It’s that time of year again! The school year is just getting over but the folks at Apple are thinking ahead. And why not? An Apple computer or laptop makes a perfect graduation gift. And if you are considering an Apple computer for your student for the fall NOW is the time to buy.

An Apple computer just NEEDS an iPod to go with it. Like Oreos and milk - you can’t have one without the other. And if your student buys a Mac computer between now and September 15, he/she will receive a free 8 GB iPod Touch or 8 GB iPod Nano.

This is a fabulous deal - you all know that I use my iPod Touch as PDA. I just can’t believe that Apple is giving one of these away a free iPod Touch with a computer purchase! The iPod Touch goes beyond just an entertainment device. It is so useful for organizing schedules, contacts and making notes. With built in wi-fi capabilities it is a virtual pocket computer.

Here is the link that will save you a bundle:
Buy a Mac for college and get a free iPod touch. Order online and get free shipping.

Buy Mac computers get free iPods. Good Deal.

Many parenting tips revolve around getting kids to brush their teeth. There have been many innovations over the years (such as the musical Star Wars toothbrush). But there is a new toothbrush holder on the market that I LOVE and my kids adore - check out My Flipper USA.

I recently had the opportunity to try out a My Flipper USA toothbrush holder and we think it’s awesome. Basically, if you look at the picture, this toothbrush holder suctions to any smooth surface like a mirror, tile backsplash, or even shower door.

The front of the toothbrush holder flips open with a twist of the toothbrush and and the toothbrush hangs inside when not in use. This little device provides sanitary and fun storage of toothbrushes. Air vents in the side of the My Flipper toothbrush holder allow the toothbrush to dry completely between uses and the My Flipper is also easily washed in warm soapy water.

All moms know that the bathroom is a haven for germs and this toothbrush holder gave me a level of comfort that my kids were reducing their exposure to “yucky stuff” by storing their brush properly.

The true measure of a products effectiveness is the kid test and the My Flipper passed with flying colors. The My Flipper comes in a variety of designs ranging from fun animals (perfect for little ones) to more mature colored designs (that even adults will like). Derrick at My Flipper USA sent me the pink hippo which I knew would be a hit with my four year old daughter who loves anything pink. However, I did not anticipate that my three boys would covet this toothbrush holder to the point that they were bribing their sister to let them have it. Boys fighting for pink hippos - you know this product is a hit.

MyFlipperUSA has also introduced a My Puppy product line that is perfect for all dog lover’s out there. Here is a picture of the line:

In addition to the toothbrush holders the My Flipper USA line includes a holder for shaving razors - perfect for mom or dad.

Take a look and let me know what you think!

I have no idea why I am posting about this Darth Vader toothbrush Star Wars - on a parenting tips site, no less.

Perhaps because I live in a house full of Star Wars fans, including my daughter. They all would think this toothbrush is the best thing since sliced bread and probably brush a little longer as a result. Which I guess is what every mom is after.

I’m not sure how long I could stand the music before it drove me a bit batty, though. Since I am not familiar with this brand, it leaves me wondering what other catchy songs Tooth Tunes have paired with toothbrushes. Stay tuned for my next post about toothbrush holders - a nice way to store that Star Wars toothbrush.

Today I attended an internet safety presentation given at my kids school. It really is a scary place out there. I had posted earlier this month on internet safety, however, I realize that what I am currently doing may not be enough.

My children have not yet ventured into the world of instant messaging and internet chatrooms. And I intend to keep it that way for as long as possible. But the oldest one has been asking because, I quote “all my friends” are instant messaging. I guess I’m from the old fashioned school where if you need to talk to someone - just pick up the phone or see them in class tomorrow.

I also want to trust my children when they are on the computer and not look over their shoulder at all times. But curiosity has gotten the best of all of us. It is human nature, after all.

I walked away from this morning’s presentation with a few more ideas and a long to-do list.

• First, there is no substitue for parental involvement. As I previously posted the location of the computer is KEY. It should be in a common area where you can always monitor what the kids are doing.
• Second, open communication is critical. Should you punish the kids if they come across offensive content? The answer is no. You should appreciate the fact that they were upfront with you. But, at the same time you need to work together to avoid a repeat.
• Third, I could use a little help from a software program - perhaps to restrict the time allowed on the internet or the sites visited.Clearly I have some homework to do.

  The following sites provide some tools and food for thought: www.isafe.org, www.netsmartz.org, and www.teenangels.org.

  This is a software program that provides parental controls on Windows based computers. Read more about it at www.mysafekeeper.com.