18 minute read
Teens, Tweens & Screens
Is Your Child Talking to a Stranger Online (Part One)
We all remember when our parents warned us “not to talk to strangers.” For those of us north of 35, that mostly meant we were not to talk to someone in person we did not know. Or do not talk to someone who approaches you that your parents do not know. Today this takes on a whole different meaning. Do not talk to strangers now applies more to the “online space” than the “in-person” space. But what are the odds that your kid will talk to someone online they do not know? And how early is this happening?
Every parent worries about online predators at some point, and we must be cautious. While it is rare for our kids to be contacted by a predator, it does happen, and it is best to be prepared. While the incidence of these unwanted contacts seemed to be declining between 2005-2010, the numbers surged back up post-pandemic. This is due to many of us being isolated and on our devices more than ever, giving predators a perfect opportunity to take advantage of and manipulate new online users.
Today’s article will be the first of a two-part series. First, we will discuss how these dangerous interactions can come to be in the first place and the risks associated. Then, next month, we will discuss how to prevent it from happening and how to talk with your child specifically.
A recent survey in 2019 of almost 4000 children found that 43 percent, ages 8-13, are talking to people they do not know online. They chat either via social media or gaming platforms. Some research indicates kids as young as five are chatting with strangers. This typically happens when they get access to gaming devices. It is equally terrifying that more than half of these kids are providing their addresses and phone numbers. We will also be remiss to think these conversations happen only among young children. Teens are just as guilty, and the incidence of meeting these strangers in person rises once young kids become teenagers. Many of these meet-ups result in a teen being taken. So chatting with a stranger can have many consequences, ranging from inappropriate conversations to grooming, soliciting of pictures, and even sex trafficking.
In reality, anyone can create a fake profile and pretend they are someone else. These predators can “groom” your child into thinking they are your child’s best friend or, for older kids, someone with whom they can have a romantic relationship. Research shows that predators will wait days, months, or even years to establish a strong relationship with your child or teen before they act on any plans they have for your child. It is incredibly easy for hackers to glean information from young children and then use it to access their parents’ accounts.
With older teens, we see a disturbing trend of predators using information to blackmail teenagers. For instance, if inappropriate pictures have been shared, the next step may be to ask for videos. If those are shared, then the predator may ask for more videos. If the teen refuses, this is when harassment and blackmail begin. This becomes a viscous, exhausting, and terrifying cycle that most teens feel they cannot escape.
Let me stop here for a second and mention that many times instead of an unknown predator asking for pictures or information, the “predator” is someone your child DOES know. More often, I see kids and teens pressuring one another for inappropriate information and pictures than I see predator activity.
As parents, we want to lead from confidence and knowledge rather than fear. Next month we will discuss what to look for specifically on your child’s devices and what conversations to have. In the meantime, your best defense is your open dialogue with your child and random device checks. It will be your absolute best way of discovering what your child is doing online.
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.
Tuesday January 3
Bluey’s Big Play 6:00 PM BJCC Legacy Arena, 1898 9th Ave North Birmingham, AL, 35203 Get your tickets now to see Bluey and friends on stage. Go see Bluey’s Big Play Tuesday, Jan. 3 or Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 6:00pm. www.bjcc.org/
Wetumpka Nutrition Class
($5 member/$10 non-member) 9:15 AM Wetumpka YMCA, 200 Red Eagle Rd. We-
tumpka , AL, 36092 This class meets the first Tuesday
of every month in Group X Room. This class will teach simple ways to properly fuel the body in order to sustain a healthy weight, healthy heart, and healthy brain function. (334) 567-8282 www.ymcamontgomery.org/specialevents/
Thursday January 5
First Thursdays at the PRAC 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Pike Road Arts Center, 944 Wallahatchie Rad Pike Road , AL, 36064 The Arts Center
will be open on the first Thursday of each month!
Stop by to explore and shop the handmade gifts and original art by Alabama artists available in the Arts Center’s Water House Gallery, get to know the Arts Council, and enjoy special evening discounts on a
variety of items!
www.pikeroad.us/events
MMFA Art Talk (free) 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Museum Dr. Montgomery, AL, 36117 Participants can bring one work of art for feedback or just join the
conversation for creative inspiration!
(334) 625-4333 www.mmfa.org
Saturday January 7
Healthy Start 5K ($35) 8:00 AM Willis Bradford Branch YMCA, 972 McQueen Smith Road S Prattville, AL, 36066 Prattville Alumni Association of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., will be hosting their 4th Annual Healthy Start 5K Run/Walk. Set your own pace. Registration/ packet pick-up will be from 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM at Willis Bradford Branch YMCA, Prattville AL. Runners/ Walkers will hit the pavement at 8:00 AM. www.healthystart.itsyourrace.com/event. aspx?id=15419
Health Expo 10 AM – 2 PM, by Strong Tower at Washington Park, held at 2840 Boys Club Road, Montgomery, AL 36108 This is a free event that was created to help you kickstart any health goals you set at the beginning of
2023! Free food, nutrition and exercise classes, and more. Come out, ask questions and get started on physically becoming a healthier you!
Bluegrass Jam and Sit & Sew 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Alabama River Region Arts Center, 300 W. Tallassee St. Wetumpka, AL, 36092 The Alabama River Region Arts Center hosts a bluegrass jam open to all players of acoustical instruments and
singers. Sit and Sew encourages all quilters, knitters
and crocheters to bring projects to work on. (334) 578-9485 www.lakemagazine.life/localevents/bluegrass-jam-and-sit-sew/event_d9ad16508e1b-11e9-bc98-fbbacf284549.html MMFA Adult Studio Class: Mixed Media with Sarah Wright ($35) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Museum Dr. Montgomery, AL, 36117 Please join Sara B. Wright, artist and art educator, for this teen and adult studio class to create a Mixed Media Painting. Participants will create works of art on canvas using various colors of tissue paper, paint, and various media. Fee includes all art supplies and snacks throughout the day. Limited space. (334) 625-4333 www.mmfa.org
The Black Jacket Symphony presents Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” 8:00 PM Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 Get your tickets now to relive that moment with a live concert experience unlike any other as The Black Jacket Symphony recreates Fleetwood Mac’s iconic album Rumours live in its entirety—plus a full set of Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits. (334) 481-5100 www.mpaconline.org
Wetumpka Cruiser 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Dowtown Wetumpka, E Commerce St. Wetumpka, AL, 36092 This is a special
showcase of antique cars located in Downtown
Wetumpka on E Commerce Street, 3pm-6pm. Enjoy
the show!
www.cityofwetumpka.com/
Sunday January 8
Michaels Sunday Makebreak: Beaded Choker Necklace 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Michaels Stores, All Locations
Prattville, Montgomery, AL, 36066 New year! New you! Come into your local Michaels and learn a new hobby!
www.michaels.com/
Much Ado About Nothing ($15) 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Capri Theatre, 1045 East Fairview Avenue Montgomery, AL, 36106 Alabama Shakespeare Festival in partnership with the Capri Theatre
present this National Theatre Live film.
(334) 262-4858 www.capritheatre.org
Tuesday January 10
Art After Five: Boundless Opportunities (free) 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Museum Dr. Montgomery, AL, 36117 Join the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts’ Montgomery Moderns and the Mayor’s Young Professional Council for an evening exploring the boundless possibilities that the new year brings with a vision board party. Cash bar and snacks. (334) 625-4333 www.mmfa.org
Growing and Repotting Orchids (free) 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, First Presbyterian Church, 100 West Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL, 36092 Judy May, Elmore County Master Gardener and avid orchid
grower will identify the different types of orchids we
can grow in our home, best way to care for them and when and how to properly repot orchids. Water is provided. Bring a sack lunch and a friend. (334) 567-6301 www.aces.edu/event/holiday-decorating-in-the-south/
Friday January 13
Swan Lake 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM, Davis Theatre, 251 Montgomery Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 Swan Lake, the classic ballet presented by The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine at Troy’s historic Davis Theatre. (334) 241-9567 www.troy.edu/student-life-resources/arts-culture/davis-theatre/
Saturday January 14
Serve Day at the Zoo (free) 9:00 AM Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Museum, 2301 Coliseum Blvd. Montgomery, AL, 36110 Volunteers at the Montgomery Zoo are very important people and play a vital role in the success of the Montgomery Zoo. We are looking for energetic individuals who want to volunteer in a beautiful and fun place. Ages 12-16 must be accompanied by an adult, under 19 must have written permission from parent/ legal guardian. (334) 625-4905 www.montgomeryzoo.com/
Sunday January 15
Exhibition on Screen: Cézanne ($12) 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Capri Theatre, 1045 East Fairview Avenue Montgomery, AL, 36106 The Montgomery Museum of Fine Art continues our partnership with the Capri Theatre to present the Exhibition on Screen
series. The second film in the series, and one of its most successful films, is dedicated to the life and
work of Paul Cézanne. Capri Member: $10 (334) 262-4858 www.mmfa.org
Cake and Sip ($55-65) 4:00 PM The Velvet Room Bistro, 3526 Eastdale Annex Montgomery, AL, 36117 Come decorate your own cake while sipping on wine and mimosas and listening to the best in R & B. (334) 647-1262 www.eventbrite.com/e/cake-sipfounders-day-edition-tickets-482759204777
Michaels Sunday Makebreak: Decoupage Mason Jar (free) 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Michaels Stores, All Locations Prattville, Montgomery, AL, 36066 Come into your local Michaels and take a break and make a craft. www.michaels.com/
Tuesday January 17
MMFA Art Ed Central (free) 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Museum Dr. Montgomery, AL, 36117 Art Ed Central is a professional development workshop open to all Art Educators and Alabama Art Education Association (AAEA) members. During this workshop, instructors will tour the BOUNDLESS exhibition and Peggy Raines, Artist in Museum Shop and Art Educator, will lead an artmaking activity. (334) 625-4333 www.mmfa.org
Wednesday January 18
Shen Yun 7:30 PM Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 Shen Yun presents the incredible art of classical Chinese dance with a blend of stunning costuming, high-tech backdrops, and an orchestra like no other. Be prepared for a theatrical experience that will take your breath
away!
(334) 481-5100 www.mpaconline.org
Backyard Birding - Autauga County Lunch and Learn (free) 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 610 Fairview Ave Prattville, AL, 36066 Tyson Farmer from Wild Birds Unlimited will be the speaker teaching how to attract birds to your landscape, what is best to feed and when and how to identify bird species. This event is free to the public. Water provided,
bring a sack lunch and a friend too!
(334) 361-7273 https://www.aces.edu/event/backyard-birding-autauga-county-lunch-and-learn/
Saturday January 21
MMFA Youth Studio Class: Expression Through Color ($10) 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Museum Dr. Montgomery, AL, 36117 All 8-13 year-old artists are invited to join Tiiwon Siaway, a talented and energetic artist and educator, for a creative afternoon in the MMFA’s studios. You will be exploring
color theory and colored pencil techniques to create
vibrant color and expressive works. All experience levels are welcome. Fee includes art supplies and snacks. Space is limited. (334) 625-4333 www.mmfa.org
Cruising the Creek Walk 5K ($30) 9:00 AM Doster Center, 424 S Northington St Prattville, AL, 36067 Make plans
to start 2023 off running!
The Annual Cruising the Creekwalk 5K will take you through historical downtown Prattville. Packet pickup and race day registration will be held at the Doster Memorial Community Center beginning at 7:30 am on January 8, 2022. (334) 657-1987 www.cruisingthecreekwalk. itsyourrace.com
Michaels Pro Jewelry Making 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Michaels Stores, All Locations Prattville, Montgomery, AL, 36066 Are you a pro jew-
elry maker? Come learn about the benefits and deals
you can get with partnering with Michaels for your
jewelry making needs!
www.michaels.com/
Sunday January 22
Michaels Sunday Makebreak: Woodburn Snowflake 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Michaels Stores, All Locations Prattville, Montgomery, AL, 36066 Come into your local Michaels and take a break and learn how to use wood burning to make a fun and free winter wall art piece. www.michaels.com/
The Temptations and The Four Tops 7:00 PM Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa St. Montgomery, AL, 36104 It’s a Motown, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Grammy Lifetime Achievement double header featuring The Temptations and The Four Tops. The Temptations include original member Otis Williams. The Four Tops include original member Abdul “Duke” Fakir. (334) 481-5100 www.mpaconline.org
January 5 - 29
ASF presents Jubilee Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 1 Festival Drive Montgomery, AL, 36117 Playwright and director Tazewell Thompson brings an innovative and heart-stirring score to life with this uplifting a cappella tribute inspired by real life. The bold, African American, world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers shattered racial barriers in the U.S. and abroad, entertaining kings
and queens for more than 150 years. This production
is recommend ages 12 and up. (334) 271-5353 www.asf.net
Thursday - Saturday January 12-14
The Montgomery Qualifier Taylor Road Baptist Church, 1685 Taylor Road Montgomery, AL, 36117 The Catalyst Speech and Debate Club is hosting its annual tournament, the Montgom-
ery Qualifier, January 12-14 at Taylor Road Baptist
Church. We are expecting 125 students from 5 states and are seeking community judges to give feedback
to our students. No experience is required! Judging
one round is a three-hour commitment. Join us as volunteer community judge and see what our speech
and debate league is all about! Go to ncfca.org, click “judge,” and find Montgomery on the map. Questions?
Contact montgomeryjudges@ncfca.org. (682) 802-2727 www.ncfca.org/judge-a-tournament/
montgomery-al-qualifier/
Sundays in January
Harriot II Sunday Blues Cruise ($35) 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM, Harriott II Riverboat, 213 Commerce Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 The Blues Cruise is a two-hour cruise featuring live Blues entertainment from local entertainers. The Wheel House Grille has a full bar and concessions available for
purchase. This cruise is offered each Sunday. Don’t miss the boat!
(334) 625 - 2100 www.funinmontgomery.com
Fridays in January
Harriot II Friday Night Dinner Cruise ($35-55) 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Harriott II Riverboat, 213 Commerce Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 This two-hour cruise features a fully plated dinner from a local chef, live entertainment, and a full bar for purchase. This
dinner cruise is available every Friday! Don’t miss the boat!
(334) 625 - 2100 www.funinmontgomery.com
Sunday, February 5
2023 Murder on the Menu 12:30 PM – 4 PM, Wetumpka Civic Center, 410 S. Main Street, Wetumpka, AL, 36092 Murder on the Menu is the yearly fundraiser for the Wetumpka Library featuring top-notch mystery authors from around the country. This event targets readers, writers, aspiring writers and fans of mysteries of all types. Books will be available for purchase, and the authors are happy to autograph. Cost is $40 per person and includes a catered lunch and chances to interact with the authors. Scheduled authors include Julia SpencerFleming, Lissa Marie Redmond, Erica Spindler, Con Lehane, and Dean James, writing as Miranda James. For a complete list of authors and more information visit https://wetumpkalibrary.com/frie.../murder-onthe-menu-2022/.
Saturday, February 11
Seedy Saturday EAT South, 485 Molten St, Montgomery, AL Seedy Saturday is a celebration of seeds & our garden community. You are welcome to bring seeds to share or just show up if you need seeds. Free.
Saturday, February 18
2023 Wetumpka Mardi Gras Festival 9:00 AM Gold Star Park in Wetumpka The Order of Cimarron is hosting our 9th Annual Mardi Gras Celebration and Parade in downtown Wetumpka. Vendors open at 9 a.m. with the parade rolling at 1 p.m.
Please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.
Brandi Moody
RRP: How do you balance being a mom and the Assistant Principal at Bear Exploration Center and Forest Avenue Academic Magnet?
Brandi: Some days are mentally heavy. I try to compartmentalize my different worlds. When I get home, I turn off my day to focus on my family and get that mental break. Also, I try not to let anything happening at home affect my work. It’s also easy working at two schools that I love. I am blessed to call these faculty members my family. We celebrate, encourage, and pray for each other daily.
RRP: You’ve been with MPS for over two decades. What advice would you give to new moms entering the workforce?
Brandi: Allow yourself grace because being a new mom and a working mom is tough. Home is home, and work is work. Try to maintain a balance, not mix the two, and be present at home. Nothing is more important than spending time with your children and family. Time goes by quickly, and we’ve all heard it said before – the days are long, but the years are short. Do your best never to miss a moment.
RRP: How does motherhood keep you grounded as a person?
Brandi: It helps me to stay in the moment. Motherhood is both rewarding and challenging. It made me a different person and changed me in ways I never imagined. It also made me appreciate my mother more. Motherhood taught me how to love someone more than I ever knew possible.
RRP: You have two children (a senior and a fourth grader). How does your parenting style differ between the two?
Brandi: Emma (17) and Jackson (9) are unique children. Both are pleasers, but in different ways. Emma was compliant as a child, and RRP: What hobbies do you enjoy when you’re not in mom or work mode?
Brandi: I’m always in mom mode, and my favorite thing is watching my children play sports. When I have free time, I love spending it at the beach, finding new fun places to have dinner, lazy days with Netflix, and hanging out with friends.
RRP: What’s the best part about being a mom?
Brandi: Unconditional love, theirs and mine. Knowing that God picked me to be their mom is the best job in the world. Being a mom slows life down. I don’t wish for the next big event to be here. A simple day at home snuggling on the sofa or playing cards around the table holds just as much value and memories as a big occasion or holiday. Motherhood makes me step back and appreciate all the small things.
RRP: How do you teach your children to find value in themselves and stay authentic to who they are?
Brandi: I’ve always taught my kids to know who they are and whose they are. They certainly are not perfect, but they know they are a children of God and have been raised to know their worth and value.
RRP: How do you address technology/social media in a day and age when kids have so much access at their fingertips?
Brandi: It’s a daily battle with both children. I do not allow devices at the dinner table and ensure both children leave their phones downstairs at night. Jackson being the youngest, has more restrictions. He’s only permitted to play Xbox on the weekends. Sometimes, I allow a mid-week free night after homework is finished. I try to teach Emma to self-regulate her time spent on social media. It’s hard, really hard, and I’m not always sure how successful I have been with this.
RRP: What parenting hack did you gain from your parents?
Brandi: Say what you mean and mean what you say. Consistency is important. I try hard to follow through with what I say. However, sometimes it can be difficult, and I must reevaluate the lesson I’m trying to teach at that moment. Ultimately, I want my children to understand what is expected of them.
RRP: If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself about raising kids?
Brandi: Get to, not have to. Don’t look at everything as having to do it, but rather getting to do it. One day you won’t get to do it anymore. Cherish everything!
