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It's been many years since my kids lived with me and back then in the "Good Old Days" they came in after school and did their homework and chores without distraction by something called the World Wide Web. In contrast, my 10-year-old grandson proudly announced the other day that he had won a $1000 Best Buy gift certificate, an Apple computer, and an IPod, all just for simply entering his name, address, and telephone number on the Web. Fortunately, he didn't have his Mom's credit card or that would have been tapped as well. Soon thereafter, he began receiving late-night calls from marketers and these stopped only after I informed the callers of his age and threatened them with bodily harm if they persisted with the phone calls.

This is the same 10-year-old who not long ago trashed his computer so badly with viruses (virii?) that I had to do a total reformat. It seems he picked these up by surfing wherever his mouse takes him. He often chooses his computer when he could be outside with his friends playing Kick-The-Can or whatever kids play these days. He and his older brother are "latch key" kids for a few hours before their Mom gets home from work.

Now, I'm not suggesting that the Internet is something to be totally avoided. Certainly, it's an excellent resource and, within moderation, it can be a valuable tool. It totally replaces the many-volume hardbound encyclopedia (when is the last time you saw those?) What I am concerned about is that our youth (and likely we adults as well) spend entirely too much time at the computer. In my grandson's case I strongly suspect that those minutes and hours following his homework are what gets him (and his computer) in trouble. You've probably seen press about childhood obesity and computer/Internet addiction. Or, maybe you know firsthand about teenager obsession with Facebook and how these virtual interactions replace real face-to-face interaction with friends and family.

Recently, Justin Magaram, who lives in Seattle, called to my attention a program called TimesUpKidz that helps parents limit the amount of time their kids' spend (or waste?) on the computer. Justin worked at Microsoft for 10 years and specialized in designing software for "normal people" - not PhDs in computer science. He set out to develop a program that would end the arguments he faced when he attempted to limit the time his two boys spent on the computer. I spoke with Justin. He admits that before TimesUpKidz he sometimes let his kids stay on the computer for a long time because it made the house quieter and he could get stuff done. Says Justin: Parents (myself included) often aren't disciplined enough to get the kids off the computer and to deal with the inevitable power struggles that arise. The kids say "I just need another five minutes" and the five minutes turns into an hour or more.

TimesUpKidz installs effortlessly on Windows XP/Vista/7. You can set different limits for each child, such as 2 hours/day on the weekend and 1 hour/day during the school week. You can block access late at night, and require your child to take regular breaks. I had it up and running in about 10 minutes - it was all very straightforward. Your kids will hear audible reminders like "5 minutes left" and then get booted off the PC when their time runs out. The program is very tough to defeat, even if your kids are more tech-savvy than you. CLICK HERE for a 30-day free trial (you don't even have to give your email address).

If you decide to purchase this handy peacekeeper, you'll get a single license good for all computers in your home. I've browbeat Justin into a 25% discount for Neat Net Tricks readers, just $22.46. To get the discount, use Google Checkout (not PayPal) and enter neatnettricks in the "use a coupon" box. Any major credit card can be used.

I know there are empty nesters reading this, but you likely have grandkids or other family members and friends who are faced with the "too-much-computer" dilemma every day. Do them a favor and use the "Forward this email to family or friends" link near the bottom of this email to send this message to them. You can add your own personal message if you wish and they will get the same special discount because you cared enough to send this report to them. They'll thank you for it.

The end result of using this program? Kids will benefit as they develop other interests, and parents will certainly enjoy less stress, fewer power struggles, eliminated arguments.... well, you get the idea.

Give it a try, but remember this special price is time-limited and the clock is ticking!


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  • Jack Teems
    Neat Net Tricks

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