Raising motivated, proud kids

We all want to reward our kids for good behavior and encourage them to reach their goals. Sometimes a reward system is a great tool to help the whole family stay on track.

Motivating kids with rewards

A reward system seems like a really good idea but, more often than not, moms start a system with the best intentions and then end up scrapping the idea when it just doesn’t live up to expectations.

How do you create a system that works for your family and motivates your kids without running into the typical pitfalls? What really works?

It’s sometimes easy to point out bad behavior or dole out punishments when your child steps out of line but a reward system will help you recognize good behavior. "Parents who rely too heavily on punishment and reprimands are bound to hit the wall at some point," says Marina Litinsky, Ph.D., and educational psychology expert. "Most kids either stop caring, adapt, or, in many cases, develop resentment that results in covert or overt opposition to the imposed rules and requirement. The general rule of thumb is to give twice as much praise and/or reward for desired behaviors as you give reprimands/punishment for undesired ones."

Find out how to encourage good behavior >>

It’s pretty common for a parent to start a reward system with much excitement and then watch the whole plan fizzle. According to Dr. Litinsky, some of the common pitfalls of a reward system include:

• Making the reward system too complicated for both the parent and child.
• Focusing on too many behaviors .
• Making behavior requirements and/or rewards too vague.
• Aiming for a big reward that’s too far away or too difficult to achieve .
• Not following through with rewards.
• Focusing too heavily on material rewards.

Read: In defense of imperfect parenting >>

You’ve probably heard of all sorts of reward systems and there are definitely as many options as there are parents. Unfortunately, there is no one reward system that is perfect for everyone, but most good reward systems share some common traits, including consistency and an easy-to-follow plan. "Involve your child in designing the reward system," said Dr. Litinsky. "Have a discussion and be in agreement with your child about the desired behaviors and rewards and make sure everybody is on the same page about what is expected." When your kids are involved in the process, they are much more likely to enjoy it… and respond to it.

Find out how to reward your children >>

Parents often think that the latest toy or video game will keep a child motivated to behave well but sometimes the best reward is the easiest to deliver. "Keep in mind that your child craves your attention and pleasant, meaningful time together is the greatest motivator," states Dr. Litinsky. "Even if you decide to reward with toys and other material things make sure that you take a trip to get those things together and that you then spend time with your child exploring the toy."

Read more about encouraging good behavior

5 Ways to use children's fiction to encourage good behavior
How to bribe your kids
How to teach better manners　

Is it totally inappropriate or a terrific idea?

Along with sex ed, why not learn about breastfeeding in school? Students in the Liverpool area in England are doing just that. What do you think about it? Read on and decide for yourself.

U.K. school hopes to increase awareness

Puppet babies and knitted breasts are helping teenage students in the U.K. learn about breastfeeding. And even though it’s hailed as a way to expose youth to the natural act of nursing , some are finding issue with the practice.

Inappropriate

Norman Wells, from the Family Education Trust, felt that the lessons were inappropriate — the age of consent is 16 and kids this age have no need to learn how to breastfeed. “'The benefits of breastfeeding can be far more appropriately and effectively communicated to expectant mothers by GPs and midwives at antenatal appointments in the weeks and months immediately prior to the birth of a baby,” he told The Daily Mail.

“Any girl who has to be taught how to breastfeed or how to be a good mother should never have children,” shared one commenter on The Daily Mail’s article. Glenn from the U.K. agreed. “These idiots should be locked up so they cannot do our children any more harm,” he wrote. “It’s idiots like these that only make underage pregnancy worse.”

Read why this mom loves breastfeeding her preschooler >>

Fabulous idea

Other parents felt that not only is this an awesome idea, but that it should be taught just as sex education is — a course many adolescents take both here and abroad. “I would venture to say it's not making them want to have babies any more than sex ed is making them want to have sex,” explained Melissa from Texas. “To me, it's just giving them more knowledge about the subject.”

“Throw it in with sex ed,” Kelly, mother of two, said. “I think letting teen girls know what their boobs are for is a great thing.”

Jessica from Florida completely agreed. “We hand out detailed pictures of genitals, teach about menstruation, safe sex, STDs, pregnancy, child development and more — but how do we forget breastfeeding?” she asked. “If more girls are taught and shown that it's normal, less young mothers, or mothers in general, would think it's 'weird' to do so.“

Does breastfeeding help with weight loss? >>

Maybe use a different method

And still other parents felt that it was a good idea but another method should be considered instead of the puppet babies and fake breasts. “I think it is kinda odd,” noted Talei from New Zealand. “Why not just invite some nursing moms to talk to them and feed their babies in front of them?”

This unique program is in its beginning stages in the U.K., but plans are in place to roll it out further across the country.

More on breastfeeding

Celebrate National Breastfeeding Month in style
Breastfeeding photos: Moms with their babies
Why you should breastfeed your toddler

Raising eco-conscious kids

When heading back to school, teaching your little learners to be eco-friendly kids is a snap with the right green family tips. From turning off lights in the classroom to riding your bike or walking to school, discover green back-to-school tips for every age.

Eco-friendly steps kids can take

Check out 6 tips for getting your household ready for back-to-school time >>

Discover green back-to-school tips kids can do themselves

1. Turn off lights and electronics in the classroom when not in use; "Schools across the country are saving energy thanks to student participation," said Alliance to Save Energy Spokesperson Allyson Schmutter. "Alliance to Save Energy PowerSave Schools save between 5-15% on electricity costs, and that couldn't happen without the leadership from enthusiastic, committed and empowered students who learn the obvious benefits of saving energy"
2. Take good care of your backpack, folders and other school supplies to help them last longer as well as save you money
3. Use pens and pencils until they are unusable
4. Recycle items in the classroom like empty glue bottles, crayon boxes, tissue boxes and more as suggested by Ryan Elizabeth Draughon, age 10, on her green living website www.earth-is-healthy.com
5. Use every blank page in your notebook before buying more
6. Pick back-to-school products that are made with recycled content or made from sustainable harvested wood
7. Pick up a backpack made of green materials such as organic cotton or hemp or one made of recycled materials like TerraCycle's school products
8. Help organize a recycling program at your school if it doesn't have one already
9. Stick with reusable lunch boxes and utensils and avoid individually packaged foods
10. Walk or ride your bike or scooter to school

Sad to see summer end? Here are 7 ways to get your child excited to go back to school >>

While green back-to-school tips for every age can inspire kids to give back to Mother Earth, you can encourage children to become eco-friendly kids by setting a good example. Join in on their environmental efforts and become a green family, seeking out tips on how to incorporate sustainable living into your household and help kids of any grade level know that they, too, can make a difference, even when going back to school.

Get more green back-to-school tips

Green school supplies for grade school
Green school supplies for high school students
Green school supplies for college students

While your baby won't do much more than sleep, eat and poop for the first few months, you'll need some items to safely transport your newborn, care for your newborn and to provide a safe and comfortable place for your newborn so you can cook dinner or take a shower.

The most important stroller to have with a newborn is a stroller that can accommodate an infant car seat. The Britax B-Agile stroller comes with two Click and Go infant car seat adapters to adapt seamlessly with the Britax infant car seats. The optional infant car seat adapter frame can be used to accommodate infant car seats from other major brands including Graco, Chicco and Peg Perego.

The Britax B-Safe infant car seat is a popular choice for new parents due to its safety and convenience features and easy adaptability to all Britax strollers.

The BabyBjorn Babysitter Balance has an ergonomic seat and gently rocks while promoting balance and motor skills through baby's own natural movements.

The 4moms mamaRoo moves more like a parent by swaying side-to-side and bouncing up-and-down. The built-in speakers with nature sounds helps soothe baby -- or to drown out unwanted noises -- or can be connected to a MP3 player to play baby's favorite songs.

The Stokke Daybed bassinet fits virtually any home décor and provides your baby with a safe, sturdy and ventilated place to sleep while keeping close to mom and dad.

The Skip Hop Versa diaper bag is a stylish and practical diaper bag that holds newborn essentials, adapts to the stroller handlebar and can expand to accommodate even more items for both mom and baby.

The Nook LilyPad gives baby a breathable, comfortable, convenient and organic place to lie while developing essential neck muscle strength.

Most baby carriers can be used from birth and through your child's toddler years. The Ergobaby Bundle of Joy package includes the popular Ergobaby carrier with an infant insert, which allows parents to use the carrier from birth to 45 pounds.

Infant car seats: Which one is right for you? >>

These health and care items for newborns are essential to have on hand from the day you bring your baby home.

• Diaper pail
• Changing pad with multiple covers
• Baby bath tub
• Gentle hair and body wash
• Sensitive laundry detergent
• Nasal aspirator
• First Aid kit
• Health and grooming kit
• Thermometer
• Pacifier

Newborns go through a lot of clothes, but don't typically need much more than the basics.

• Mittens
• Sleeper gowns
• Socks
• Onesies
• Kimono t-shirts
• Footed sleepers
• Newborn caps
• Swaddle blankets
• Stroller blankets
• Cold weather blankets

These feeding essentials help the process of feeding your newborn go more smoothly for both your baby and yourself.

• Breast pump
• Breast pump accessories: Sterilizer and storage bags
• Bottles
• Bottle accessories: Drying rack, bottle brush and sterilizer
• Bottle warmer
• Feeding pillow
• Nursing cover
• Burp cloths

5 Breastfeeding tips for new moms >>

These items are nice to have, but you don't necessarily need them right away. These items can be purchased as your baby gets older or if you end up needing them.

• Video baby monitor
• White noise machine
• Black, white and red toys

Do not wash the newborn baby clothes until after your baby is born. While your doctor will likely give you an estimate on your unborn baby’s weight, he or she could be wrong -- and you'll never really know the size of your baby until he or she is born. Instead of washing all the newborn clothing, set them aside to wash after your baby is born. If you do not wash the newborn clothing and have a larger baby, you'll be able to return or exchange the clothing for larger sizes.

Keep the newborn diapers sealed in their package until after your baby is born. The hospital will provide you with all the diapers you'll need during your hospital stay and for the ride home. During your hospital stay, you'll be able to determine which size diaper is best for your new baby -- newborn or size one. If your baby needs size one diapers, you can usually return or exchange sealed packs of newborn diapers from the store you purchased them from.

More newborn tips for parents

6 Tips for heading home with a newborn
How to get housework done with a newborn baby
10 Simple baby care tricks Mom never told you

Love of the game

A few years ago, I was visiting my sister and her family in Chicago. My nephew, a tween at the time, was obsessed with baseball. Still is, by the way, and he’s pretty darn good at it too. But what I remembered most about this time in his baseball career was the lone girl who played on his team. Like my nephew, she was baseball-obsessed.

This little girl could hit, run bases, field balls and spit out sunflower seeds in the dugout with the best of ‘em. I remember thinking: go, you! Dream big dreams, little one. Don’t ever be discouraged that you’re the only girl on a boys’ team. Don’t ever be discouraged that you might be considered different.

This little girl didn’t join the boys’ baseball team because she was trying to make a point. She simply loved the game and wanted to compete and the boys’ Little League was her only option. Fortunately the coaches recognized her enthusiasm, encouraged her and she thrived.

A glimpse of the what-ifs

One of the awesome benefits of young adult fiction, particularly contemporary fiction, is that teens get a glimpse of the what-ifs. They’re dared to dream big dreams when they connect with relatable characters that refuse to limit themselves with societal conventions or life circumstances. They’re shown that risk-taking, particularly those taken in the pursuit of a passion, can lead to accomplishment, personal satisfaction, and even unanticipated challenges and outcomes.

Teens dream big. They experience emotion at lightning speed and in Richter-scale proportions. But when your whole life stretches before you, what a perfect time to test your wings. And what better and safer place than in the pages of a book.

From classics to fantasy

When I was a kid, I devoured the Little House and Little Women books. I’m pretty sure I set the record for having checked out On the Banks of Plum Creek more than any other student at Roosevelt Elementary School. Nothing captured my imagination more than reading about a fearless girl who was less concerned about being “normal” and fitting in than venturing down roads less traveled. Bonus points were given to any novel with main characters who lived in a culture or setting different from my own.

Fast forward to present day young adult fiction. Books like The Hunger Games and Harry Potter, while fantasy, still contain fearless yet relatable characters that tweens and teens devour, even as they’re battling an oppressive regime or He Who Must Not Be Named. The storylines may evolve and change with each new generation but the most relatable character motivations certainly have not. Is Laura Ingalls any less brave or fearless than Katniss Everdeen in the pursuit of her goals or the protection of her family?

Get hooked

In my upcoming debut young adult novel Hooked, a Native American teen girl dares to dream big dreams. She joins the all boys’ varsity golf team at her high school and her life changes in ways she never expected. I’ve always been intrigued by characters that push the convention envelope in the sports arena. In Hooked, not only does our fearless teen overcome barriers in the pursuit of golf excellence, but she also has to battle the constraints of her own culture. Success does not — nor should not — come easily.

In 25, 50, even 100 years from now, I’m prepared to bet that authors will create new worlds, new obstacles and perhaps even new sports. However, I’d guess that the characters will still behave a lot like Katniss Everdeen, Harry Potter and Laura Ingalls but perhaps with cooler names and hipper clothes.

More about kids and reading

6 Young adult books you'll want to borrow from your teen
5 Top book series to read with your kids
Should your child dig into The Hunger Games?

These seriously cool baby names are perfect for your little baller. They are unique, edgy and never boring or ordinary.

Celebrities always seem to find baller baby names for boys and girls. How do they do it? They aren't afraid to think outside the box when searching for the perfect name. Here are some of our favorite celebrity baller baby names for boys and girls.

Sporty baller baby names

For some, a baller refers to a future basketball star who shows serious skills on the court. If you have high hopes of raising your own little baller, perhaps one of these names would be for you.

For boys, consider the following sporty names:

Unisex or tomboy baby names, such as Maxwell or Billie, are cute names for girls. Singer Stevie Nicks is an example of a cool gender bending name. For more ideas, consider the following sporty names for girls:

Exotic baller baby names

From Spain to Bali, you may also like the sound of exotic baby names for your worldly baller.

What's old is new again! You should also consider retro baby names, such as Wallace for boys or Abigail for girls, for names with serious swagger to them.

More baby name ideas

Hey Jude! Seriously cool Beatles baby names
Baby boy names with serious swagger
Baby names your friends will want to steal

Talking back to the New Yorker article

Recently, there was an article in The New Yorker that sent chills through many moms. Titled Spoiled Rotten, it was about — you guessed it — why American kids are so spoiled.

We asked experts to weigh in and tell us why some moms overindulge their children and what they can do if they're ready to make a change.

Spoiled rotten?

The recent article in The New Yorker about spoiled children in America resonated with many moms. Some because they saw themselves in it and others because they couldn't imagine having a child that behaved that way. But no matter what your opinion, no mom wants to think of her child as a spoiled brat.

Spoiling children: The eight myths >>

You've taught your child to act the way he does

Parenting coach and author Brandi Davis says she hates the word spoiled. "Once something is spoiled it cannot be unspoiled. Indulged children are not spoiled, they are behaving as they have been taught to behave."

Have you taught your child that it's OK to act out? To be demanding? Do you give him everything he wants and do everything for him? Davis warns, "Do not jump when your kids need things as if they are the Queen of Hearts about to yell, 'Off with Dad's head!' If they can resolve the issue, have them do so. If they need a spoon and can reach the spoons, have them get the spoon. That goes for napkins, water, books, clothes, and on and on. The idea is that if your kid can do it, have them do it."

Davis continues, "This may seem like a lot, but why are we not expecting these things? Just be sure that you are behaving the same way. No ordering. No bossing. No demanding. You must use your calm words too. Set the example for what you expect in your home."

4 ways to unspoil your child >>

Learn to tolerate your child's unhappiness

So why have you been overindulging your child? Therapist Julie Hanks says one reason could be because you don't want to see him unhappy. And, really, what mom wants to see her child upset? But if you recognize that there might need to be a change in how you're parenting, Hanks says you'll need to learn to tolerate your child's unhappiness. "Somehow we've decided that in order to be a good parent our kids need to be happy all of the time ."

And what if your fear is that your child will be mad at you if you don't give him what he wants? Psychotherapist Christina Steinorth adds, "Parenting isn't a popularity contest and parents need to be secure enough in themselves that they need to be emotionally OK if their kids don't like them for a couple of hours, a couple of days or even a couple of weeks."

More about your child's behavior

What makes a child spoiled?
5 Fast ways to stop a tantrum
Why are you tolerating your kid's bad behavior?

Each year the Social Security Administration releases a list of the top twin baby names of the year, taken from births in the United States. For single births, Sophia and Jacob were the most popular baby names of the year, however that wasn’t the case for boy/girl twins.

Last year, Madison and Mason were the top twin boy/girl names of the year and they have kept their top spot this year. Taylor and Tyler were the second most popular twin names last year, however they have moved down to number 11 this year.

Who made the list? Check out the top 25 twin boy/girl names of the year.

Top boy/girl twin baby names

1. Madison, Mason
2. Olivia, Owen
3. Jayda, Jayden
4. Emma, Ethan
5. Isabella, Isaiah
6. Addison, Aiden
7. Emily, Ethan
8. Ava, Aiden
9. Ella, Ethan
10. Jada, Jaden
11. Taylor, Tyler
12. Abigail, Andrew
13. London, Landon
14. Morgan, Mason
15. Olivia, Oliver
16. Zoey, Zachary
17. Isabella, Alexander
18. Olivia, Ethan
19. Madison, Michael
20. Abigail, Benjamin
21. Sophia, Alexander
22. Emily, Matthew
23. Emma, John
24. Mackenzie, Mason
25. Michelle, Michael

Curious which twin names were most popular last year? Check out the top boy/girl twin names of last year here >>

Twin baby name trends

Twin names that start with the same letter are a popular choice, with the top 16 names all showing this trend. It is not until number 17, with Alexander and Isabella, that we see names that start with a different letter.

The popularity of old-fashioned names is evident on the list, with names like Abigail and Andrew appearing on the top 25 this year. Other old-fashioned names on the list include Charlotte and Henry and Elizabeth and William .

Twin baby names that have the same root word, such as Jay for Jayden and Jayla or Jayda and Jayden, as well as Adrian and Adriana and Natalie and Nathan, are another hot baby name trend for twins.

Celebrity twin baby names

Celebrity parents steered away from giving their boy/girl twins names beginning with the same letter. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt gave their twins the cool vintage names Vivienne and Knox, as did Julia Roberts when she named her twins Hazel and Phinneas. Actor Neil Patrick Harris named his kids the very trendy names of Gideon and Harper, while Dennis Quaid picked the cool names Thomas and Zoe. Many thought that Jennifer Lopez was inspired by the cartoon Dragon Tales when she and her husband at the time, Marc Anthony, named their twins Max and Emme.

Lastly, how can we forget Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon's twins, Moroccan and Monroe, whom they affectionally call "dem babies."

Find out how celebrities pick baby names here >>

More baby names

Twin girl names: Popular and unique ideas
Twin boy names: Cool and clever ideas
Top 100 baby names of the year

"The more our teens understand themselves and understand their world, the greater number and quality of options they can create to find things in work and life that fit their talents, interests and passions. Engaging teens in discussions, activities and conversations about what they hear and learn at school, and how this connects to today’s world, is a strong way to create a home/school partnership," says life coach and motivational speaker Jay Forte of Live Fired Up.

Talk about school regularly

Have an ongoing dialogue with your teens about the topics that they are learning and have learned in school. Discuss which subjects and concepts came easy to them and gauge their interest in these particular areas. Talk about how the things that they like and the areas they excel in fit in today's world.

"If they love math, share how it connects to roles in business, science, engineering and education," explains Forte. "If they love personal connection, share how it connects to roles in psychology, education, retail, healthcare, etc."

SheKnows Parenting challenge: Turn off the tech >>

Be realistic with your expectations

Not every teen is a scholar or a world-class athlete. However, every single person can be great at what they do. Help your teen discover more about his abilities and interests while in high school to lay the foundation for a successful future. Encourage him to dig deep into the areas that interest him, both in and out of school. By opening his eyes and mind to the things that he can do, you'll help your teen start on the road to greatness.

Jay Forte, a former CPA, financial executive and corporate educator, is now a business and motivational speaker, workplace and life coach, and author of two books. Jay provides practical tools to help people know themselves, find their fit and transform their worlds.

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Being that driving force

When Gayle Bu first became an assistant at the Gap, she helped other moms who worked there with whatever they needed — even when it meant going above the call of duty.

Now this working mom is a virtual assistant who makes it her business to see her clients succeed.

When one of Gayle Bu's clients needed to hire a personal chef, Bu researched organizations, found candidates and prescreened them. Then she set up personal interviews between her client and the top three candidates. "It took out that entire layer of stress," says Bu. "It’s basically just freeing up their time for whatever is important."

Bu is a virtual assistant who works with 10 clients. Four of them are moms. Even before she became a mother of two, Bu always believed in going above and beyond for her clients. "One of the people I was working for [she] needed to interview nannies. But the interview process was lengthy," says Bu. "My job is to help her. If it means that I have to spend time prescreening nannies or setting up pediatrician appointments so she can spend more time in the boardroom, so be it."

Having a mentor can help you achieve more >>

Freeing clients up

Bu understands how things like setting up appointments and finding contractors can take away from a busy working mom's time — both at work and with her family. So she works hard to take away that stress from them. "They are definitely appreciative and that’s why I keep doing what I do," says Bu.

Beyond personal tasks, Bu also handles a lot of business-related matters for her clients. "My title is virtual assistant so primarily what I do is business oriented. It’s a lot of setting up newsletters and business, etc."

Thinking of getting your own assistant? >>

Being mom

Bu herself is a mom to a 7-year-old and an almost-5-year-old. That's a job she takes very seriously. And with her kids changing schools this year, she's shifted her business to meet their needs. "This year I restructured my business so I can drop them up at the bus at 8:15 and pick them up at 4," says Bu.

She holds herself to strict working hours and literally shuts down when her work day is over. "I take client calls 9-3:45 on Monday through Thursday," says Bu. "My office is my office. So at the end of the day, I close the door and that’s it."

Of course, like many people these days, Bu says she finds it hard to resist checking her email after hours... just in case. Still, she tries to hold herself to a standard of not dealing with anything that's not urgent when she's off the clock for the day.

Bu tries to keep her time sacred so that she gives her all with whatever she's doing. "When I am with my kids, I am 100 percent with my kids. When I am with my clients, I am 100 percent with my clients," she says.

Still, she also does some multitasking during her brief lunch break. "I genuinely love what I do. The cool thing is that my office is upstairs. I will run downstairs, make lunch quickly, toss the laundry in, toss a chicken in and it’s cool," says Bu. And that frees her up to spend more time with her own family.

More from Chasing the Dream

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Managing your priorities

Making the decision to stay at home with your baby or child is huge. How will your finances deal with the loss of your income? How will you stay sane? Read on for ideas on how to make it work.

Ditch your work clothes

Deciding to give up your job is no easy task — or maybe it was, once you welcomed your baby home. Here are some terrific ideas on how to make staying at home with your children work out.

Living on one income

Learning to live on one income can be the biggest roadblock to becoming a SAHM. A lot of moms we spoke with brainstormed and came up with ways they could earn some income without sacrificing their time at home with their kids. “We definitely can't afford to live on one income, so I had to find creative ways to make up the difference,” shared Leah, mom of one. “I didn't really want to sacrifice the way I was accustomed to living, so I started finding things to sell on eBay. I'd take the baby thrifting in the wrap, find good stuff and list on eBay while she napped.”

Other moms tightened up their budgets so a lost income wouldn’t be an issue, and made it work. “Had I not been laid off, I probably would have said that we would never be able to make it work financially,” reported Heather from California. “It's amazing how things always manage to work out.”

The rewards

The rewards SAHMs report are immeasurable. “I never miss a single milestone,” explained Lindsay. “I get to spend my days helping my children learn and grow up. I see every smile and every tear. I wouldn't change it for the world.”

Erika completely agreed. “The best thing about being home with my son is savoring every minute of his amazing being," she shared. "I never feel like he is growing too fast, nor do I mourn for his younger days. I love watching him unfurl. My greatest gift is the ringside seat I have for this incredible miracle. I am blessed beyond measure.”

Heather may have summed it up best: “I never miss anything, and they never miss me.”

More on stay-at-home moms

Work-from-home ideas for stay-at-home moms
Are you a bored stay-at-home mom?
Financial tips for stay-at-home moms

Why use a website?

Teachers who have implemented a classroom website find that it brings much more to their interaction with students than just posting homework assignments or test scores. Students are more engaged and parents feel connected to the learning process. Classroom websites offer a way for students and teachers to interact beyond the regular classroom setting and past dismissal time.

There are several sites teachers can use to set up their own classroom site quickly and easily. Shutterfly, Weebly, TeacherWeb and ClassJump are some of the sites offering a place where teachers can create their own sites and start using them immediately.

Do you think your child's classroom might be making him sick? >>

Extra credit

Student progress and homework assignments are popular uses for a classroom website, but what other options can teachers utilize? David Rusenko is the CEO of Weebly, a site where teachers can easily create their own website for free. “Weebly for Education is a custom-built tool that caters to specific needs in education,” says Rusenko. “It allows teachers to create a classroom site to keep students and parents up to date on progress, homework and curriculum. It also allows teachers to give their students access to create a website and blog in a controlled environment.”

With the ability to add video and photographs, many teachers use these blogs or website as the next generation of a written essay or book report. Students can create an electronic portfolio of their work, and teachers can control access to these sites by making them public or private.

Parents are fans

How many times has your child come home from a long day at school and didn’t remember to write down the homework assignment? When your child’s teacher uses a classroom website, homework assignments are readily available online, anytime day or night. Teachers can update progress reports and grades frequently, giving students the ability to stay on track.

As students move on to high school courses that involve more extensive projects, the ability to work online is even more useful. Students can access their personal sites or blogs at any time day or night, which is helpful when teenage study schedules become erratic.

Dealing with separation anxiety >>

A teacher’s perspective

Jared Ward is a teacher in the Canyons School District in Sandy, Utah who has helped many teachers in his district set up their own sites with Weebly. “We have been using Weebly for teacher's class websites for a few years now and we love it. I have been working with teachers in my school to help them build class websites using Weebly, and each year we add more and more teachers to the list of those with websites.” Most sites that offer a classroom website make them easy to create in a very short amount of time.

More on education

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The pros and cons of school uniforms
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No more mom excuses!

When was the last time you so much as had a cup of coffee with your girlfriends? Do you find yourself making excuses, always revolving around the kids, when you say "no" to invitations from friends?

Spending too much time with your children could not only be hurting your social life, but hurting you. How can you start making room for adults in your child-centered world?

Don’t let your friendships be casualties

If you’re cringing because you've already lost touch with one too many friends or if some of your friendships are dangerously close to becoming casualties, it’s time to revive them — not just for you — but for your kids.

“One of the first casualties of having kids is usually a woman's social friendships, and that's not a good thing. Of course parenthood is a busy time for everyone, but you will ultimately be a better parent if you take care of yourself first, and part of taking care of yourself should be the goal of staying in contact with your girlfriends,” stresses author and psychotherapist, Christina Steinorth.

“The conundrum. How best to squeeze time in for you? Coffee with a friend, a movie, dare we engage in the idea of a girl's night out? Ever feel like it's all just moving too fast? If we deem relationships with others as a priority, ultimately we'll have more to [put] fuel in the tank to dedicate to our children after all," says life coach, Nancy Sherr.

Why "me time" is essential for your health >>

Moms need female friendships

When you forgo friendships for your kids, you might think this is OK because you’re putting them first. But it's critical that you put yourself first too. “Study after study shows us that social connections are good for our mental and physical health, and as moms, these things are crucial to how we care for our kids. If we're constantly stressed, fatigued or even depressed because we've lost contact with the outside world, in time this is going to take a toll on our parenting capabilities,” says Steinorth.

Steinorth adds, “Our girlfriends can be a great support when we need someone to talk to and encouragement when we struggle with life's various issues so it's important not to let these friendships slip away.”

Why all moms need good mom friends >>

Being a mom is only part of who you are

Being a mom is wonderful, of course. But is that your sole identity? It's important to remember that it’s really only part of who you are, even if you consider it the best part. “Being a parent is only one fragmented piece of the totality of a woman. Spending too much time with your children, to the detriment of outside interests, only serves to frustrate you, your friends, and surprisingly your children," says April St. John who after 13 years as a stay-at-home mom is now a public speaker and MA resident in marriage and family therapy.

"Ask yourself 'why?' Why do I feel the need to deny myself structured and planned time away from my children? An honest answer to that question may get you one step closer to a balanced point of view,” adds St. John.

No more mom excuses

If you're notorious for saying you don’t have time to see your friends because you’re too busy with the kids, ask yourself if this is really true. Then make a choice to give yourself a kid-free day. Believe it or not,  these days actually make you a better mom.

“What helped me get back doing the things I loved was to simply schedule it. If I scheduled a massage for example, I would have to pay if I didn’t show up, so it forces me to go. If I told my friend I was going to meet her/him for lunch, I will most likely go since I am already committed,” says Lisa Stein, founder of freelancemom.com.

Remember... selfish is not a dirty word

"Putting your oxygen mask on first results in more confidence as a woman, more patience and playfulness as a mom and more ravishing sensuality as a lover. Selfish is not a dirty word. You'll see the nurturing gifts that regular mom time gives to your family, your friends and your soul,” says Allana Pratt, author of The Missing Handbook to Motherhood.

More about the importance of "me time"

It's "me" time, not "mom" time
Ways for single moms to find some "me" time
I'll take a little me time, please

How to choose a mom-
friendly gym

There are so many options for gyms today. How do you choose the right one for you? These tips will help you find the perfect mom-friendly gym.

As a mom, joining a gym is a big step toward shedding the baby weight . But how do you choose one?

It's important that you not just take into account the nuts and bolts of the gym, but what else it can offer for you and your family. "Be sure you like the gym and have a good feeling about it. Looking forward to hitting the gym is critical toward long-term results," says Michael Bronco, who has been a gym owner for 20 years.

Do you have the top 10 things you need in your gym bag? >>

What moms look for

The gym experience can be a personal one, but moms are looking for some important things to make the experience worthwhile. "I chose my gym, Fitmix Studio in LA, because I love the owners/trainers, the classes are both fat-blasting and strengthening in one, are 55 minutes long so I can squeeze them into a lunch break. They have many classes scheduled each day so I can usually find one to fit into my schedule, their studio is located in an area that has plenty of parking, and it's close to both my office and my son's preschool," says Samantha Slaven-Bick of Samantha Slaven Publicity.

Indeed, location matters. It will be harder to fit in a gym trip if the gym is 20 minutes away than if it's right down the street. Look for one that is convenient to your home, work and/or your kids' school.

Ease of use is another factor. For Slaven-Bick, being able to schedule classes easily was a big thing too. "They also have a convenient online reservation system, so I can sign up for classes online a month in advance at any time of day or night, so I can plan my classes around meetings, travel, preschool events, etc.," says Slaven-Bick.

For Michelle Posey of Michelle Posey Photography, there were some great bonuses to joining her gym. "I found lots of added bonuses with my gym! It has 25m and 50m pools , one of the best swim teams in the area, an amazing staff of young people teaching swimming lessons at all levels, and a lot of other wonderful family programs. Those include Parents' Night Out programs every month, family-oriented parties, and summer camps that are a great value," says Posey.

Learn how to overcome weight loss obstacles >>

What about the kids?

As a mother, you want to work out... but where will the kids go? That's where gym childcare comes into play. "The most important features for me were simple: A fun daycare for my son when he was little and a young cut-off age when he could join and work out with me. My son has been at the gym practically since he was born and now trains with me at the age of 12," says Kristin Shaffer, founder of Figure & Bikini.

When checking out gyms, make sure you take a close look at the childcare facilities and learn about them. You'll want to ask about hours , costs and if there are any monthly plans available. Also find out what kids do while in childcare there.

More on being a fit mom

7 Simple tips to lose weight
5 Ways to ditch the baby weight without exercise
Celebrity weight loss tips for new moms

by Erica Courtney
as told to Julie Weingarden Dubin

Living on the lam

When I was 26 years old I kidnapped my son, Josh, then 4, after escaping an abusive marriage to his father in Louisiana. I was going through a violent and acrimonious divorce and custody battle for three and a half years and feared for my life. I was desperate and felt running away was the only choice for me at the time.

I hit rock bottom when I ran away. Knowing that I was leaving behind my mother and sister was gut-wrenching. I went from living in a penthouse to poverty. I brought one pair of plain jeans, hot rollers, clothes for Josh and two teddy bears. I had to create a new life with little money. I left behind my real name and had to be reborn into a person I didn’t know. I made her up as I went along.

Luckily, my mom sent me money wherever I ended up. It was tricky finding new ways for her to send me money because she knew she was being watched by the police. Even with her help, money was always tight when I was on the run. I remember having to eat potato soup all day — for days — so that I could buy Josh a hot dog.

I constantly missed my family back home. I felt very alone. It was difficult seeing Josh’s picture on milk cartons for missing children, at the post office and even at Denny’s. I can remember for the first two years away, I cried every single day. Then one day I realized that by crying I was allowing my ex-husband to continue to rule my emotions and life, so from then on I decided not to cry anymore. I changed Josh’s identity to keep him under the radar. I used a different name and had a fake social security number and birth certificate for him, so I was able to enroll him in school.

A bejeweled new life

We lived in Dallas in an efficiency apartment with a Murphy bed when I started my jewelry business. While in hiding, I was at home a lot. One day I was feeling creative, so I started gluing jewels and Swarovski crystals to my sunglasses. I wore them out and got tons of compliments and was asked where they could buy them. From that moment on, I started selling these sunglasses and even sold watches with the same design. I felt a great sense of self-achievement.

In 1989 Josh and I moved to Los Angeles and the business flourished. My jewelry was used in commercials and other productions and then costume designers and stylists started requesting my designs for celebrities. I think the moment I realized I had “made it” in the industry was when one of the hottest stylists in Los Angeles told me Calista Flockhart had chosen to wear my jewelry over Harry Winston to the Academy Awards. I love being in the jewelry business because I love making people happy. There’s so much sentimental value in jewelry and my designs are very personal.

Fugitive found

In 1992 after eight and a half years as a fugitive, the cops arrested me when I was in New York for a jewelry show. I was sentenced to two years’ probation. I avoided jail time because my ex-husband knew the judge and requested no jail time. I guess it was an act of kindness toward his son’s mother.

After I got caught by the FBI, I lost custody but was granted supervised visitations. Josh went back to his real name after he was taken away from me. I didn’t connect or relate to my old name — it just wasn’t who I was anymore, so I decided to keep my fake name. Josh lived with his father until he was 16, and then got himself kicked out of his dad's house on purpose. Josh called me and we were finally reunited.

I know I’ve taught my son how certain wrong actions can cause tremendous pain to other people. Fortunately, Josh and I are very close and he is now happily married with a beautiful young daughter.

It’s hard to believe that I once struggled to feed my son and now I head a Los Angeles jewelry company and sell my jewels on QVC. I’m thrilled about my latest launch — a collection of diamonique and real colored gemstone designs for QVC, but I’ll never forget that motherhood showed me how fearless I could be.

Having a child changes the meaning of life. Motherhood’s taught me how profound love is. I don’t think I truly knew what love was until I had my son.

Read more on real moms

Mom story: My crafting saved us
Mom story: My big RV adventure
Mom story: I help the homeless rebuild their lives

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Check out Buffy’s baby bump! Pregnant actress Sarah Michelle Gellar looks casually chic in a striped top paired with a black cardigan and a fedora as she makes her way to the doctor’s office. The 35-year-old Ringer star is expecting her second child with her husband, Freddie Prinze, Jr.

It looks like their daughter, 2-1/2-year-old Charlotte Grace, will have a little brother to play with as Sarah is reportedly expecting a baby boy!

“She and Freddie are thrilled,” a source tells Us Weekly. “They’re amazing parents. They still have date nights all the time and have a normal life. They both came of age in Hollywood and love working, but their home life is more important to them."

Next up: Neve Campbell’s baby bump has really grown!

Photo credit: Celebrity Baby Scoop - Celebrity Mom and Baby News

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Neve Campbell

Pregnant Scream star Neve Campbell looked serene and happy as she took her two dogs on a walk in Los Angeles. The 38-year-old dressed her baby bump in a black maxi skirt paired with a tie-dyed top and cardigan.

Campbell is expecting her first child with her boyfriend J.J. Field later this month. The actress has kept a low profile since announcing her pregnancy in March, however her cast members from her Lifetime movie Sworn to Silence said she seemed excited about her pregnancy.

“Neve is an extremely nice person and was glowing every day and talking to a few of us on set how she was excited for being a new mom,” the source told the Daily Mail. “Although she never said who the father was and we didn’t want to pry.”

Next up: Pregnant Vanessa Lachey is growing and glowing!

Photo credit: Celebrity Baby Scoop - Celebrity Mom and Baby News

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Vanessa Lachey

Vanessa Lachey showed off her growing baby bump in a printed maxi dress as she attended the Disney ABC Television Group Part to promote her show, Wipeout.

Lachey, who is expecting her first child any day now with husband Nick Lachey, tweeted that she respects women who work throughout their pregnancy.

“I just want to applaud ALL the pregnant moms out there who still work thru month 8 & 9! It's not easy. U are incredible, amazing, & strong!” she tweeted.

She also tweets a weekly bit of pregnancy and new mom advice, which she calls “Maternity Mondays.”  

“Swaddle Blanket & Receiving Blanket are pretty much the same thing,” she tweeted this past Monday. “I had no idea. Very impt for newborns. Swaddle Away!!!”

Next up: Anna Faris wears her favorite maternity color

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Anna Faris

Actress Anna Faris was spotted in yet another black dress as she left a wax salon in West Hollywood recently. The 35-year-old What’s Your Number? star is expecting her first child this fall with her husband, Parks and Recreation actor Chris Pratt.

A friend of the star says she has been having an easy pregnancy with minimal side effects. “Maybe it's just her energy, but she hasn't been having trouble with the pregnancy at all!“ her friend told Us Weekly.

The couple is expecting a boy and Pratt is ready to do some serious bonding, as a source revealed he is “excited to have a little guy to teach guitar.”

The couple, who married in 2009, are ready to become parents and the timing was right for them. “They planned for this baby and now seemed as good of a time as ever,“ a source says.

Next up: Fearne Cotton’s mod baby bump

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Fearne Cotton

British TV presenter Fearne Cotton showed off her baby bump for the first time since announcing the news, wearing a mod, brightly colored dress. She is expecting her first child later this year with her boyfriend, Jesse Wood — who happens to be the son of Rolling Stones rocker Ronnie Wood.

She made the pregnancy announcement on her website, writing, “Jesse and I are very happy to announce we are having a baby. We are over the moon, morning sickness aside and looking forward to the little Cotton Woods arrival.”

It sounds like Jesse’s dad, Ronnie, has given his stamp of approval, however he is hinting that he hopes they get married! “She’s rock ‘n’ roll. I do wonder if she’ll become my daughter-in-law any time soon.”

From Anna Paquin to Reese Witherspoon, check out more celebrity baby bumps here >>

Photo credit: WENN unless otherwise noted

When it’s time for your older child to go back-to-school, your toddler or preschooler may go through separation anxiety. Here are a few tips on how to keep your little one happy even when his built-in playmate is off to school.

Keeping your little one entertained

Play, vacations and constant companionship comes to an end as late summer brings on back-to-school preparation for you and your kids. If you also have a younger child at home, you might want to keep her in mind for when big brother goes to school. Here are a few ways to ease your little one's transition when his older siblings return to classes.

Keep busy

When your older child was home, it was likely easier to keep busy and moving. But now that your toddler's older playmate is away all day, you may have to plan ahead to keep him busy. Pack a lunch for your little one, and go somewhere to eat it during lunch. Go to story hour at the library, plan crafts to do in the afternoon and schedule play dates with your friends and their kids. If your child is really close to school age, have school for him too -- buy workbooks and sit down with him to work on reading or math every day.

Listen

If your younger kiddo shows signs of sadness at their sibling's departure, take the time to really listen to his concerns. Don't dismiss his feelings, even though you may be tempted to simply distract him. He needs to know that you're there for him and that it's safe to talk to you about what he is going through. Reassure your little one that big brother will return at the end of the day and that you have your own fun day planned.

With these few tips in mind, and staying in tune with your preschooler's emotional needs, you can help ease your younger child's transition when his older sibling returns to his school and friends.

More on back-to-school

Back-to-school treats kids love
Back-to-school dinners the family will love
Mom's back-to-school fitness plan

Genital warts and cancers caused by HPV are probably the last things on your mind if you have a tween son. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends boys get the series of HPV shots at 11 or 12 years old, but is it worth it?

Will it help or hurt?

Here's what you need to know to make an informed decision for your son.

What is HPV and what does the vaccine do?

Eric McGrath, MD, infectious disease specialist at DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan, explains, "Human papillomavirus is the most common virus that is passed from one person to another through direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity."

As for Gardasil, the vaccine? "It contains a protein that helps the body’s immune system produce antibodies against HPV — without causing an actual infection," McGrath explains.

Learn more about understanding HPV>>

How can HPV affect my son?

Most of what I know about HPV relates to women -- HPV tests are offered routinely at GYN visits, and celebrities like Marissa Jaret Winokur have shared their stories of surviving cervical cancer after contracting the virus. I didn't know men could pass HPV to their female partners, and the thought of protecting not only my sons, but their future partners, too, seems like a no-brainer. Then again, "Most HPV types cause no symptoms and the body’s immune system clears them naturally within two years of infection," explains McGrath.

That information makes me pause and think maybe he shouldn't get the vaccine. But knowing HPV can cause genital warts or cancer of the anus, penis, and back of the throat makes me say "yes" to the shots.

Isn't my son way too young to need this vaccine?

Even if you've had "the talk" with your son, it doesn't mean he'll tell you when he becomes sexually active. McGrath explains, "The vaccines will not treat or get rid of existing HPV infections. Also, HPV vaccines do not treat or cure health problems caused by an HPV infection that occurred before vaccine administration."

More about why the CDC recommends routine HPV vaccines for boys>>

Still unsure about this "now or never" decision for your son? Me, too.

But armed with this information, I'll be able to discuss HPV and Gardasil with my son, then make an informed decision. I hope you will, too.

Read more

Gardasil for your son
Does the HPV vaccine promote teen promiscuity?
Human papillomavirus vaccine

The best
workouts for busy moms

Stay fit, healthy and happy with these expert tips
on managing motherhood and exercise.

Motherhood is awesome , but between the "mommy tax" on fruit snacks, sacks of leftover Halloween candy and spending a huge chunk of time in the kitchen every day, it's a full-time job that can be tough on your waistline. And we won't even go into the damage the little butterballs do to our stomachs while they're inside them. Maybe that's why research says that moms gain an average of 7 pounds per kid.

To keep it from happening, we're told to eat healthier and exercise more, usually by people who don't have to deal with an infant every 30 minutes at night. Fortunately, according to our mommy experts, you don't need to give up your workouts just because you roll with a posse of little people. Here are nine great ways for every mom to stay fit, healthy and happy.

You're already at the park every day the weather is decent, so why not exercise along with the kiddos? A playground has everything you need to make a great cardio and strength circuit, like this "playout" workout from SHAPE. Kara Thom, co-author of Hot Mamas: Five Secrets to Life as a Fit Mom and mom of four, adds that playouts "tend to go better if you let them take the lead: Ask them what they want to do and go with it ."

Helpful hint: Yell, "Tag I'm it!" and your kids will got nuts. Tag may be the best sprint workout ever.

"Yoga is a powerful holistic workout that is beneficial for women at every stage of life," says mom Tamara Koscielski, 500 RYT and LifePower Yoga coordinator. "For post-partum moms, it teaches you how to calm yourself, which helps with everything from deeper sleep to milk let-down when breastfeeding. For older women in any stage of menopause, hot yoga helps balance your hormones and release stored toxins." Plus, kids are naturals at yoga and will love to do Down Dog and Tree Pose with you, even if they jump on your back when you're in plank .

Helpful hint: This workout lends itself well to pajamas! Even at 3 p.m.!

Learn about the best yoga poses for flat abs >>

The internet is a bounty of free workouts. From the short-but-intense offerings of BodyRock.tv to the hardcore CrossFit to the bubbly Pop Pilates, you will never have to pay for a workout again!

Helpful hint: The trick, Thom says, is to lower your expectations. "If I'm working out with my kids around, I know not to expect the same intensity or duration I would have if I were working out on my own. Someone will need a snack. Someone will poop. Someone will pick a fight. And on it goes. But whatever I manage to accomplish is better than doing nothing!"

Get the 10 best free workouts on YouTube >>

Many gyms and community centers offer programs like "Stretch and Stroll" at the mall, parent-child swim classes, family boot camps and other classes specifically designed to bring your kids along with you. Koscielski says this is how she first got back into exercise after her daughter was born. "It was a gentle way to work out but still stay with my baby."

Helpful hint: This is a great way to make mommy friends — those girls are health and sanity savers!

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One of the easiest exercises for moms to do is to slip out for a run or jog. According to Thom, the only "must-have" piece of equipment is flexibility. "Accept that there is no one way to make it work. Some days I get up early and go running while the house is sleeping; sometimes I run with my toddler in the stroller while my older girls set the pace on bikes. When I take my car in for an oil change, I run home. I have also run to the school and back when I go to volunteer."

Helpful hint: Thom adds that treating yourself to a cute running dress or skirt can make these running errands much more fun.

Read up on the 8 common running myths, busted! >>

If you're not up for a run, a slow walk up an incline can help you tone your legs and backside plus give you a good cardio burn. Koscielski adds, "It will help burn off stubborn baby fat by keeping your heart rate in a lower zone ."

Helpful hint: Colicky babies often settle quickly when taken for a walk in a close-body carrier or baby wrap.

Kendra Ruff, owner of Iron Fit and Lifetime Fitness personal trainer, specializes in women's fitness. "My favorite workout to recommend to moms is anything on the TRX," she says. "Because every move you do with it incorporates balance and core work — two skills vital for rehabbing the core after pregnancy." The TRX is a simple system made from two straps with handles that can be attached to any stationary object. You then use your body weight as resistance while you do moves like a rotational lunge, one of Ruff's favorites.

Kids are naturally active so don't get stuck on the sidelines checking your email on your phone; sign up to coach the soccer team, get in the pool during swim lessons, jump rope, hula hoop, play baseball, shoot hoops and ride bikes. Thom shares, "When I became a mom my biggest challenge was the same as most moms: Finding the time. But if you're willing to include your children in the workouts, this excuse is diminished significantly."

Helpful hint: Don't worry about embarrassing yourself or looking dumb in front of the other adults. Kids are remarkably forgiving and chances are some other parents will jump in too when they see you go for it.

Sometimes you just need a break from your kids, and exercise is the perfect opportunity to blow off some steam! As a mom of four, my No. 1 priority when searching for a gym is the quality of their childcare center. Many gyms and community centers now offer childcare or child classes as part of your membership or for a small fee. If the kids are happy, then I'm happy!

More from SHAPE

10 Small changes for better health
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Teens are vulnerable — especially in college

Is your teen's identity safe?

Once your teens venture out into the world, they are on their own to make choices about who they share their personal information with.

Walk any college campus and you will see countless offerings of free T-shirts or gift cards in exchange for your child’s private information. How can you teach them when to give out personal information and when not to?

Most adults are diligent about protecting their identity and credit from being misused or stolen, but what about your teenager’s information? When children are young, their parents maintain control of personal identifiers such as social security numbers and bank accounts. When teenagers start to fill out employment applications or college admission forms they have easy access to this personal information, making it harder for parents to protect them.

Are teens really at risk?

It is easy to assume that since your teen hasn’t established credit in his name that his identity is safe. According to Greg Meyer, community relations manager at Meriwest Credit Union, “The social security number of a 14-year-old is just as good as one from a 40-year-old — often better as there is no past history. When a minor's social security number is used to access a credit report, the reports are usually squeaky clean.” Fraudulent activity can go on for quite some time without being detected.

Keep it secret

One of the most important things to teach your teen is to rarely give out her social security number. Many applications and businesses will ask for it, but sharing it leaves your teen vulnerable. Teach him to always ask why a social security number is needed, and to only give it out when absolutely necessary — like in doctor’s offices or at the bank.

What to know about your teen's first job >>

Internet safety

Since there are various ways in which identity thieves can access their information, teens need to be vigilant in all aspects of their life. Julie Cook, certified financial planner at Savant Capital Management, shares a few tips on how teens can protect their identity while using their computers and other devices.

• Keep anti-virus software up-to-date on all computer devices, including smartphones.
• Use strong passwords with a mix of letters, symbols and numbers. Make them at least six characters long and change them every three weeks. Avoid using passwords such as birthdays, common words or the last four digits of your social security number.
• Use cloud computing with caution.
• Be extra cautious in choosing the information you share on social media websites.

Read about teaching your teens to shop responsibly >>

Banking smarts

How can your teen protect his banking information? Mitchell Weiss, author and adjunct professor of finance at the University of Hartford Barney School of Business offers these tips.

• Safeguard all confidential information — especially paper checks.
• Create separate passwords for the different types of online accounts that you manage. For example, your banking and credit card account passwords should be entirely different from your shopping site passwords and your email passwords.
• Never share your PINs and passwords with anyone under any circumstances.
• Do your ATM transactions on your bank's own ATMs and never use a keypad that can be seen by others or, for whatever reason, seems to have been tampered with.
• Never do your banking or any other confidential transacting in a public place or via an open Wi-Fi.

Help your teen protect her identity now to avoid serious problems in the future.

More on parenting teens

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Consequences of junk food for teens
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