Thursday, December 18, 2008

Social Networking and Kids

If you haven't used Myspace or Facebook, you've probably heard about it. But these social networking sites are not set up for young children who want to use the Internet. The content on these sites are not reviewed and you never know what you kids may be viewing. Through a little research and the help of a K! Magazine blurb (Sept/Oct 08), there are a few sites that kids can use that have content just for them. One example is www.kidzui.com. This particular site lets parents download the KidZui content browser that is designed just for kids. It includes games, videos and photos that are just for kids and allows kids the freedom to surf the site without constant parental supervision. It even provides a report for parents to review what their child is searching for and interested in. They offer both free access and a membership option that provides more features for under $10 a month, or a deeper discount for a year membership (hmmm... maybe a last minute Christmas gift?!?). There are a variety of other sites that provide kids with a social networking alternative, like www.imbee.com. Like with any other web site, it is still necessary to know your child and what they may be involved in. These sites give kids something they can use and have as their own. Check out these for yourself and let us know about any others you like!

And...the FKO staff wants to wish you a Merry Christmas! Thank you for all the work you do, reaching out to kids and spreading the Good News!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Temporary Safety Tattoos

Have you ever experienced the feeling of sheer panic when you realized that your young child or a child in your care had wandered off? What a horrible feeling!
We came across SafetyTat and wanted to pass the info on to you. SafetyTat is a temporary tattoo that when applied to the arm of your child or loved one, provides an immediate, highly visible form of identification that stays in place even when wet. They come printed with your cell phone #, allergy alert, medical condition or you can customize them yourself.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Hurry...There's still time!!

Our Spring 2009 grant session is quickly approaching, but there is still time to get your application in. If you have a special program that is reaching out to children in need under 12 years old, you may qualify for our program.

Check out our Grant Program and see if your program qualifies. But be quick! Applications are due in our office by Tuesday January 6!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Freedom...to play?

It's no surprise that today's kids are living in a different world, and thinking in the context of a new worldview, than kids 15-20 years ago. I found an article in K! Magazine (Sept/Oct 08) that highlighted both Ivy Beckwith's book Postmodern Children's Ministry and Lenore Skenazy's blog freerangekids.wordpress.com. The article briefly discusses how different kids are raised today, and how they don't enjoy the freedom that kids did in the past because parents are so afraid of what "may" happen. Kids often aren't allowed to play in the neighborhood or go to the park without supervision. Skenazy's blog encourages the idea that kids are not in as much danger as parents may think. Her artcles discuss everything from Halloween candy to walking to school. She emphasizes that safety is important, but obsessive worrying is teaching kids that they are not capable of completing tasks that other kids did all the time in the past (like even walking home from the bus stop). Check out the interesting articles and viewpoints on her blog. Will it provide a little extra freedom, or leave room for a dangerous situation?

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Special Needs? We can help!

The September/October 2008 issue of K! Magazine briefly highlighted toys and books that helps kids with tough subjects. The featured items were a Down Syndrome doll to help promote understanding and also a Chemotherapy doll that has different hair styles to help kids understand the changes that a person may experience. They also highlighted a book about plastic surgery.

“Special needs” is a growing and very important aspect of children's ministry today. All children need spiritual guidance, and families with special needs children are looking for churches that are ready and willing to work with their child. Some of our favorite resources include Group's Emergency Response Handbook. It's a great resource to have on hand, as it covers a variety of situations that could arise in your ministry including abuse, depression, legal trouble, and tragic loss. When it comes to specific needs, Teaching Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Clarissa Willis is one of the best and easiest to understand books on the topic. It provides the basics on the disorder and what the best techniques are to teach the kids who suffer from it.

Head over to our bookstore for more Special Needs resources!

Welcome!!

For Kids Only has decided to start a blog! We thought that it’s a good idea to keep our readers informed with new information that we come across, whether it’s new ministry resources or grant information. We look forward to keeping you updated with anything we find noteworthy. Check back often to see what's new!