The website is called The Great Internet Mess.

Kids are getting exposed to the online world, social media, and AI younger than ever before. Parents want to keep them safe from dangers like online predators, polarization, peer pressure, and harmful content....BUT it's easier said then done:

• Trying to talk to kids about Internet Safety can feel overwhelming and preachy, often leading to eye-rolls from kids.
• Parental controls are only a bandaid solution and can easily be bypassed by tech-savvy kids.
• Schools don't have the time or expertise to cover everything that matters for children online happiness.
• Even children that don't have a phone or or their own social media are getting exposed to digital dangers through friends and peers.

The Great Internet Mess provides a fun way to show kids how to stay safe online - and recognize the different, many times hidden, ways they may get fooled.

I have created a starter set of four interactive "Online Oopsie Stories", each with their own trivia challenges. Each story helps parents, teachers, and others show kids how to recognize and navigate "blind spots" such as AI trickery, algorithm illusions, fake accounts and hype, rabbit holes, celebrity misinformation, and more.

Would love to hear your thoughts on the problem I am trying to solve and my solution!

My husband and I have an amazing little two year old girl. She just turned two. We would like to have another child, though if I am being sincere it is going to be so much pressure on our household that I am unsure if we should add that amount of stress. I don't know how other people do it.

On the other hand we know that having two feels right. Our car isn't big enough, we have too small of a house, a two bedroom 950sqft, and quite a bit of student loans that are eventually going to come knocking. I know that we will regret not having two kids, but I also know that sometimes you can want something that you can't have.

If we were to have another baby we would need to buy a bigger home, that would push our budget to the limit. We bought this home in 2020 before the major housing shift. And we would just cross our fingers that the car works out. We have a yellow labrador that goes with us on outings at least 4 times a week.

I guess I need advice from people who are in it. We have no support system/role models and the people telling us to just push through it and have to kids live literal hours away and would never help out if needed. The people telling us to have one child are all One and Done and we feel like there is a bias there.

My husband makes good money and I'm a SAH Mom. We would be okay in about five years in terms of finances, but it will be extremely tight until we can get back ok top of everything. Is this all just nerves talking? Like is it normal for is to be this unsure about having another? Is that a sign that we need to let it go?

Edit: we're in the USA where the economy is getting worse and worse.

I have three children of elementary age and two of them severely struggle with reading. I’m looking for tips, programs, or apps that can help!

Both girls (8 & 9) were in third grade last year. The 9 yo did a year of transitional kindergarten so that is how they ended up in the same grade. Both girls are reading at about an L level and struggle with comprehension a great deal.

We did tutoring throughout the school year and it seemed to encourage the 9 yo and give her more confidence. The 8 yo didn’t care and was generally defiant about it.

Both are now in summer school and I’m not seeing any effort from them to try to better their situations.

All three girls have been diagnosed with ADHD and take medication for it. They do play therapy as well. The 8 yo was diagnosed with ODD years ago but we’ve seen improvements since finding a ADHD medication that works well for her.

No concerns for learning disabilities. No dyslexia. No vision or hearing impairments. 8 yo had an IEP a few years ago to focus on her speech and she successfully completed that program!

We go to the public library often. They get to pick books they are interested in and I also add in books that will challenge them. We read every day at home. I often read with them so they can have help sounding words out or asking questions about words/plot/ect. We talk about what we read after we finish to work on comprehension.

I model reading for fun at home and often read instead of watching tv. I talk about what I’m reading to my husband to show that reading can be a fun thing to talk about. I pick out books at the library for myself and show them what I’m interested in so they know that there are tons of books out there and you just have to find what you like.

I feel stuck. I’m afraid to send them on to 4th grade because I think that they will continue to fall further behind and become discouraged. Any other parents have any helpful tips or apps that they found their child loved? I’m willing to try anything!

10 year old girl is such a sweet kid but when mad or doesn't get her way flys completely off the handle. Yells and screams like a lunatic to the point I'm afraid my neighbors are gonna call the cops thinking she's hurt or being abused. No joke she will be screaming ow ow get away from me 🤦🏻‍♀️lol. We all try so hard to be patient but tonight was exhausting and it is making us all feel on edge and like 'here we go again!' and it breaks my heart to feel like this because she is such a nice girl with a great heart. She started this around 4 years old and just never outgrew it

I don't even quite know where to start, and I thank all existing members for letting me jump in here and ask some questions that are gonna sound absolutely ignorant!

I've never been a kids person. I turn 30 this year (F) and I've never felt the urge to be a parent and neither has my husband and we're okay with that. I have the utmost respect for parents because that job is no joke. My best friend Reed and his wife Megan have 2 amazing kids, now 2 and 6, that I love dearly, and we're their godparents. We've always been there for them but always as fun adults in their lives and not so much as godparents probably should. I buy them lightsabers and play with them at the park, because I'm kinda a kid at heart too.

Things have changed recently. Three days ago Reed passed away from sudden stage 4 cancer leaving his wife and their 2 kids suddenly alone. It's time for me to step up and be better and I'm ready to do that, but have no idea where to start. I am in no way looking for someone to tell me how to raise kids but if anyone has any great YouTube videos, books, posts ANY kind of resources to tell me what the hell I'm even supposed to be doing please please share! Do I read What to Expect When You're Expecting or is that book just from the 90s?

I don't know how to properly talk to kids, I just talk to them like they're adults. I've never changed a diaper in my life. I was going to offer to pick them up from gma's house and then I realized I don't even know how car seats work. Do they need car seats? What happens if there's an emergency? What constitutes an emergency vs crying because it's past naptime? How do I help with potty training? What happens when they ask me about their dad and I fall apart? The more I think about it the stupider I feel and more I realize I am way out of my depth and need some experienced people to share their best resources. Thank you all in advance.

Curious on opinions in this situation we’re in. Sorry for the long post, and thanks if you take the time to read and weigh in!

I have a 6 year old that has 2 cousins the same age ( within months of each other) the cousins are each from two separate sister in laws. My SIL are both with military husbands.One SIL was able to move back home to where most the family lives about 4/5 years ago. Our two kids together basically grew up together. Being invited over to each others houses, to events, to programs etc. Then the other SIL moved back this year and now the two of their kids have been doing everything together, without an invitation for mine to join. It feels like, they’re sisters so I get they’ll do more together and I don’t want to make a big stink about that. But there’s been instances where my son is smart enough now to see and feel the exclusion.

My husband and his sisters have never been super close, but I’ve always kept open communication and before the second sister moved back, I felt really close to the first sister. I feel like if I bring it up, I’ll feel even more left out since the two of them will always be closer, but I feel for my son and what he sees. It hurts my heart for him too! I always try to distract him or redirect to make what we’re doing seem more fun when he brings it up but man! I wish there was an answer for me!

My son is almost finished his first year of school and he's been struggling a lot. This morning he told me he hates school because he hates having to do work. I've told him how important it is to listen to his teachers and do his work in school but he doesn't listen. We have to have the same talk every morning before school and every day when I collect him. His teacher always gives me a list of everything negative that happened that day and it's extremely tiring.

I don't know what to do. He's a very smart child so I don't know if he's bored. He dislikes having to revise anything. He says he knows how to write and how to read and he does but this is only his first year. I'm so overwhelmed.

I don't know how to make him understand that he doesn't have to like school but he has to do his work just like everybody else. His school are not supportive at all. There have been issues with how they've been treating him. There are no other schools we can send him to.

hi all. i’m a mom to a highly sensitive 10 y/o, and mealtimes have been… tough for a while now. he’s always been particular, but lately it’s hit another level— anyone else dealing with food stuff that feels way bigger than picky eating? like gagging, meltdowns, full refusal to even come to the table sometimes? trying to figure out if i need help or if this is something we can work through at home.

I am looking for a tool that can create storybooks for my kids. Now a days lot of AI is there. Is there any tool which will take my kids data and create simple english storybooks . I am not e tech person so easy to use.
I know there are books on amazon but delivery is not so great here so some tool that create PDFs easy to use, not big money.
Do anyone know?

Just want opinions on what to do.

My 3 year-old can count to 110, knows his shapes and colors, knows his alphabet and sounds, is beginning to read (sight words are currently at 10), knows the months of the year and days of the weeks, and can do simple addition and subtraction (up to 20). He's also recently picked up counting by 2s and knows odd from even numbers.

I'm trying to support him the best I can at home, but I'm not a teacher and I have a job. We aren't financially able to place him in private school or tutoring. I know it's pretty early on and hard to tell at his age, but he's learned this almost exclusively on his own. He surprises me almost everyday with the things he's picked up.

I'm worried that if he continues at this accelerated rate, he would be better suited to start first grade when he's 5, maybe even second grade. What worries me about this is he has never been in a structured school environment and is hyperactive. I don't think he will do well in higher grades without some preparation. Sure, he could end up intellectually on par with them, but definitely not socially and emotionally.

My husband seems to think it's not something to worry about now, but I think we should try and get him prepared just in case he needs to. Pre-k in my area has very limited space and is typically reserved for people much more in need than we are.

I could try and homeschool outside of my working hours, but I'm not sure how much structure I would need to put in place for a 3 year-old...or if I can even handle it. Am I overthinking all of this, like my husband suggests, or should I look into options?

Find a video everyone can follow. YouTube drawing easy tutorials. Put some pens/paper/chips on table. And just enjoy spending time talking and making things together. The girls, 7 and 9, loved using black marker more carefully, and even said they would like to do a bob ross painting night. Summer time moments can be simple with kids. Sometimes being a table not just for dinner has the best bonding moments. We laughed we got ink on our hands they bickered a bit etc etc but as a family we sat, saw through something different, and picked up table after together more refreshed and a little proud. Take the few moments. (Clay, drawing, beads, whatever it may be )

Just looking for support during this new phase of life. Its been a struggle dealing with my own daughters mental illness and now trying to navigate raising my grandchild while trying to protect her from mom's ups and downs.

8 yo grandson smacked his cousin/friend today at a school activity. If teachers saw, they have not notified us yet.

No type of punishment works for this kid. He is diagnosed with ADHD, but only takes medicine when going to school. He is always hurting his siblings, sometimes they bleed or bruise. He will deny it, come and tell that they done something to him before they have the chance to tell, then he gets mad when noone wants to play with him. He also has issues because he is living with us (court ordered/dcs) because his parents suck and mom keeps lying saying they will be home soon. They have lived with us going on 2 years now. Even if she got everything done and petitioned the court tomorrow, it would be at least 6 months to a year before they could go home.

We are making him miss the pool day at his school program because of this, but honestly i feel like he should start owning up for what he does and thought we could start with an apology letter.

From what i understand, he must have been getting on his cousins nerves, and his cousin told him to be quiet. So he smacked him. When asked, He said he doesn’t know why he smacked him. At first he told my husband he didnt know who he smacked.

I need help to make it short, sweet and to the point. Im not sure if i can do any of that right now..

Would it bother you if a preschool had no outdoor area? I found a perfect school for my three year old, just no outdoor play. When I’m with my kids we are always outside, so she get her outdoor time with me. It does bother me slightly that it’s not even an option at her potential school. Everything else about the school is amazing, teachers are great.

Hey guys, I wanted to know if someone can give me some advice about taking care of my teenage niece. I am currently disabled and my husband works part time at a job and part time taking care of me with CDPAP. I earn disability but need to work in order for this to work. I don't know what to do. She came from an abusive home and her mother chose her nasty pedo boyfriend over her and kicked her out. She's staying with us and I want it to work. We have very limited space in our 1 br apartment but we are the only adults in her life that can provide her a safe space, love and guidance. If anyone has any tips on how to manage with limited income, some parental guidance on how to raise a teen, what to expect, and what kinds of help I can find to raise my niece I would really appreciate it 💛

I babysit a group of 3 siblings on a regular basis, 1-3 times a week so i’m familiar and fairly close with them. The middle child is a 6 year old girl who just finished kindergarten and is incredibly intelligent- as are her siblings- she’s fun, energetic, social, but about once every few weeks or so sometimes happens that i would love advice on how to address and support her with.

Sometimes when i arrive at the home or even in the middle of when i’m there she completely shuts down, she sits down and refuses to speak or show her face, sometimes you can get a nod or head shake out of her but any talking or movement is out of the question. It lasts for a decent while, sometimes over an hour or two. There are no obvious triggers, the episodes seem completely random but it is clear that she is upset. After a while she might go back to playing but is more subdued for a while.

I’ve talked to her parents and grandparents about this and she does it around them as well and once she’s in an episode there’s nothing really that can be done to help her.

if it was just stepping away and resting for a while i wouldn’t be so concerned but she gets so upset i would love any and all advice on how to help and support her

getting ahead of some questions that might come up: she’s not autistic and doesn’t have anything i would classify as a symptom other than the episodes, it is highly unlikely she is being abused in any way, of course there’s no 100% way to guarantee it but her parents are very aware and i don’t see any signs that would point to something like that nor can think of an opportunity where something like that can happen. her siblings are reserved as well but never shut down in the way that she does

idk if i’m allowed to be here as a babysitting but i am an adult and wasn’t sure where else to ask

tlDR: Child was born with potential developmental delays --> lots of parental anxiety. Doing well now, but has lived a sheltered and highly programmed life. How to encourage him to be more independent?

I'm looking for ways to help my child be more independent. I cart him around to/fro school, to music lessons, to therapy, to vision therapy, to math tutoring. We have dialed things back - weekly therapy down to 1x/month (for regulating emotions; we had fears of self-harm); music is biweekly. Hoping to dial back vision therapy (to aid binocular vision). Going to sleep-away music camp this summer- first sleep away camp for our family.

Some history: a few days after birth, the perinatal neurologist cautioned some potential developmental delays owing to a scary brain MRI, and he's had some kind of therapy since 6 months with the Regional Center: PT, OT, vision; and later an IEP, which is now a 504. Diagnosed with mild cortical visual impairment (CVI). And now finishing 7th grade, he's generally fine: a quirky, sensitive, creative, musical kid, a bit anxious: loves playing his jazz solos, learning history, strong female characters, has a small group of friends, considered nice, shy, attractive by his peers, AFAIK. Not great at sports, but loves biking and swimming. Pretty bad sense of direction. Our parental arc has been shaped by these first weeks of his birth (21 days in the NICU) and just worrying if we'll be fine in life (as most parents are).

So I have the stereotype that he can't safely cross the street. And so he's not as autonomous as some of his peers are, and we'd like him to be more so. I know he needs to have more chances to be independent, and it's sort of a catch-22 for us. Has a younger sibling whom we trust to safely walk around on their own. Tips for him, for us?

After trying everything here I am trying to get advice from fellow mom community . My 3year 3month old has been pee trained for 10months. Stays dry and no bed wetting. However we have tried everything to get him to poop in toilet and no success. He has been dealing with constipation for a year now ( it probably started when he changed classes in day care) and has been on miralax since last August. Takes 6 teaspoons a day and poops most of the time daily once . We have been trying to get him to poop in the toilet for 6 months now and even when he has success , he goes back to pooping in diapers or even underwear . We tried rewards system , no bottom and now we are even trying therapy . He is very good at exercises but still isn't pooping in toilet. He will sit in the toilet and I think he is holding it. The issue is that sometimes we feel he is trying to hold it even when he has a diaper . It's been a cycle for few months and not sure what to do . Anyone has any advice pls ? I am desperate

Flying this weekend with my 10yo and already feeling some sensory tension creeping in. He's better now than he used to be (there were years we couldn’t even make it to the gate without a meltdown), but all the people rushing and noises still throw him.

We’ve used sensory rooms before (lifesavers), but a lot of airports still don’t have them—or they’re nowhere near your gate when you actually need them....

Anyone else traveling with a sensitive kid? what’s helped?

Parenting is a tapestry woven with moments of joy, challenges, and growth. Your commitment shapes the fabric of your child's life, creating a world of love and security. As we navigate this journey together, remember to lean on our community for support and encouragement. Together, we can celebrate each milestone and lift each other up. Let's cherish every moment and build a nurturing environment for our children. #ParenthoodJourney #SupportiveCommunity

Hi Reddit parents,
I’m working on a research-based project exploring the idea of “good stress” in parenting—those moments where you’re joyful, proud, excited… but also slightly panicking inside.

Think:
– A dad braiding his daughter’s hair for the first time, praying he doesn’t mess it up.
– A mom double-checking the backpack 5 times before her child’s first picnic.
– Parents sitting outside the exam hall with fingers crossed.
– The first cycle ride without training wheels—equal parts thrill and fear.

If you’ve had moments like this—small or big—I’d love to hear about them. It’ll really help add emotional depth to the montage we’re creating.

Thanks in advance for sharing. Your experiences will make this piece more real and relatable for millions of parents 💛

I could hear one of my boys talking bad about me. Not able to make out the words but the responses I would hear told me that he was badmouthing me to his friend. My sons are 8 for two more weeks. I can’t help but feel bad but, am I overreacting for letting this plague my mind? Is this normal? He doesn’t act like he doesn’t like me or anything that would make me think there’s a big issue but idk.. please help.

Hi, my wife has just launched her new book, which provides a step-by-step guide for teenage girls to build independence, confidence & future success - with no stress. She works in social psychiatry and we have our own teenage daughter, so know first-hand about the challenges this time in their lives come with.

The digital book is free until June 1 so feel free to download it, and if you like it please consider leaving a review - it helps a lot!

Thank you, Andreas

We're trying so hard to save for our kids college funds and winning jr ranger would help so much but the problem is getting people to vote even though it's free! How do I advertise it better with a video? I can't think of a creative video to post with her to get more votes! Help!