s offices offer inexpensive, easy-to-administer flu shots that are readily available. It’s a quick and effective way to protect your family from the physical pains of flu season.

Protect Your Wallet: Enroll in a Financially Responsible Insurance Plan

Plan for health care costs before they happen by enrolling your family a financially responsible health insurance plan that will not drain your wallet in the event that one of your family members gets sick.

Compare plans that make sense for your family.

With a co-pay plan, you only pay for a portion of the cost of treatment but a higher monthly fee. So a prescription that costs $250 could cost you $100, $30, or with some plans, even no cost at all.

With a plan that requires you meet a deductible, you pay the full cost of treatment (until you reach your out-of-pocket limit). A plan with with a high deductible may be cheaper per month than a plan with a low co-pay, but remember to factor in the extra expenses you may incur during the year given your family’s health needs.

Be aware of co-pay and deductible rates when shopping for a new health care plan for 2015, and educate yourself on the available plans by using marketplaces and exchanges to compare rates. Healthcare.gov is not the only available health insurance marketplace.

We’ve partnered with  ACA Insurance Services, to offer a variety of affordable family plans that can increase the health of your family and your wallet. Open enrollment for 2015 plans has begun.  Educate yourself and save money.