http://www.minti.com/members/commonsensemedia/advice/ Most Recent Advice on Minti by commonsensemedia Copyright 2008 Minti en-uk commonsensemedia From the Editors of Common Sense MediaAugust 15, 2007Q. My 8-year-old wants to go to Millsberry.com -- what is it? Is it safe? A. If you don't mind that this virtual world is run by General Mills and that kid visitors play games to earn Millsbucks (the site's online currency), then this site has something to offer. It teaches kids ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7235/Branded-Online-Sites-for-Kids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7235/Branded-Online-Sites-for-Kids/ Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:46:35 -0700 commonsensemedia  From the Editors of Common Sense MediaMay 3, 2007Q: How can I really tell if a movie is too scary for my kids -- before I see it? A: Every child is different, and only you know what's right for yours. Not all kids can distinguish between fantasy and reality -- even if you tell them "it's not real" -- ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6955/Tips-for-Scary-Movies-and-Your-Kids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6955/Tips-for-Scary-Movies-and-Your-Kids/ Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:40:12 -0700 commonsensemedia  From the Editors of Common Sense MediaMay 10, 20071. Set limits on how much media. This stuff gets expensive fast. A few bucks here, a few bucks there.2. Set limits on the type of media. If you do let your kids download, have rules about what's okay and what isn't.3. If you don't want young kids downloading, set up purchases ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6954/Managing-Media-Downloads-Internet-TV-and-More-/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6954/Managing-Media-Downloads-Internet-TV-and-More-/ Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:38:09 -0700 commonsensemedia  From the Editors of Common Sense MediaMay 24, 2007It's almost bathing suit season -- a fact that's not lost on the dieting and entertainment industries. Everywhere kids turn, they see ads promoting weight-loss products and magazines showcasing how people have become shadows of their former selves. Yet marketing junk food to kids remains a $10 billion annual business. So is ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6952/The-Heavy-on-Kids-Food-and-Diet-Ads/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6952/The-Heavy-on-Kids-Food-and-Diet-Ads/ Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:04:28 -0700 commonsensemedia  From the Editors of Common Sense MediaJune 7, 2007Q. I was recently on an airplane with my kids (all under 6), and an inappropriate in-flight movie was blasting through the cabin. What can parents do in a situation like this? A. Being trapped with the wrong movie can be a figurative nightmare for parents -- and sometimes a literal one ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6951/Trapped-on-a-Plane-With-An-In-Flight-Movie-Inappropriate-for-My-Kids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6951/Trapped-on-a-Plane-With-An-In-Flight-Movie-Inappropriate-for-My-Kids/ Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:49:32 -0700 commonsensemedia  From the Editors of Common Sense MediaJune 14, 2007Q. My kids text and instant message constantly. They use terms like "omg" or "paw" -- and roll their eyes when I ask what they're writing. Sometimes they even talk like that. Any tips on decoding their secret slang? A. Kids are tough critics, and even saying the word "slang" is enough ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6950/Decoding-Internet-Slang/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6950/Decoding-Internet-Slang/ Tue, 31 Jul 2007 14:49:10 -0700 commonsensemedia  From the Editors of Common Sense MediaJune 21, 2007Q. It's taken exactly one week of summer vacation for my 13-year-old to become a couch potato. I know he needs some downtime, but what can I do to balance his (sometimes questionable) TV, (T-rated) video games, and (social pipeline) Internet life with real life now that he doesn't always listen to ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6949/Get-Kids-on-a-Healthy-Media-Diet-for-Summer/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6949/Get-Kids-on-a-Healthy-Media-Diet-for-Summer/ Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:32:29 -0700 commonsensemedia  From the Editors of Common Sense MediaJuly 24, 2007Role models, anyone? Lindsay Lohan was arrested for drugs and alcohol once again -- weeks after her release from rehab. Britney is still on the party circuit after her stint in rehab. Nicole Richie awaits her DUI trial and we all know Paris has been in and out of jail lately. Our ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6948/Girls-Gone-Wild-Young-Women-Celebrities-as-Role-Models/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6948/Girls-Gone-Wild-Young-Women-Celebrities-as-Role-Models/ Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:22:51 -0700 commonsensemedia  From the Editors of Common Sense MediaJuly 26, 2007Q.My kids love "adult" cartoons. How do I make sure they understand the implications of sarcasm and humor? A.This depends on how old your kids are. Most of these shows are for teens and older -- so the first thing to do is watch the show and see if you think it's ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6947/Is-Sarcasm-Funny-to-Kids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6947/Is-Sarcasm-Funny-to-Kids/ Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:15:46 -0700 commonsensemedia   From the Editors of Common Sense MediaJuly 3, 2007Your little kids want Transformers. How could they not? According to The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, no fewer than 129 different Transformers tie-in toys are being offered for kids under 13. They're also being heavily promoted through ads that are rated as age-appropriate for kids as young as 2. Add to ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6946/Have-Toy-See-Movie-Not-This-One/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6946/Have-Toy-See-Movie-Not-This-One/ Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:12:47 -0700 commonsensemedia  From the Editors of Common Sense MediaJune 7, 2007Club Penguin, Disney's Toon Town, WeeWorld, WebKinz, and BarbieGirls all have something in common: Besides being social networking sites for the preteen (6-12) set, the ability to buy things is baked into their activities. What lessons are our kids learning from this? Are they turning into Web-savvy consumers who begin to understand ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6945/Kids-Social-Sites-and-the-Buying-Bug/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6945/Kids-Social-Sites-and-the-Buying-Bug/ Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:57:57 -0700 commonsensemedia From a Common Sense Media press release, March 30, 2007.What Parents Need to Know About What's New in Theaters: Meet the Robinsons and Blades of GloryTwo major studio releases hit theatres this weekend – one that will appeal to the whole family (Meet the Robinsons from Disney), and one that will appeal to the 14-year-old boy in us all (Blades of ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5460/What-Parents-Need-to-Know-About-Whats-New-in-Theaters-Meet-the-Robinsons-and-Blades-of-Glory/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5460/What-Parents-Need-to-Know-About-Whats-New-in-Theaters-Meet-the-Robinsons-and-Blades-of-Glory/ Mon, 09 Apr 2007 11:00:12 -0700 commonsensemedia From a Common Sense Media press release, April 5, 2007.What Parent's Need to Know About What's New in Theaters This Week: Firehouse Dog and Are We Done Yet?For this week’s best bets for families movies, figure on a couple of interesting transformations: a former gansta-rapper turned film family man, and a pampered Hollywood pooch who find himself working for the fire department. ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5459/What-Parents-Need-to-Know-About-whats-New-in-Theaters-Firehouse-Dog-and-Are-We-Done-Yet/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5459/What-Parents-Need-to-Know-About-whats-New-in-Theaters-Firehouse-Dog-and-Are-We-Done-Yet/ Mon, 09 Apr 2007 10:56:13 -0700 commonsensemedia Common Sense Media press release, March 14, 2007Tips to Help Parents Keep Their Kids Active on Spring BreakSpring Break is almost here, and while that might mean sunny beaches or ski slopes for some, millions of kids will be spending their time off close to home – with television, iPods, computers, cell phones, and a host of other media gadgets. In ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5458/Avoid-the-Zone-Out-Tips-for-Keeping-Kids-Active-on-Spring-Break/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5458/Avoid-the-Zone-Out-Tips-for-Keeping-Kids-Active-on-Spring-Break/ Mon, 09 Apr 2007 10:50:03 -0700 commonsensemedia From the Editors of Common Sense MediaTop Ten Tips for Kids for Viral Media 1. Never give any personal information to anyone you meet online. That means no pictures, first or last names, no schools, phone numbers (they can track down your home), passwords, ages or credit card information.2. Never hook up with anyone you don’t already know. Don't tell anyone ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5457/Top-Ten-Tips-for-Kids-for-Viral-Media/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5457/Top-Ten-Tips-for-Kids-for-Viral-Media/ Mon, 09 Apr 2007 10:42:10 -0700 commonsensemedia From Liz Perle, Editor in Chief of Common Sense MediaMarch 29, 2007What were Tyra Banks and her America's Next Top Model staff thinking? The March 21 episode featured blood-spattered models who were asked to look good while portraying victims of grisly murders.   What happened to Banks' mission of female "empowerment"? Each member of the production team needs to watch this ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5456/Talking-to-Kids-About-TV-and-Movie-Violence/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5456/Talking-to-Kids-About-TV-and-Movie-Violence/ Mon, 09 Apr 2007 10:28:56 -0700 commonsensemedia From the Editors of Common Sense MediaMarch 29, 2007Q: I heard that playing car-chase video games will make my kid a reckless driver. Is that true? A: Yes, to a degree. A recent study found that men who played urban-set racing games that encouraged drivers to "massively violate traffic rules (e.g., drive on the sidewalk, crash into other cars, drive ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5455/Can-Car-Chase-Video-Games-Lead-to-Real-Life-Danger/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5455/Can-Car-Chase-Video-Games-Lead-to-Real-Life-Danger/ Mon, 09 Apr 2007 10:25:06 -0700 commonsensemedia From the Editors of Common Sense MediaApril 5, 2007Q. My kids are really excited about the big "Harry Potter summer," with the release of the fifth movie and the last book. But when the sixth book came out, spoilers were everywhere. How can kids avoid them? A. Giving out spoilers should be considered one of the unforgivable curses! Fans know ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5454/Help-Kids-Avoid-Harry-Potter-Spoilers/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5454/Help-Kids-Avoid-Harry-Potter-Spoilers/ Mon, 09 Apr 2007 10:20:22 -0700 commonsensemedia  From Liz Perle, Editor in Chief of Common Sense MediaMarch 8, 2007Before 9/11, fewer than four acts of torture showed up on prime-time television each year, according to Human Rights First, a nonprofit, nonpartisan international human rights organization. But over the last five years, the number of scenes of torture and abuse our kids see has grown into the hundreds, ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5180/Prime-Time-Torture-Whats-Our-Kids-Seeing-on-Television/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5180/Prime-Time-Torture-Whats-Our-Kids-Seeing-on-Television/ Mon, 19 Mar 2007 12:22:48 -0700 commonsensemedia From the Editors of Common Sense MediaMarch 8, 2007Q: I've heard so much about kids getting bullied online. Can you tell me more about this -- and how to protect my own kid? A: Bullying used to only be done on playgrounds and in school hallways, but a new study from the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) says that 43 ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5179/Beating-Cyberbullies/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5179/Beating-Cyberbullies/ Mon, 19 Mar 2007 12:13:37 -0700 commonsensemedia From the Editors of Common Sense MediaMarch 15, 2007Q: I've been hearing this word, "manorexia." Does this eating disorder really affect boys? A. You bet. In fact, Harvard researchers released a report in February 2007 that found a "surprisingly high" rate of anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating in men. (The study pointed out that 25 percent of all anorexics and ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5178/Manorexia-Helpful-Tips-for-Talking-to-Your-Boys/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5178/Manorexia-Helpful-Tips-for-Talking-to-Your-Boys/ Mon, 19 Mar 2007 12:09:26 -0700 commonsensemedia From the Editors of Common Sense MediaFebruary 1, 2007Kids are bombarded with advertising messages everywhere they turn. Helping them understand how advertising works can help protect them from being exploited by advertisers. Start by teaching kids under 7 the difference between a TV show and a commercial. Point out commercials, and use a timer to show them when the commercial ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4921/Ad-Proofing-Your-Kids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4921/Ad-Proofing-Your-Kids/ Tue, 27 Feb 2007 16:13:23 -0800 commonsensemedia From the Editors of Common Sense MediaFebruary 15, 2007Teen soap The O.C. ends this week (Feb. 22) due to a dwindling audience. But in its day, the show had a huge cultural influence on a generation of teens. The O.C. inherited a tradition begun by Beverly Hills, 90210 and continued with Party of Five and Dawson's Creek. The O.C. featured ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4920/Teen-Shows-Like-The-OC-Pushing-Teens-to-Riskier-Adult-Television-Shows/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4920/Teen-Shows-Like-The-OC-Pushing-Teens-to-Riskier-Adult-Television-Shows/ Tue, 27 Feb 2007 16:10:21 -0800 commonsensemedia From the Editors of Common Sense MediaFebruary 15, 2007Q. My kid wants to download songs with explicit lyrics. I'm also concerned about messages, though. How can I find out what these songs really say? A. Taking a moment to check out song lyrics can provide a great opportunity to discuss song messaging and language with your kids. As they get ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4919/Kids-Downloading-Music-with-Explicit-Lyrics/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4919/Kids-Downloading-Music-with-Explicit-Lyrics/ Tue, 27 Feb 2007 16:05:45 -0800 commonsensemedia From the Editors of Common Sense MediaJanuary 4, 2007Up for a different kind of diet this new year? Put the whole family on a healthy media diet! It makes sense when you consider that your kids will probably spend more time with media this year than they will with you or in school. Here are six resolutions you can make ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4303/Make-These-Media-Diet-Resolutions/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4303/Make-These-Media-Diet-Resolutions/ Mon, 29 Jan 2007 13:28:18 -0800 commonsensemedia From the Editors of Common Sense MediaJanuary 25, 2007Q: Tyra Banks was slammed for gaining weight, but the modeling industry recently acknowledged "too-skinny" models as a serious issue. How do I begin to explain this to my daughter? A. There's no denying that our culture is obsessed with the lifestyles of celebrities -- especially when it comes to their appearance. ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4302/Weighing-Mixed-Messages-Celebrities-and-their-Weight/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4302/Weighing-Mixed-Messages-Celebrities-and-their-Weight/ Mon, 29 Jan 2007 13:15:20 -0800 commonsensemedia From the Editors of Common Sense MediaJanuary 22, 2007With Lindsay Lohan going into rehab and Miss USA just getting out, what can parents say to kids who idolize these young women? They probably already know that underage party girl Lohan has a drinking problem and that Miss USA Tara Conner and her underage antics were publicly ridiculed by Miss Universe ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4301/Teen-Idols-In-and-Out-of-Rehab/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4301/Teen-Idols-In-and-Out-of-Rehab/ Mon, 29 Jan 2007 12:55:54 -0800 commonsensemedia  By the Editors of Common Sense MediaDecember 22, 2006Q: How can I tell if a movie is too scary for my kids -- before I see it? A: There is no "right" age. Every child is different, and only you know what's right for yours. Not all kids can distinguish between fantasy and reality -- even if you tell them ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3688/Is-that-movie-too-scary-for-your-kids-to-watch/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3688/Is-that-movie-too-scary-for-your-kids-to-watch/ Wed, 03 Jan 2007 11:42:58 -0800 commonsensemedia By Common Sense Media Editor in Chief, Liz PerleDecember 7, 2006Erectile dysfunction ads? Girls in bikinis selling beer? Sexy scenes that never discuss birth control? Not appropriate for kids, says the American Academy of Pediatrics, which released a policy statement this week urging parents to limit children's TV and Internet use because of the impact of ads and media messages ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3687/Walking-Your-Kids-Through-Advertising/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3687/Walking-Your-Kids-Through-Advertising/ Wed, 03 Jan 2007 11:40:40 -0800 commonsensemedia  By Common Sense Media Games Editor, Jinny GudmundsenDecember 22, 2006Is your house going to be popping at the seams with relatives and kids over the holidays? How do you keep everyone entertained? How can nephew Sammy (age 6) bond with Uncle Tom (age 42)? This calls for some great multiplayer video games! The right video games allow both kids and ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3685/Video-Games-to-Help-Families-Bond/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3685/Video-Games-to-Help-Families-Bond/ Wed, 03 Jan 2007 11:35:06 -0800 commonsensemedia By the Editor in Chief of Common Sense Media, Liz PerleJanuary 2, 2007The grainy images of Saddam Hussein's hanging are making their way around the Internet, and your kids can easily watch them. Before they stumble across the footage, you might want to talk with them about watching a real-life execution -- not a video game simulation. Tweens and teens ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3683/Watching-the-News-and-Discussing-Disturbing-Images-With-Kids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3683/Watching-the-News-and-Discussing-Disturbing-Images-With-Kids/ Wed, 03 Jan 2007 11:32:07 -0800 commonsensemedia From Liz Perle, Editor in Chief of Common Sense MediaNovember 15, 2006Gaming consoles are sure to be high on many kids’ holiday lists. But which -- if any -- should you buy? None of them are compatible with each other, so your decision means you're not just investing in a console box, but also in a library of (expensive!) games. ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2979/Do-your-kids-want-a-video-game-console-for-Christmas-Nintendo-Wii-PlayStation-3-Xbox-360-The-Gamer-Guide/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2979/Do-your-kids-want-a-video-game-console-for-Christmas-Nintendo-Wii-PlayStation-3-Xbox-360-The-Gamer-Guide/ Thu, 07 Dec 2006 11:34:39 -0800 commonsensemedia From the editors of Common Sense MediaNovember 15, 2006Q: How do I keep track of my kids' music? It goes right from their friends or the online store to their earbuds. A: In the media-managment food chain, music often finds itself at the bottom. This is, in part, because kids get music from friends (they burn CDs, which then get ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2978/Managing-Kids-Music/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2978/Managing-Kids-Music/ Thu, 07 Dec 2006 11:31:18 -0800 commonsensemedia From the Editors of Common Sense MediaNovember 30, 2006For kids, cell phones give them both status and independence. But for parents, they can be a whole new set of worries: Who are kids sending text messages to -- and are they sending them during math class? Just how high is their monthly bill going to be? They can download music ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2977/Family-Friendly-Cell-Phone-Guide/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2977/Family-Friendly-Cell-Phone-Guide/ Thu, 07 Dec 2006 11:28:38 -0800 commonsensemedia From the Editors of Common Sense MediaMagazines with ultra-thin models; TV celebrities who are so thin that their chest bones show; $10 billion a year in food and beverage marketing to kids. No wonder a recent Harvard University study showed that 2/3 of underweight 12-year-old girls already think they're too fat. When you add in the fact that a third ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2743/Managing-Media-and-Weight/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2743/Managing-Media-and-Weight/ Tue, 28 Nov 2006 11:42:34 -0800 commonsensemedia From the Editors of Common Sense MediaFiltering technology is often hard to understand. There's a good overview of how it works at FamilyFirst.net. For an overview of the products and services available, you'll want to visit GetNetWise.org. But, in general, which is better -- using a filter installed on your home computer or one installed at your ISP? It really ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2742/Managing-Internet-Filters-at-Home/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2742/Managing-Internet-Filters-at-Home/ Tue, 28 Nov 2006 11:36:41 -0800 commonsensemedia From the Common Sense Media Editor in Chif, Liz PerleGaming consoles are sure to be high on many kids’ holiday lists. But which -- if any -- should you buy? None of them are compatible with each other, so your decision means you're not just investing in a console box, but also in a library of (expensive!) games. Before you ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2662/Nintendo-Wii-PlayStation-3-Xbox-360-The-Gamer-Guide/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2662/Nintendo-Wii-PlayStation-3-Xbox-360-The-Gamer-Guide/ Tue, 21 Nov 2006 14:11:16 -0800 commonsensemedia From the Common Sense Media Editors - Common Sense ViewQ: Kirstie Alley was on Oprah this week talking about losing 75 pounds. Nicole Ritchie seems horribly anorexic. Everywhere I turn, my kids get the message about being ultra skinny. How can I talk to my them about reasonable weight? A. There's no denying that our culture -- and celebrities -- ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2661/Positive-Body-Image-Tips/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2661/Positive-Body-Image-Tips/ Tue, 21 Nov 2006 14:06:09 -0800 commonsensemedia  By the Editors of Common Sense MediaIt’s back-to-school time, and we’re handing out homework for the whole family. As kids pack up their backpacks and routine returns to family life, it’s a good time to re-establish the media rules for your household. Here’s what we recommend: Homework for Kids: No Web surfing, video games, or TV until homework ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1362/Back-to-School-Homework/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1362/Back-to-School-Homework/ Mon, 11 Sep 2006 16:35:58 -0700 commonsensemedia  By the Editors of Common Sense MediaIt’s back-to-school time, and we’re handing out homework for the whole family. As kids pack up their backpacks and routine returns to family life, it’s a good time to re-establish the media rules for your household. Here’s what we recommend: Homework for Kids: No Web surfing, video games, or TV until homework ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1363/Back-to-School-Homework/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1363/Back-to-School-Homework/ Tue, 05 Sep 2006 12:41:55 -0700 commonsensemedia By Liz Perle of Common Sense MediaHow do we talk with our kids about the images and content of recent world events? The wall-to-wall media coverage of both the attempted plane bombings and the war in Lebanon can trigger anxieties -- especially with repetitive viewings on local news (where most kids still get their information) and on the Internet. But depending ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1154/Explaining-the-News-to-Our-Kids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1154/Explaining-the-News-to-Our-Kids/ Mon, 21 Aug 2006 13:15:53 -0700 commonsensemedia Millions of teenage and tween girls spend a significant chunk of their time surfing the Internet, watching MTV, thumbing through teen and celebrity magazines, and listening to CDs by their newest favorite recording stars. While they may view it as "entertainment," the flood of imagery delivered via online media, television, magazines, and popular music is also subtly shaping young girls' ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1003/New-Fun-Site-Gets-Girls-to-Think-About-Media-Messages/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1003/New-Fun-Site-Gets-Girls-to-Think-About-Media-Messages/ Fri, 11 Aug 2006 10:20:31 -0700 commonsensemedia The end of the month is full of award shows: the Teen Choice Awards (Aug. 20), the Emmy Awards (Aug. 27), the MTV Video Music Awards (Aug. 31). And while it can be fun to see who’s wearing the most outrageous outfit -- or making the sappiest speech -- these shows also provide a perfect opportunity to talk to your ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1002/Award-Shows-and-Your-Kids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1002/Award-Shows-and-Your-Kids/ Fri, 11 Aug 2006 10:18:07 -0700 commonsensemedia This week, TiVo launches a new feature called TiVo KidZone. If you’re a parent concerned about what your kids are watching -- and a TiVo subscriber -- take a look. It’s the best thing we’ve seen yet for families with young kids. TiVo KidZone creates a personalized TV area where families can decide which TV programs they want their kids ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/776/TiVo-KidZone-Create-a-Personalized-TV-Experience-With-Only-Parent-Approved-Programs/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/776/TiVo-KidZone-Create-a-Personalized-TV-Experience-With-Only-Parent-Approved-Programs/ Tue, 25 Jul 2006 09:59:54 -0700 commonsensemedia We often get emails from our parent members asking for help with the conflicting messages surrounding media for the under-2 crowd. "I read that this baby video will help my child’s brain develop better," one member wrote. "Is this true?" Or this from another mother: "You say that pediatricians don’t recommend TV for kids under 2. Then why are you ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/775/Should-Your-Kid-Tune-In-to-Baby-Media/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/775/Should-Your-Kid-Tune-In-to-Baby-Media/ Tue, 25 Jul 2006 09:50:58 -0700