The Internet can be a great source of entertainment and education for your kids. Whether you need your child out of your hair for a few minutes to get a meal on the table or your child needs homework help, going online might be a great way to get things done. Naturally, you want to protect your child when he's online by installing programs and filters that keep the bad stuff out and the good stuff in. Sites like NetNanny.com and Microsoft.com/protect can help you choose what your child sees online. If your older child uses Google for research, then investigate the site's SafeSearch filters. Now that he's ready to surf, it's important that you stay nearby for tech support and supervision. The Internet can be a great educational tool, so check first with your child's teacher, school and school system for their recommendations for sites that hone kids' skills in what they're learning at school.
It's a great way to reinforce the lessons they learn in the classroom. Other sites that help with academics include the Discovery Channel's Education site, which offers instructional videos in math, English, social studies, science and more. HomeworkSpot.com also offers help with problems. If your child just wants to get online and play, then Nickelodeon offers fun games and printouts for coloring, as does Disney. Beware the games and programs online that ask for personal information - children should never give their age or name online. If an e-mail address is needed for login, then always have your child use your address.