Teens, Tweens & Screens

The Internet is Not All Bad

Wait for it... The internet is not all bad. Yes, even for your teens. I know you are thinking, wait a minute, you have told us ALL of the bad things. All of the disturbing things our kids have access to. How it can effect the rest of their lives. How it can shift their thought processes. How it can create irrevocable changes. So let’s reframe this for a minute. What if I told you that, yes, it absolutely can do all of those things, but in a positive way.

I often feel like chicken little when I speak or write on this subject. Most days it does feel like the sky is falling, especially with so many kids floating freely through an unmonitored, unrestricted space. However, I think we can all agree there are beautiful stories to be found online. We see them everyday. But in the mess of it all, they sometimes get overlooked.

The headline of “a teen helps an elderly stranger” never seems as interesting as the news that the sky is falling. But, the reality is, we can help gently move our children into this positive space by teaching them what to look for.

I frequently ask kids during conferences if they are tired of hearing what they can NOT do online. I am always met with a resounding, YES! Then I ask if anyone ever takes the time to tell them what they CAN do. And I am told, NO. If our kids are going to be in this space, let’s show them the wonderful, beautiful, helpful side of online.

I often use the analogy that our kids are a lot like puppies. A puppy will chew on your furniture or chew on a bone. They are going to chew, but we can decide what they get to chew on. Also, if we are being honest, kids have the attention span of a puppy. So while the bone is fun for a while, they will inevitably want to go back to the furniture. This is where we come in with constant guidance and re-direction.

Case in point, my son and I were hanging on the couch the other day. We were watching his TikTok. Yes, he has TikTok. He turned 17 this month. There is a whole conversation around this that I will address another time, but he does have it. And I do monitor it. That day he was looking at random junk. Nothing “bad” mind you. Just junk. So I said to him we should spend some time looking at the colleges he is interested in and do it through his social media accounts. He looked at me and said, “Huh?” I reminded him that he can look at schools or baseball programs through Instagram, TikTok and even Snap Chat. I was met with another, “Huh?”

Now, I realize that this story may not be painting my parenting/social media education skills in the best light. Shouldn’t he already know these things. I have said them. A lot. Does he even LIVE with me? He is incredibly smart, but this is a perfect example of how kids have to be reminded of the positive, uplifting, wonderful things they CAN do with their social media. He knew he could do it…just all of the other junk gets in the way.

Today, and in the weeks to come, remind your kids what they CAN do. Show them how to access positive stories, how they can build their own business, how they can look up the college they have always wanted to attend, how they can use it to apply for their dream job.

If your children love to travel, show them all of the amazing places in the world they may visit. Show them apps that support their mental health either through meditation or simply moving their bodies. Find groups or activists that have the same goals and teach them how to get involved and use their voices in a positive manner that will create lasting change. And puppies. Teach them how to look up videos of all the puppies doing silly things. Because it brings joy. So let’s go back for a second to the beginning when we started this discussion and reframe those statements from a positive mindset. Did you know that social media can effect your children (positively) for the rest of their lives? It can (positively) shift their thought processes. It can create (positive) irrevocable change.

We become what we focus on. Let’s help our kids focus on what will support them most. Sometimes it’s just a matter of finding them a new bone to chew.

Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.

Teaching kids the value and rewards of hard work and earning their own money is an integral part of helping them develop into responsible adults. Through this, they gain self-esteem, learn the real value of a dollar, and develop better saving and spending habits.

So share the list of jobs below with your pre-teens or teens for a variety of ways they can cash-in this summer. [or school-year]

up the sun, get fit, and make spare cash than mowing lawns? Create some fliers, and be sure to mention you live in the neighborhood. Include your fees based on yard size. But try to keep the rates below the cost of professional services. Also, don’t forget to include your phone number. Then deliver the fliers to the homes in your neighborhood. You can lodge them between doorknobs or tuck them under doormats. Just don’t place anything in mailboxes because it’s illegal.

Young entrepreneur – Make the most of your neighbors’ garage sales by setting up a refreshment stand in your own front yard. You’ll need a small table and a handmade sign: “Cookies and Lemonade - 50 cents each.” Set out a pitcher of lemonade or Koolaid, disposable cups, and wrapped cookies. At the end of the sale, add up your profits, and divide them with your partners.

Too old for toys and games? – If so, clean out those you’ve outgrown, and hold a sale. Make a cardboard or wooden sign to attract neighborhood kids and passersby. Then lay out blankets in your front yard, and spread out your goods. Keep your prices reasonable. And don’t forget a 25-cent box filled with odds and ends.

Kiddie care – Are you old enough to stay home alone? If so, you may be ready to babysit for other children. Spread the word through family, friends, and neighbors. Once you’ve gained experience, post fliers on the library, grocery, or laundromat bulletin boards. When babysitting, play games, and do activities with the kids. Avoid talking on the phone or watching TV. Parents A little dirt never hurt – Garage cleaning is a big chore, especially for the elderly, or anyone who just doesn’t have the time. So offer your services to relatives and neighbors. When you get a job, be thorough. Move everything into the driveway or yard before you begin. Remove cobwebs with a broom. Sweep ledges and the garage floor. Then hose the garage concrete (with permission) to loosen ground-in dirt. When it’s dry, neatly arrange everything back into the garage.

Fence finishing – Wood fencing requires ongoing maintenance. So offer to assist your neighbors in sprucing up their yard by painting or staining their fences. The homeowner should supply the paint or stain and the necessary tools. Be sure to follow directions. Also, take your time and do a careful job.

Window washing – Offering your services for this dreaded task is sure to be a success. If you get the job, make sure your parents know the homeowner and approve of you going inside. Clean the interior of all windows, including doors. Also, don’t forget to open the windows and clean the ledges and tracks. Offer to do exterior windows if you’re tall enough to reach them without a ladder. Ask permission to hose them down to remove loose dirt. Then wash and dry them by hand.

Life’s a zoo – Pet owners who don’t like to kennel their pets are often in a dilemma at vacation time. Pass out flyers in your neighborhood offering to pet sit. Do the sitting in your home, if your

Are you pregnant or parenting a child under age 2? Gift of Life Is Here To Help

Education • Support • Connection Community Resources at NO COST

334.272.1820 or golfound.org @GOLFound

Weeds away – Are weeds taking over your neighbors’ flowerbeds? Then offer to get them back into shape. Before you get started, find out which ones are plants versus flowers that haven’t yet bloomed. When in doubt, ask before you pull them. Wear gloves to protect your hands and hose the ground lightly to loosen roots. Pull weeds from rock beds, shrubbery, and cement cracks. Then dispose of them properly.

Dollars for duds– Have you hit another growth spurt? Ask your parents if you can consign your clothing and split the profits. Search online for local consignment shops by using “resale,” “used clothing,” or “consignment” in your search terms. Find out the shops’ policies. Then get your clothing ready. Wash and dewrinkle, then hang or fold them neatly. Don’t forget shoes, jackets, and pajamas, too.

Errands for the elderly – Are there handicapped, disabled, or elderly persons in your neighborhood? If so, they’re apt to need some help. Offer to run errands within walking or biking distance. Attach a basket to your bike, or carry a backpack for easy transporting. If you have your driver’s license, offer to do more distant-runs.

Who’s walking who? – If you’re looking for a new summer pal, why not make it man’s best friend? Pass out fliers to offer your pet walking services. Never run a dog unless the owner agrees. And if the dog starts panting or doesn’t want to run, never push it. Dogs can quickly overheat, which can kill them. Make it shine – Round up your friends, and get ready for some cold, wet fun! Hold a car wash in your driveway or a parking lot with permission from the property owner. Make a large colorful “Car Wash” sign. Include your cost (hint: set it no more than your local car wash charges). Have your supplies handy: a bucket of soapy water, rags or sponge, a hose, and plenty of dry towels.

Old McDonald had a farm - You don’t have to be raised on a farm to make a good farmhand. Although it’s certainly a bonus. Visit area farms, and offer your help. Work may include laboring in fields to feeding and caring for livestock.

At your service – Offer home cleaning services to your neighbors. Plan to do the following tasks, unless other arrangements are made: dust furniture and window ledges; vacuum carpet and stairs; sweep and mop tile, linoleum, and wooden floors; scour sinks, bathtubs, and toilets; shake out rugs; vacuum upholstered furniture; and make beds. Ask if straightening up is expected. Also, find out which cleaning products (supplied by the homeowner) to use on fixtures, appliances, and furniture to prevent damage.

Pool patrol – If sunbathing is your thing, then this is the job for you! Find out the age and certification requirements for lifeguard duty. Then apply at your community pool, YMCA, or nearby beach. While keeping an eye on swimmers and soaking up the sun, keep your skin safe by using a good sunscreen.

rrp

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com.

ARTWORKS

INTERACTIVE GALLERY

Now reopened—ArtWorks is an engaging gallery for all ages, where visitors can connect with art through interactive elements or enjoy the spaces set aside for quiet reading and imaginative play! Learn more and plan your visit at mmfa.org.

Blount Cultural Park

One Muesum Drive Montgomery, AL 36117

Open Tuesday–Sunday Free Entry + Parking

mmfa.org | @MontgomeryMFA