How to Build a Kid Friendly Computer

Do you worry about your children using your computer? What trouble can they get into on the Internet? What harm could they do to your important data? Why not build them a computer of their own?

Build your children a computer using some inexpensive parts that you buy online or recycle an older computer. The child's computer doesn't have to be very powerful or loaded with memory. Just build something functional that they can call their own. If the hard drive is used, format it in order to wipe it completely clean. Install an operating system that you are familiar with. For this example, we will use Windows XP. Once the operating system is installed, remove all applications that your child doesn't need. This should free up quite a bit of space and remove a lot of distracting icons. Install some fun children's learning games and create shortcuts for them on the desktop.

Customize the computer to match your child's tastes. Apply cool stickers to the computer case or even paint it a wild color. Adjust the screen resolution so that the text and icons are larger and easy to see. Change the background on the desktop to a colorful splash with some familiar cartoon characters that your children will recognize. Once you have everything set the way you like it, create a store point using System Restore. This is found by clicking the "START" button and going to All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Restore. Chose the option for creating a restore point and name the restore point description something easy to identify, like the current date. Now, if your child changes a critical setting by accident, you can restore the computer to perfect working order.

Take control of your child's online experience. Buy a router and configure it with policies that restrict the times that they can access the Internet. For even more control, purchase Internet monitoring software that will block websites based on your criteria. Use Windows Remote Assistance software or one of many available remote access programs to monitor your children's activities if they are located in another room or if their monitor isn't visible to you. You can also configure your router to save a log file of the pages they visit that they cannot delete unless they have access to the router.

Password-protect your own computer and leave it logged off when you are away from it to encourage your children to use their own computer. Check the permissions on your computer and turn off sharing to the root of your hard drive. You will not have to worry about them accidentally deleting your files or infecting your computer with any malicious viruses. Let them have all the fun they want with their computer and if they mess it up, just reformat it and start all over.


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How to Know if Your Child Has Albinism

Albinism is a hereditary condition in which the body does not produce enough of the pigment, melanin. There are several degrees of albinism. One type affects the skin, hair, and eyes. Others may not affect all three. For parents who are unsure of what to look for, here are some helpful pointers.

Look for common signs of albinism. When babies are first born, it is difficult if not impossible, to immediately diagnose albinism when one or both parents have a light skin color. It is easier to diagnose in ethnic backgrounds where both parents have normally darker skin. Albinism is a static condition, so it is not crucial to diagnose it early. If a child has albinism, they will always have it, but the condition will not worsen over time. If a baby with albinism has a head full of hair when they are born, many people will quickly notice how light and how beautiful that hair is. In extreme cases, the child's eyes may appear to be pink, but normally, they will be blue or brown.

Watch for rapid back-and-forth eye movement. In the first few months, as your child becomes aware of their surroundings, look for rapid back-and-forth movement of their eyes when they attempt to focus on objects. If you do notice this, the condition is known as nystagmus and it is one indicator of albinism. Also, you may notice that your child tilts their head to the side and looks at things from the corner of their eyes. Talk to your child's pediatrician if you notice these things. They may refer you to a pediatric ophthalmologist for further testing.

Schedule an appointment with a pediatric ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist will examine the child's eyes and look for things like transillumination of the iris, decreased visual acuity, or sensitivity to light. The true test that will determine the child's vision cannot be done until they are old enough to read an eye chart, but there are tests that may be done when they are very young to find a close estimate. One test uses white rectangular boards with printed lines on one end. The doctor will test the child to see if they notice the lines when the board is suddenly presented.

Have a genetic test done. If each doctor gives a diagnosis of albinism, you can have genetic testing done to confirm their findings. The results of the genetic test will help you to know the best way to care for your child and any precautions that should be taken. If the skin, eyes, and hair are all affected, the child will need very good protection from the sun at all times and limited exposure. Children whose skin is not affected may still have problems with their vision. Reducing glare in the rooms in your home and also in classrooms when they start school will help them to remain comfortable.

Contact organizations who support individuals with albinism and also parents of children with albinism. Do some research and you will find assistance in many areas. The most important thing to do is to treat your child just like any other child because they are just like any other child. Having albinism should not prohibit them from enjoying the same things as everyone else.

NOAH - The National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation

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