In todays day and age, internet usage has become an integral part of everyday life for people of all ages. Parents in particular, are one of the major demographics that are hopping online. While each parent uses the internet differently, many are discovering new and innovative ways the web can help them parent better and easier. From connecting with their children on new social platforms to researching things like new recipes or home remedies to try, the internet is opening a new and exciting dimension of being a mother, father, or caregiver.
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Hands down the most popular way parents are using the internet nowadays is to access websites that can help them improve the health of their children. Studies show that more and more parents are turning to popular medical websites, like WebMD, to answer non-emergency medical questions and diagnose their children’s symptoms. It’s important to note that while a visit to these websites can help identify what illness or ailment a child has, a trip to the doctor’s office is still necessary to keep your child happy and healthy.
The internet often serves as a platform for parents to ask questions they have about their child and to connect with other parents. Parents can search for answers on Google, compare experiences on parenting forums, and visit mommy blogs or other sites for much needed advice. Some parents are even taking up blogging about their own experiences to make money, improve the parenting experience for others, and to share their everyday stories with family and friends.
Recently, almost ⅔ of public school districts have adopted some element of online learning. Some make homework available online, while others have entire classes taught over the web. This means that parents have to learn to use the internet to help further their child’s education outside of the classroom. They can check up on their child’s grades, become informed about their child’s curriculum, or even learn to homeschool better. Major resources like PBS.org and Funbrain.com make it possible for children to learn where-ever and whenever is convenient.
From time to time, parents will have to hire professionals to work in their home or with their children. Most commonly mothers and fathers hire babysitters, tutors, or send their children to after school daycare programs, but people like home-improvement contractors, sports coaches, and even maid services can be around children on a regular basis too. Anyone you invite into your home as a professional should be thoroughly vetted and researched so that you can keep your children, family, and neighborhood more secure. Professional ratings and online reviews are one of the easiest ways for parents to promote family safety.
Many parents also chose to promote family safety both on and offline by using specifically tailored online tools to stay informed about their communities. Things like sex-offender maps, people search engines, and background checks can keep adults in the household aware of who neighbors and strangers are. After all, getting to know people in your neighborhood is the easiest way to minimize neighborhood crime and be a better and more aware parent.
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