Blog Posts by Common Sense Media

Common Sense MediaBy Caroline Knorr, Common Sense Media editor

Instagram. Snapchat. Facebook. Everyday there's some new thing we parents need to figure out. Getting up to speed -- plus giving our kids guidance and limits -- is a daily challenge.

You don't have to become an expert to help your kids make good decisions. Just get involved in their media lives. By engaging with them, you can help them use these tools responsibly, respectfully, and safely. Here are some ways to be a media-savvy parent this year:

1. Check out your kids' social sites. From videogames to apps -- even music -- nearly everything has a social component these days. Your kids may enjoy posting status updates, uploading photos, IMing, commenting, gaming or any number of online sharing activities with friends. Ask them to show you where they visit, what they do there, who they talk to, what they upload. Make sure they know the rules for safe, responsible, respectful online communication.

2. Take their games

Ruby GloomBy Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media editor

Best friends really are the best. For girls and young women, they're the ones who psych you up for fun, admire your talents, help you through tough days, and let you ramble on about your crazy theories.

But if you watch much TV -- from The Real Housewives to American Idol -- you might think girl friendships were something entirely different. Throwing drinks in your friend's face, calling her a tramp, or yanking her hair might seem like normal parts of being buds. Even scripted favorites like Nashville and Pretty Little Liars regularly pit women against each other.

But there are plenty of shows that don't wallow in the negative. By choosing entertainment that sends a better message to your kids, you can proactively counteract negative female stereotypes. Here are our favorite weapons against girl-on-girl hate.

My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic, 4+ (The Hub): It's super cutesy, but this animated preschool favorite shows

Common Sense MediaBy Caroline Knorr, Common Sense Media editor

Like most people, my New Year's resolutions include eating better and exercising more. But there's something else I want to get better at: managing my kid's media and technology. Over the past year, I've learned that the best way to stay involved in my kid's life is to keep an open mind about his online activities. My 2013 New Year's Resolutions focus on staying involved, listening, and having conversations.

1. Listen without judgment. To remain in the loop about what my son is doing, what games and videos he likes, and even who he's playing against in multiplayer games, sometimes I just need to hear him. I will try to listen without issuing snap judgments about what he's doing wrong.

2. Keep discovering and sharing. Believe it or not, I'm the one who introduced my son to the Gangnam Style video that was one of the biggest cultural phenomenons of 2012. I am often the one who alerts him to the latest Internet craze -- staying

Common Sense MediaBy Caroline Knorr, Common Sense Media editor

What's topping your kids' holiday wish lists this year? Chances are it has a screen, Internet access, and games. And if they're lucky enough to unwrap a Nintendo Wii U or an iPad Mini, then it's up to you to figure out how to balance the fun with family time. (See our editors' picks for Wii U games and iPad apps.)

As much as we all love and depend on our high-tech toys, our reliance on them -- let's face it -- can get in the way of the warm and cozy family time we so carefully scheduled (probably on our electronic calendar!).

An outright ban on digital devices won't win your kids' respect -- or compliance. But with a little planning and intentional involvement, you can balance your family's tech activities with much-needed face time. Here's how:

1. Be jolly -- but firm. Explain to your kids that you want to downsize -- not demolish -- your family's reliance on technology over the holidays. Let them know that you'll be

By the editors of Common Sense Media

We're all reeling over news of the devastating elementary school shooting. In the wake of this tragedy, here are a few ways to provide comfort to your kids and help them feel safe.

Help put the news in perspective

Shootings, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, end-of-the-world predictions -- even local news reports of missing kids and area shootings -- all of this can be upsetting news even for adults, much less kids. In our 24/7 news world, it's become nearly impossible to shield kids from distressing current events.

Today, kids get news from everywhere. This constant stream of information shows up in sharable videos, posts, blogs, feeds, and alerts. And since much of this content comes from sites that are designed for adult audiences, what your kids see, hear, or read might not always be age appropriate. Making things even more challenging is the fact that many kids are getting this information directly on their phones and laptops.

Common Sense MediaBy Ingrid Simone, Common Sense Media editor

The holiday season is upon us -- and so is a pretty painful economy. Whether it's family entertainment, gifts for the kids, or gifts for relatives and friends, the costs of video games, DVDs, and presents can quickly add up. But if you know where to look, you can find some pretty sweet deals. Check out these ideas:

Have nieces and nephews? Offer a sleepover movie night at your house. Movies are a fun holiday tradition, but a night out can really add up -- especially if you want to take the whole gang. With so many options for watching movies online, whether downloading or streaming, you can still enjoy first-run flicks (or seasons of your favorite TV series) for less than the cost of a night out at the theater.

Companies including Netflix, Blockbuster, YouTube, VUDU, iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, and Hulu all offer videos to enjoy without leaving home. Some of these services offer a flat rental fee from a couple of dollars or

Common Sense MediaBy Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media editor

One holiday, when my superhero-loving son was 4, a well-meaning family member gave him a DVD of Spider-Man 2. Perhaps they didn't realize that the movie was rated PG-13 -- or just didn't think it mattered. But nothing ruins the fun on Christmas morning like having to pry a new gift out of your kid's hands because you think it's inappropriate. I actually didn't go that far, but I did end up spending a lot of time and energy over the next few weeks telling my son, "You can watch it when you're older" (which was always followed by "Whhhhyyyyyy?!").

Exchanging holiday gifts can be one of the highlights of the winter season, but ensuring that the process goes smoothly for everyone can take a little pre-planning on your part. Remember that not everyone is in tune with what your kids are interested in, what's appropriate for their age, or what your family rules are around media-related toys and treats. Here are some tips for helping

Common Sense MediaBy Caroline Knorr, Common Sense Media editor

Now that Black Friday starts at many stores on Thanksgiving night, holiday shopping madness is in full swing even before you put away the leftovers. And many of the season's strongest sales pitches are directed right at kids.

Is it possible to partake of only those holiday rituals you love -- twinkling lights, yummy treats, peace on earth -- and nix the parts you don't -- escalating prices, overflowing wish lists, unrealistic expectations, crying, begging, and whining? We think yes. But you'll need to start training yourself and your kids now to think more critically about holiday marketing messages, and make a concerted effort to replace them with your own. Here's how:

Before Things Get Too Crazy

Be on ad alert. This holiday season, marketers will be using social media, websites, and viral ads to capture your kids' attention. Kids under 7 can't distinguish between ads and other content, and even older kids can be tricked by