The Temptation Series

We've Reached the UK!

2010-10-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

The United Kingdom's Duston School will carry the Temptation Series! Kudos to Ms. Caddy and the Duston School for letting the Temptation Series help teach students about Internet Safety, Cyber Bullying and Cell Phone Use. Thank you!

http://www.thedustonschool.northants.sch.uk/

Thank you Fairmont School-Anaheim!

2010-05-15T00:49:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Fairmont School's Anaheim campus for inviting us to speak at their 'Chalk Talk' series. We LOVE how the school is using technology to enhance their students' lives. Our presentation was shared with parents who couldn't attend using Twitter. What a great idea! We were impressed with faculty, parents and students during our visit and applaud Fairmont for striving to stay up-to-date with technology and its effects.

Thank you for inviting us!

Kudos to The Pegasus School & St. John's Episcopal School

2010-03-10T00:38:00.000-08:00

Kudos to the schools that are taking charge of technology issues and educating their parents. Danielle spoke to parents at St. John's Episcopal School in Rancho Santa Margarita and I spoke to parents at The Pegasus School in Huntington Beach about technology and how to protect our kids.

Thank you for having us. It was our pleasure!

The MANY Dangers of Sexting. Parenting OC – Feburary 2010 : Not-So-Funny Valentine

2010-02-09T01:18:00.000-08:00

Read about the dangers of Sexting from all angles. Don't miss this one!
Parenting OC – Feburary 2010 : Not-So-Funny Valentine

Protecting Kids From Pornography-Your Time With Kim

2010-01-25T16:42:00.001-08:00

I love being on Your Time With Kim Iverson in TX. She's smart, bold, honest and tackles topics that matter. Tonight I'll be on to talk about protecting our kids from pornography. Listen in for tons of good information from Kim and other experts around the country.

A few tips for parents:

1-Warn your kids about pornography BEFORE they see it. Use age appropriate language. Communication is KEY!

2-Build in safeguards such as filtering software, password protection, limited computer time, parental monitoring.

3-Create a plan of action for when/if they are exposed to pornography. Be specific.

www.yourtimewithkim.com

Parenting OC- Sexting January Issue 2010

2010-01-19T15:06:00.000-08:00

FAMILY FYI'S

‘Sexting’ and Your Kids

So, Santa brought your 12-year-old a shiny new cell phone over the holidays. You look at it as tool for safety and convenience. She looks at it as a new toy and a way to connect with all her friends who have mobile phones. Amidst the loud crackling sound of wrapping paper being torn open, you made a vain attempt to warn her about the appropriate usage: “Remember, you’re only supposed to use it to call—”. But by her shrieks of glee, you’re thinking she didn’t quite hear you.

It’s much more common for children, tweens and teens to have a cell phones—a recent survey found that 78 percent of teens have a cell phone while 15 percent have a phone with Internet access. And because communication has become so easy with functions like SMS text messaging (which are usually already installed on phones now), there are more windows open for dangerous activity such as “sexting.” This new epidemic is becoming trendier among tweens and teens. Sexting is sending a text message with photos of children or teens that are inappropriate, naked or engaged in sex acts. What’s shocking is about 20 percent of teen boys and girls have sent such message, according to a recent nationwide survey by the National Campaign to Support Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.

Sexting can have enormous consequences for you and your child. Receiving explicit messages can be traumatic for the child in the picture as well as the sender and receiver. “We need to inform them about the consequences of sexting,” says Karen Child Ogden, M.A., a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Costa Mesa. “It’s not just an innocent thing.” Ogden, a contributor to the children’s book series “Temptation of a Generation” (www.temptationseries.com) which teaches young kids to think about the effects technology has on their lives, advises that parents should start the conversation early about the consequences sexting can have on them, their family and their community. To get you started, here’s five tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on helping your child make good choices:

Talk to your kids, even if the issue hasn’t directly impacted your community. Ask, “Have you heard of sexting?” “Tell me what you think it is.” It’s important to first learn their understanding is of the issue and explain it appropriately for their age.
Use examples appropriate for your child’s age. For younger children with cell phones who do not yet know about sex, inform that text messages should never contain pictures of people (kids or adults) without their clothes on, kissing or touching each other in ways that they’ve never seen before. For older children, you may want to use the term “sexting” and give specifics about sex acts they may know about. For teens, be very specific that “sexting” often involves pictures of a sexual nature and is considered pornography.
Make sure they understand that sexting is serious and can be considered a crime. There are consequences associated with sexting that may involve the police or suspension from school. This act can also hurt the sexter’s permanent record that may inhibit goals of getting a job or going to college.
Experts have said that peer pressure plays a major role in the sending of texts, with parties being a contributing factor. Collecting cell phones at gatherings is one way to reduce the temptation.
Tell your child if she ever receives a message that makes her uncomfortable, to contact an adult immediately. —Allison Tong

Sources: www.aap.org, life.familyeducation.com, www.thenationalcampaign.org

We love Dr. Fitness & The Fat Guy!

2010-01-07T11:08:00.000-08:00

Ok, if you haven't listened to these guys or logged on to their website DO IT today! First of all, they are really good guys, hilarious and all about health, fitness and an overall good life. Today I talked with Lee and Adam about sexting, cell phones and going on your own "digital cleanse". Listen to our interview and bookmark their website for fabulous information and lots of laughs!

www.drfitnessandthefatguy.com

Tampa: "iCarly start takes on Temptation of a Generation"

2010-01-07T08:18:00.000-08:00

Unplugged in Tampa!

2009-12-29T19:16:00.000-08:00

10 Connects.com Tampa Bay, Florida

Good Morning Arizona Unplugged!

2009-12-04T09:17:00.001-08:00

Aria shares her experience going unplugged with Good Morning Arizona.

The first Day After the Challenge!!!

2009-11-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

Aria returns to technology. Congratulations Aria...you did it! Click below to watch Aria get her phone back. What did she learn??

My first Day After the Challenge!!!

Temptation Series Aria Wallace Unplugged Media Blitz!

2009-11-22T03:04:00.001-08:00

Aria Wallace speaks to the nation about going unplugged for 40 days.

Unplugged in Florida!

Unplugged in San Diego!

2009-11-22T02:44:00.000-08:00

Aria on FOX 5 San Diego

Unplugged on the Movie Mom!

2009-11-22T02:31:00.000-08:00

Aria featured by the Movie Mom on www.belief.net.

http://www.beliefnet.com/Video/Entertainment/TV/Movie-Mom-Interview-Aria-Wallace.aspx

Unplugged in Baltimore!

2009-11-22T02:18:00.000-08:00

WJZ13's Marty and Don talk with Aria (as they text, twitter and email) about (their) addiction to technology.

Unplugged in Colorado!

2009-11-19T19:46:00.000-08:00

9NEWS.com Colorado's Online News Leader | Nickelodeon star challenges teens to unplug

9NEWS.com | Colorado's Online News Leader | Nickelodeon star challenges teens to unplug

2009-09-29T21:20:00.000-07:00

NICKELODEON STAR
ARIA WALLACE IS GOING OLD SCHOOL!
WATCH THE TEEN STAR GO 40 DAYS VIRTUALLY TECH FREE!

How would a typical teenager get through the day without a cell phone? How about a rising teen star? In a digitally-distracted world where teens text rather than talk, 12-year-old Nickelodeon star Aria Wallace (of the Roxy Hunter movie series and iCarly fame) has challenged herself to find out. For 40 days, Wallace will be “Going Old School,” in conjunction with the Temptation Series to encourage kids to put down the cell phone and log off of the social networks to communicate in real time.

THE DETAILS
From October 12 through November 20, 2009, Wallace will be stripped of her cell phone and texting privileges and limited to only a few minutes a day online for school and business related work. “Aria Wallace is Going Old School: Unplugged for 40 Days,” will be documented with daily video diaries and blog entries at http://blog.ariawallace.com . To syndicate this content, the RSS feed is available at http://feeds.feedburner.com/ariawallaceblog.

“The Temptation Series has inspired me to help promote real-time communication!” exclaimed Wallace. “I want to take teens back to the days when we had face-to-face interaction and expressed emotions in person! Teens today need to know how awesome it is to actually see emotions rather than an emoticon, and be able to laugh instead of just saying LOL!”

“Aria Wallace is Going Old School: Unplugged for 40 Days,” will consist of the following rules;
(1) No cell phone use or texting
(2) Home phone use for 10 minutes per day
(3) Payphones are allowed
(4) No social networking
(5) Internet use is limited to daily blog/vlog and schoolwork as necessary

The Temptation Series has teamed up with Los Angeles based social media strategists, SocialNotions to execute the 40-Day Challenge. For more information on this digital marketing and social media agency, please visit www.socialnotions.com .

About half of American children 12 and older have cell phones¹, and more than half of American kids ages 12-15 use social networking websites². Let's see if Aria can survive this challenge...log on to find out www.ariawallace.com/blog/?page_id=2

The Metro Parent Interviews Danielle

2009-09-01T22:54:00.000-07:00

Detroit's Metro Parent Interviewed Danielle for the August issue. "Schoolyard Bullies Go Digital".

Visit Metro Parent at www.metroparent.com

On Dr. Laura Today!!!

2009-08-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

Thank you Dr. Laura for featuring Don't Hit Send Just To Fit In on today's Reading Corner.

The book giveaway begins Monday August 24, 2009 at 1:00pmPT and ends Tuesday August 25, 2009 at 1:00pmPT. You may enter the contest at any point during that time.

Don't Hit Send Just To Fit In
Danielle Tiano (Author), with Karen Child Ogden (Author), Arly Evensen (Editor), Edward Pollick (Illustrator)
Self Published

Book Description
Today's bully has a new playground; computers, cell phones and social networking sites. What was once known as teasing face to face, playing practical jokes, and making prank phone calls has evolved in to a generation of bullies that hides behind the veil of computer screens and cell phones.

Creators of the renowned children's book series, Temptation of a Generation, will release their third book that tackles the tough issues today's pre-teens face with technology. Don't Hit Send Just to Fit In educates children and parents about cyber bullying, a topic rampant in schools across the country affecting kids as young seven years old.

Don't Hit Send Just to Fit In tells the story of a group of tweens who become victims to cyber bullies. On their way to discovering more positive ways to deal with these new found issues, the tweens become bullies themselves. Through the help of positive adults and a magical keyboard, they learn not to succumb to the lure of cyber bullying and realize that there are better ways to fit in and make friends.

"Bullying has always existed among youth, but today's bullying seems to have more devastating effects. The mode of delivery is much faster, and reaches inordinate amounts of people," states Karen Child Ogden, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and contributor to the series. "Once kids post a message on a social networking site or cell phone it can never be erased. Kids don't understand the consequences of their behavior with regard to cyber bullying, and neither do most parents."

Don't Hit Send Just to Fit In teaches children and parents how easy it is to become a cyber bully, or to be bullied online. Studies show 42% of children have been bullied while online, while 58% have not told their parents about something mean or hurtful that happened to them while surfing the net (from enough.org, isafe.org and ctia.org). The ramifications of cyber bullying are far-reaching and include depression, anxiety, school absence, and even death. The number of kids who take their lives due to cyber bullying grows each day.

"Kids are using their cell phones and personal web pages to send threatening messages to intimidate others. Bullying with a cell phone or computer, while less personal, is no less threatening," says Danielle Tiano, author of the Temptation Series. "Having electronic devices should include taking personal responsibility for their use."

The Temptation of a Generation Series tackles tough topics relating to tweens and technology such as Internet pornography, cell phone use and abuse, and cyber bullying. The series offers parents information and tools for raising their children to become more emotionally and socially healthy.

About Don't Hit Send Just to Fit In
The book illustrates a group of tweens who become victims of cyber bullies. In an attempt to fit in, they become cyber bullies themselves, not realizing the consequences of their actions. Through the help of positive adults and a magical keyboard, the group discovers more positive ways to deal with these issues.

About the Temptation of a Generation Team
Danielle Tiano, children's author, is the founder of Beyond Your Words. Tiano has written about difficult subject matter for children such as childhood obesity and attention deficit disorder. She is married and resides in Newport Beach, CA.

Karen Child Ogden is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Costa Mesa, CA. Ogden is married and the mother of three children.

www.drlaura.com/reading/index.html?mode=view&id=473

Parenting OC-Ask The Expert: Internet in a Child's Room?

2009-08-11T15:17:00.001-07:00

Read this month's Ask The Experts column in Parenting OC!

WRONG ROOM FOR INTERNET

My 13-year old says that he needs his own computer (with Internet access of course) for the upcoming school year and wants to have it in his room like many of his friends do. I am uncomfortable with this. Am I being too paranoid?

No! You are right to not feel comfortable letting your child have a computer with access to the Internet in his room. It is very dangerous and may pose serious risks not only to him but also to your family. In a recent study by security technology company McAffee, 80% of parents said that they don't turn on their parental control software and 30% of parents said they leave their children alone in their bedrooms to surf the net. More shocking is the finding that 26% of all 5 to 7-year-olds have a computer in their bedroom! (www.mcaffee.com).

Two questions beg to be answered. Why would you allow a very young child to have unrestricted access to the Internet at all hours of the day and night? Other than giving parents a false sense of security, what good is parental control software if it is not enabled?

You wouldn’t leave your front door open at night, or send your 7-year-old on a trip around the world alone, so why would you leave the virtual door open into your child's room inviting strangers and inappropriate content into your home?

Purchasing parental control software is the first step in keeping your family safe from cyber predators, bullies and from developing dangerous addictions to things such as gaming, gambling or pornography; but knowing how to use the software and developing strict rules around Internet use are the real keys to a safe home.
Consider the following suggestions:

Make your family computer a laptop so that it can be turned off and hidden at night.
Install Internet filtering and parental control software and know how to use it!
Make computer time like television or gaming time, with limits and restrictions.
Make sure you are in the same room as your child while he is surfing the net, letting him know that you can look over his shoulder at any time.
The most influential step however, in protecting your children is to have frequent conversations with your child about the power of the Internet, both good and bad, and about what other kids are doing online (as kids are more likely to give information about what other kids are doing).

The most disturbing finding in the recent McAffee study is that nearly two thirds of parents said they had not raised the issue of Internet safety with their children. Maybe you don’t know much about the Internet and don’t want to seem uneducated, maybe you don’t really want to know what’s going on with your child, or maybe you are unaware of the dangers lurking in cyber space…whatever the reason, don’t delay! Educate yourself and start the conversation with your child today!

The virtual world is not for a child to explore alone! They will thank you later for protecting them. —Karen Child Ogden, LMFT

http://www.parentingoc.com/ate_0908.html

Parenting OC "Cracking Down on Bullying", by Janet Otsuki

2009-08-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

Read this month's Parenting OC magazine for not only fantastic information for parents and families in Orange County, but for a great article on Bullying by Janet Otsuki. Let's teach our children to take a stand against bullying!

http://trendmag2.trendoffset.com/publication/?i=20393&p=11

www.parentingoc.com

Temptation Series given at the Teen Choice Awards gifting suite

2009-08-08T13:50:00.000-07:00

Alyssa Pometta with Brandi Cyrus & Band Members

PRLog (Press Release) – Aug 08, 2009 – Baby Swags, a celebrity gifting and public relations firm headed to Hollywood with client products in hand for the Teen Choice Awards gift suite presented by Totally Texty and T2PR. The one-day young Hollywood event was held at the well-known nightclub, Level 3 on August 6, 2009.

Baby Swags is a well-known celebrity gifting company located in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois and has a network of over 400 mom-based businesses that provides client products to award events, charity events, VIP gift bags, and has hosted their own gift suite, “Rockin’ Lollipop Lounge” as a way to bring more exposure and credibility to their clients products.

“The day was jam packed with fun and great opportunities to get my clients products seen by many well-known celebrity teen idols, publicists, celebrity stylists and media.” Baby Swags founder, Phyllis Pometta adds, “Thanks to T2PR and Totally Texty, my clients received a great new following!”

Celebrities at the event went home with products from Pink Pewter, Toffee Creations, and Temptation of a Generation, The Series.

Pink Pewter offers Original designs that are premium quality fashion hair accessories for children, teenagers and adults. Their collection of limited quantity, fashion headbands deliver the high quality you expect in a top brand at an affordable price. Their collections include unique designs featuring SWAROVSKI crystals, genuine leather and soft silk flowers.

Toffee Creations Their mission is to introduce and tantalize your taste buds with creative and “Out of the Box” flavors of their sinfully delicious, and unique combination's. Each creation is “homemade” using some of the finest and purest ingredients available.

Temptation Series The “Temptation of a Generation Series” is the first illustrated book series of its kind to tackle the tough issues of today’s pre-teens face with technology. Computers, cell phones, and personal electronic devices are wonderful tools, yet can be dangerous to children when used without parental supervision. “The Temptation Series” is designed for pre-teens and their parents as a tool to open communication and to help create rules for using such technology.

Celebrities in attendance consisted of, Brandi Cyrus, Noah Cyrus, Jason Earles, Tiffany Thornton, Chelsea Staub, Christina Murphy, Kaycee Stroh, Brittany Curran, Molly Burnett, Chelsea Hobbs, Justin Chon, Ashley Argota, Ryan Newman, Kyle Massey, Dakota, Emily Grave Reaves, David Henrie, Keana Texeira, Austin Butler, Jonathan Morgan Heit, Scott Baio, Chris Atkins, Crystal Hill, Emma Winkler, Porscha Coleman, Derrex Brady and many more.

Decoding the Secret Language of Teen Texting- The Fish Atlanta

2009-08-04T14:19:00.001-07:00

I was interviewed today by Kevin & Taylor, morning show hosts of 104.7 FM The Fish Atlanta, about the secret teen text language. Visit the Temptation of a Generation website to take our Text Talk Quiz. How many texting codes do you know??

www.thefishatlanta.com
www.temptationseries.com

OC Family: Wired Kids. Can High-Tech Mean High Risk?

2009-07-06T04:00:00.001-07:00

Read July's issue of OC Family and learn about whether or not your tween's high-tech lifestyle could be putting them at high risk. Thanks again OC Family!

Wired kids: Can high-tech mean high risk?
BY AMANDA ESTEP

More than ever, kids interact with some form of technology every day. They are constantly exposed to computers, video games, music players and cell phones – among a variety of other state-of-the-art devices – and in recent years parents have asked a number of disturbing questions: How much tech exposure is too much? And is the growing concern tech-
related or kid-related?

“It seems that the biggest problem with technology is not so much with the device in particular but that kids are ‘wired’ to a device almost all of their waking hours,” says Karen Child Ogden, a licensed marriage and family therapist who is well-versed in the problems related to compulsive addictions. “The most problematic devices by far are the cell phone, computer (particularly the Internet) and video games – both online and traditional video games such as Nintendo.”

Children are being exposed to technology at a very young age. Educational and tech media can be a wonderful thing.
But their developing minds may also be affected negatively if technology is not monitored and controlled. What can parents do?

“Parents can keep in mind that the task of childhood is to prepare them for adult life and adult relationships,” says Ogden. “Allowing them to spend too much time with technology will NOT serve them as adults. Keep in mind the atmosphere of your home and ask yourself the following questions:

“Is the TV always on as background noise? Does the computer take center stage in the home, inviting and encouraging kids to use it rather than playing outside or interacting with family members? What are the rules surrounding cell phone use? Is it permissible at school, during homework time, at dinnertime, during church service, at night?

“Consider implementing rules around cell phone use such as handing over all cell phones to parents after 5 p.m.,” continues Ogden. “Are you as parents addicted to your cell phone, Blackberry or computer? The behavior regarding technology that you display will be absorbed by your children.”

Cell phones in particular are one of the most popular forms of technology among children; parents need to be constantly aware of their use – and possible abuse.

“The cell phone should be of particular concern to parents,” says Ogden, who sees these devices as the area of greatest risk. “Especially phones with multiple applications such as the Internet, gaming, texting and cameras. These components are a potentially dangerous combination for the curious teenager.”

Because cell phones are carried throughout the day and night, Internet exposure is continuous and un-checked. Total trust would be ideal, but the seemingly limitless number of Web sites – not to mention Internet predators – makes the devices potentially very dangerous. Using Web filters can be an effective tool to keep your kids safe.

A multitude of other problems crop up when tweens are constantly exposed to tech devices, says Ogden: They include the distraction, impatience and anxiousness related to social networking media; eye and repetitive finger strain; and problems with English, due to the near-constant use of abbreviations used when texting.

Dealing with kids and their tech devices could be a tricky task. Their use should be used as an incentive to first take care of responsibilities such as homework and shared housework. And limit their use.

“Although today’s kids seem to possess the skills to operate almost any device,” says Ogden,” I do think that there are more disadvantages and dangers to tweens’ high-tech lifestyle. The task of childhood is to explore, experience and learn appropriate social behavior. Being so tech-focused takes kids away from face-to-face communication and relationships hindering social and relationship skills.”

Amanda Estep is an intern for OC Family magazine.

http://www.ocfamily.com/t-MiddleYears_tech_risk_texting_cell_phone_Internet0709.aspx

Chattanooga Parent Magazine

2009-07-06T03:42:00.000-07:00

Read the latest mention of the Temptation Series in the Chattanooga Parent Magazine. 'The Caring Cyber Parent:Talk to your kids early and often about Internet safety.'

http://chattanoogaparentmagazine.com/?p=1211

OC Family: Sex Ed 101

2009-06-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

I was asked by writer Kimberly Gomes to comment on the topic of Sex Ed. Kudos OC Family and Kimberly! Read on!

Sex Ed 101:Breaking The Family Silence
By Kimberly Gomes

SEX. Yes, I said it, but this time there’s no need to cover your little one’s ears. When it comes to this subject, parents often feel uncomfortable about the infamous “sex talk.” Various concerns pop up as they wonder what to say and when to stop – and if the talk gives the green light for sexual activity.

Even though you may not be an expert in basic sex education, don’t be alarmed; we’ve come prepared. Since knowing this information is critical to a child’s development, we’ve contacted a number of experts who can help you educate your child on this subject.

Despite misconceptions, sex should not boil down to one awkward conversation. Casual discussions need to be continual throughout a child’s life.

“Discussions should not be a preaching session, but an open discussion,” says Genie Schulz, O.C. mother of three. In order to create a gateway for open communication, it’s best to begin the discussion at a young age and progress as the child matures.

Identifying a child’s body parts as he dresses or bathes can be an important and natural introduction to sexuality.

“Parents should begin during infancy by properly naming the body parts, so by the time children are toddlers, they’re
comfortable with their bodies,” says SueAnn Ingersoll, advanced registered nurse practitioner of Laguna Hills.

Discussing the ownership of one’s body is essential when teaching appropriate touching.

“Children often begin to touch or play with their private parts in toddler-hood,” says Karen Child Ogden, licensed marriage family therapist and co-creator of the “Temptation Series for Tweens.” “It’s a good opportunity to talk with children about their bodies, about how touching makes them feel and what the family values and beliefs about sexuality are, including masturbation.”

As children mature, sex-related questions emerge; parents often assume the worst and panic. Remember to provide the amount of information based on the child’s maturity and curiosity level.

“Don’t pour a pitcher-full of information into a teaspoon of inquiry,” says Ogden.

“If they ask about something, ask them first what they see or think, and then respond,” says Ingersoll. “By doing so, you’ll understand where the child’s mindset is.”

Aside from child inquiries, parents need to seek opportunities to initiate informative conversations. Bring up a pregnant family member or use driving and television time to create a comfortable setting for sex talks without uncomfortable formalities.

Parents must take the first step and be direct during sex education.

“It’s important to foster communicative relationships, especially with pre-teens from age 8 to 12 years,” says Ingersoll. Participating in intimate discussions furthers the parent/child relationship and eliminates false information.

“There is no drawback with educating our kids about their bodies and about sex,” continues Ogden. “By doing so, we open communication, build relationships of trust and arm them for future relationships.” This is especially important in today’s sexualized techno-culture; misleading information can be attained at the click of a mouse.

“The benefits of discussing sex is that they’re being educated by you,” says Ingersoll. If parents avoid the discussions, children often attain misconceptions from their peers and the media.

Although it’s a common concern, demystifying sex does not encourage sexual activity. “This unfortunate thought process could not be further from reality,” says Schulz.

“It is a myth that talking with your kids about sex will make them more curious and more likely to engage in early sexual activity,” agrees Ogden. “We need to be the first to give them information so that they will develop healthy attitudes and expectations about sex.”

As a child develops, parents must recognize the need to unveil the secrecy around sex. Children should feel comfortable with this topic rather than feel that it’s taboo.

“Discussing the pros and cons of sexual behavior, morally and health-wise, is imperative to a young preteen’s mind,” says Schulz. “This discussion is not giving the green light; it is giving your child the tools of morality and safe sex.”

Parents may still feel uncomfortable with discussing the topic.

“If parents have a lack of communication with their child, I strongly recommend to start the communication slowly,” says Schulz. “It is important, first, to simply get to know your child. Build her trust. Ask her, on a day-to-day basis, how she is doing, how school is, how their friends are, without any judgment.”

Kimberly Gomes is an intern for OC Family magazine.

'THE TALK'
Ready to talk about sex with your child? Here are a few suggestions:

Be the first to give appropriate information.

Never shame a child for his or her curiosity.

Invite conversations about sex as often as possible.

Just because they’re not asking doesn’t mean they aren’t curious.

Have both parents equally involved in the discussion.

Helpful reading material for beginners

“Amazing You: Getting Smart About Your Private Parts,” by Gail Salz

“Your Body Belongs to You,” by Cornelia Maude Spelman

“My Body is Private,” by Linda Walvoord Girard

Source: Karen Child Ogden, MFT

Good Morning Arizona - Text Talk Quiz

2009-05-15T14:14:00.000-07:00

Danielle appeared on Good Morning Arizona Channel 3 in Phoenix today talking about decoding the secret text language of tweens. Watch her appearance by following the link below, and take the "Text Talk Quiz" on our website www.temptationseries.com.

www.azfamily.com/video/gmaz-index.html?nvid=362006

San Diego Living - May 5

2009-05-05T17:33:00.000-07:00

Danielle was interviewed on San Diego's CW 6 San Diego Living. Watch Danielle's Interview or visit www.sandiego6.com.

Fox News 5 San Diego - May 5

2009-05-05T17:18:00.000-07:00

Danielle was interviewed today on San Diego's Fox News 5. Talking about the topic of decoding teen text messaging, watch Danielle's interview on www.fox5sandiego.com or cut and paste the link below.

http://www.fox5sandiego.com/pages/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=3725345

USA Weekend -Ask Dennie

2009-05-03T16:45:00.001-07:00

Issue Date: May 3, 2009

Ask columnist Dennie Hughes your question
Embarrassing online photos

My friends and I posted very embarrassing video footage one night after too many drinks. I'm graduating soon and worried it could resurface, especially because I know that human resources people are doing Web searches about potential candidates. What can I do about this?
P.M., North Carolina

Heavy sigh. Marriage and family therapist Karen Child Ogden says about a third of young adults ages 20 to 26 and 20% of teens have sent or posted naked or semi-naked photos and/or videos of themselves without thinking there could be consequences. That's especially likely when fueled by drugs or alcohol.

Many think they are safe because they are not actually identified. But all it takes is one person to recognize you and bring it to a current or potential employer's attention. And with today's job market so tough, it could be a deal-breaker between you and another candidate.

Although Ogden says there are ways you can minimize the damage (e.g., if a friend has the video posted on his sites, get him to remove it), I have a better idea: Launch a great offense so that this video "oops" moment doesn't have to put you on the defensive down the road. Fill your Facebook, MySpace and other personal sites full of great things you're doing. Start volunteering and blog about it. Remove any sexy pics and put up some travel shots instead.

Bottom line: Make it so the first info that comes up in a Google search is a great reflection of you.

www.usaweekend.com/09_issues/090503/090503relationtips-embarrassing-picture.html

Photos from Baby/Tween Celebration, Los Angeles

2009-04-29T05:02:00.000-07:00

A great event for tweens! If you didn't attend this year, GO NEXT YEAR! Radio Disney was on hand along with tween celebrities like Aria Wallace, who stars as Roxy Hunter in Nickelodeon's hit TV series, and who appears in iCarly.

Danielle & Aria with our third book, Don't Hit Send Just To Fit In

Danielle & I with our publicist Kara Birkenstock

Kevin & Taylor, The Fish Atlanta Radio

2009-04-16T22:37:00.001-07:00

Listen to Kevin & Taylor in the morning on 104.7FM in Atlanta. They interview me on the topic of cyber bullying. www.thefishatlanta.com.

Thanks Kevin & Taylor!

Your Time With Kim-April 15

2009-04-16T22:29:00.000-07:00

I was invited to join Kim Iverson again on her radio program 'Your Time With Kim' for her "Lifeline" show where listeners call in to ask questions about their teens and technology. Listen to the program on Kim's website www.yourtimewithkim.com.

Thanks Kim!

Find us in Los Angeles April 25-26 at the Baby & Tween Celebration

2009-03-23T00:25:00.000-07:00

Danielle and I will appear at the Baby & Tween Celebration at the Los Angeles Convention Center April 25-26th. Look for The Temptation Series booth near the Rockin' Lollipop Tween Lounge. Purchase our books, pick up tips and resources for parents, and fantastic give-a-ways for tweens. We'd love to meet you!

www.seascapeproductions.com

Chikii Woman to Woman-Cyber Bullying

2009-03-10T19:02:00.000-07:00

Danielle appeared in a fantastic segment on the website Chikii Woman to Woman about Cyber Bullying. Watch Danielle at www.chikii.com

Mark Twain Middle School-Los Angeles, CA, February 25

2009-03-08T16:21:00.000-07:00

Danielle and I were invited to Mark Twain Middle School in Los Angeles to present to students and their parents on the issue of Cyber Bullying and other issues relating to technology and tweens. What a fantastic faculty, group of parents and teens! After a brief presentation on Cyber Bullying in the headlines, Danielle read with the kids our latest book Don't Hit Send Just To Fit In then had a "Positive Party" in which they took turns giving and receiving positive feedback..illustrating the fact that positive words are always better than negative ones. What a powerful exercise!

I spoke with parents about the effects of pornography, cell phone use and cyber bullying on kids and offered tips to help keep their families safe. I learned quite a bit from savvy parents about the things they are already doing to protect. Thank you Mark Twain and keep up the good work!

KSL Television Salt Lake City, March 5 - Cyber Bullying

2009-03-08T16:12:00.000-07:00

For our third visit to KSL's Studio 5 in Salt Lake City we took on the issue of Cyber Bullying. Watch the interview on www.temptationseries.com, and visit www.studio5ksl.com for signs that your child may be cyber bullied or even a cyber bully. Thank you Brooke and Darin and Studio 5!

Park City TV, Wednesday March 4

2009-03-01T20:45:00.000-08:00

Danielle and I were interviewed by host Ori Hoffer on Park City TV's Mountain Views evening program Wednesday, March 4th on the issue of Cyber Bullying, our tweens and the technology that we both love and hate. Watch for the video posted on www.temptationseries.com.

Thank you Ori and Park City TV!

The Parent's Hour with Arline Kerman February 20

2009-02-20T10:37:00.000-08:00

Listen in today at 1pm Pacific Time to the Parent's Hour with Arline Kerman to hear about cyber bullying and what to look for in your child's behavior. www.georgiachildcustody.com and click on The Parent's Hour link.

OC Family How to Tame a Tantrum-Article

2009-02-19T15:46:00.000-08:00

I was invited to comment on toddler behavior in writer Ashley Eliot's article on tantrums. Read her informative article. Thank you Ashley and OC Family...a great Orange County resource.

www.ocfamily.com/t-EarlyYears_terrible_twos_tantrum_coping0209.aspx

Temptation Series in 'Three Different Directions' Blog

2009-02-01T20:38:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you who have written about us in your blogs. Check out the latest blogger to review our third book, Don't Hit Send Just To Fit In.

www.threedifferentdirections.blogspot.com/2009/02/dont-hit-send-just-to-fit-in-review.html

"Is Your Child Sexting" - OC Family Radio

2009-01-21T21:28:00.001-08:00

The fantastic Orange County publication OC Family recently launched it's own daily radio program. I was invited to converse on the topic of "sexting" with Kim Porrazzo, Chief Content Officer for Churm Media and OC Family and Vicki Courtney, founder of Virtuous Reality Ministries and author of numerous books.

Listen to our interview www.blogtalkradio.com/OC-Family-Radio

Your Time With Kim-December 23rd

2008-12-23T21:31:00.000-08:00

I was interviewed today on Kim Iverson's program, Your Time With Kim out of Austin, Texas. We chatted about cyber bullying, cell phones and internet pornography and their effect on tweens. Check out her website and blog www.yourtimewithkim.com www.blogs.radiotown.com/timewithkim/2008/12/23/karen-child-ogden-cyber-bullying/. Thanks Kim!!

Every Day with Marcus & Lisa

2008-12-12T22:23:00.001-08:00

We were invited to appear on Every Day with Marcus & Lisa on Family Net TV. Marcus & Lisa are fantastic hosts and are married with three daughters. We had a great time with them challenging them to the Text Talk Quiz, and talking about today's teen technology challenges.

Our interview will be posted shortly.

Dr. Fitness & The Fat Guy - December 11th

2008-12-12T22:19:00.000-08:00

We were in studio again with our favorites...Dr. Fitness & The Fat Guy. The topic was texting, cell phones and cyber bullying, and as always the interview was entertaining and full of laughs.

Listen to our interview. They've got great daily tips to staying fit, trim and healthy.
http://drfitnessblog.com/2008/12/15/wake-up-parents-danielle-tiano-karen-child-ogden-educate-parents-about-the-dangers-of-cell-phones-the-internet-and-social-networking-websites/

Communication 360 Radio - November 21st

2008-11-24T16:16:00.000-08:00

All about bullying.

I was invited to take part in an interview/discussion about bullying by Communication 260's hosts Philip and Lisa Mumford. Passionate about the topic, Philip and Lisa had their own family challenges with a bully. It was a great conversation about what schools and parents can do to curb the bully growing bully problem. Listen to the interview on their site www.c360today.com

Two Radio Interviews, One Day - November 17

2008-11-16T21:25:00.000-08:00

What a pleasure to do two radio programs in one morning. The topic is Cyber-Bullying, a very serious topic affecting kids today.

The first with Kevin Taylor of Magic KLYK-FM radio in Washington, and the second with Marsha Raye of KWYR radio in South Dakota.

Thank you to you both, and kudos for bringing this problem to the forefront.

BONNIE RADIO-Long Island, NY -November 7

2008-11-10T14:07:00.000-08:00

Danielle was interviewed by Bonnie Graham of Long Island on her radio program Up Close & Personal. Bonnie is a fantastic interviewer and host. Visit Bonnie on line at www.am1240wgbb.com or www.bonnietv.com

November 5 - Michael Ray Dresser Radio Show

2008-11-06T12:52:00.000-08:00

Danielle is interviewed on the Michael Ray Dresser Radio Show "Dresser After Dark."

Check Michael's website to listen to her interview

www.michaelraydresserradioshow.com or www.DresserAfterDark.com

Kudos to Kaiser School PFO

2008-10-17T23:06:00.000-07:00

Danielle and I spoke to parents at Kaiser Elementary School in Costa Mesa, CA October 15th. Organized by the schools parent organization (PFO), we were pleased to meet such concerned parents interested in protecting their children. A great school, parent organization, and parents. Thank you Kaiser!

Home Team with Julie Hanks on KJZZ TV, October 13

2008-10-15T02:10:00.000-07:00

I appeared on KJZZ TV's Home Team program with Julie De Azevedo Hanks, LCSW to discuss the issue of pornography and its effects on our families, children and teens. The show was dedicated to the topic and featured Rory Reid, LCSW who is an expert in treating addiction, and Bernie Anderson, a pastor who wrote the book, Breaking the Silence about his own struggles with pornography. It was a great program and I was pleased to be a part of it. Thank you Julie!

Radio Hour with Rick Barber 850 KOA in Denver

2008-10-02T01:06:00.000-07:00

One of the best radio hosts and interviews I've done. Rick Barber is a seasoned professional and well-versed on many topics, even those he claimed not to know anything about such as text messaging lingo.

I had the pleasure of speaking with a concerned caller and father about the issue of cyber-bullying and it's effects on our children. We should all be so concerned. Please look up the Megan Meier Foundation website www.meganmeierfoundation.org. Megan was the teen who took her life due to cyber-bullying done by an adult posing as a 13-year old boy named Josh. What a beautiful girl and such a tragedy.

Visit www.ikeepsafe.org, a new Temptation of a Generation partner, for parent guides to Facebook, MySpace and other important information. View the series of Public Service Announcements (PSA's) on cyber-bullying. Also, YouTube the word cyber-bullying to view videos of all those who have taken their lives due this insidious epidemic.

www.netlingo.com is a site dedicated to decyphering the secret code used by teens and adults in texting and instant messaging.

Thank you Rick Barber for having me on the program! It was a pleasure. Visit his website to listen to the podcast.

www.koaradio.com/pages/shows_barber.html

Our thid and final book in the series on the topic of cyber-bullying, 'Don't Hit Send Just To Fit In' will be availiable in December on Amazon.com and www.beyondyourwords.com.

St. John's Episcopal School

2008-09-17T21:59:00.001-07:00

We spoke to the parents and students at St. John's Episcopal School today about tweens, technology and the dangers today's kids face. What a magnificent school in its beauty and in the values they espouse. After a discussion in the schools state-of-the-art technology lab with the parents, Danielle read the Temptation books to groups of 7th and 8th-graders and facilitated a discussion. Oh, what our kids can teach us! The students were respectful and mature and only giggled a little :). Both the parents and children were delightful.

The school is on the cutting edge of technology and communication with it's students, parents and the community...and they are brave enough to talk about and tackle the tough issues their students face. Kudos to Mrs. H and to St. John's Episcopal School.

Fairmont Schools Expo

2008-08-21T00:47:00.000-07:00

Temptation of a Generation was featured at the Fairmont Schools Health and Wellness expo Tuesday, August 19th. Fairmont Schools are one of Orange County's premier private schools with six campuses ranging from preschool through grade 12. They are on the ball with educating about Internet safety and have hosted workshops for parents and faculty on the topic. Kudos to Fairmont!

Danielle - Kids Love Her!

2008-08-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

Danielle reads for the kids. Kids and kids-at-heart love this woman!

Read Our Amazon Reviews!

2008-08-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

Our books are getting rave reviews from parents, educators, clergy and even teems about their importance and relavence in this technology-driven world. Here are a few of what our readers from across the country had to say...
______________________________________________

A Guide for Teenage Girls!, July 25, 2008
By Tasha

This book was amazing! I have friends, whom like me, love to text back and forth to each other. This book really made me think..phones of our generation are really taking over our lives! I also thought it would be a great idea to share this book with my friends and hope they can be helped and guided in the right direction! I look around in my classes and soo many people are hiding their phones and texting and playing games. They aren't learning anything!! They are totally missing out on life! This book is a 100% must get and teenaged girls should talk to their friends more than texting them.

I mean..a friendship can't grow by just texting and I am starting to figure that out. Friendship should be on commumication between one another and trust and honesty. This book is a guide to better friendship and trust to me and will help our girl generation. I mean, high school year for me is very hard, but this book brightens everything!
________________________________________________

Not just for children, June 30, 2008
By David Rosenman

What a fabulous book.
The timing is perfect with the new cell phone laws in California.
Parents have an excuse to sit down and discuss the new law as well as bring up the content of this book and use it to their advantage.

Danielle is a visionary who breaches the subject of technology, peer pressure and the difference between a need and a want!

The book was written for children, the message is crucial to children and adults, alike.

I applaud you!

David
___________________________________________

An middle school educator says THANK YOU!, June 29, 2008
By Rachel C. Hegner "Rachel" (Chicago, IL)

A friend passed this book along knowing I interact with tweens all day long. As a middle school teacher this book has helped me in countless ways. Whether our generation chooses to believe it or not, the generation I am helping to empower is calling out for help! They need to know that the devices (computer, cell phones, etc) that initially seem harmless can have a gripping effect on them. This story is simple and deep. A reader gets the message immediately. I love the positive encouragement to stand out and be different - my students need to be reminded of this daily! Thanks for another medium to convey the dangers lurking all around these children. A job well done by ALL a heartfelt thank you from a middle school teacher.

My interview with Sandee and Clint - August 5th

2008-08-04T14:15:00.000-07:00

I was on the Sandee and Clint radio show today on station 1220 WKRS out of Illinois. They are a married couple who have a great sense of humor. It was an informal fun interview on the issue of pornography in relationships. Time flew....we need a part II.

Check them out at www.1220wkrs.com. You can listen live on the web each weekday from 12-1 CST.

The interview will be posted to the Temptation website at www.temptationseries.com

The Parent's Hour - July 18th

2008-07-17T23:18:00.000-07:00

It was a pleasure to wake early this morning to be interviewed by Arline Kerman, family law attorney and radio host from Georgia. Her program is called The Parent's Hour and is a full hour dedicated to topics of interest to parents and families. She is an accomplished, passionate woman and fantastic interviewer.

Listen to the interview on www.theparentshour.com. Click 'CONTENT LIBRARY' then scroll down to our interview on July 18th. The interview will also be archived and added to the Temptation of a Generation website.

On The Radio in Atlanta with Dr. Fitness & the Fat Guy

2008-07-08T04:05:00.000-07:00

We met the coolest guys in radio at the publicity summit in NYC. Adam Shafran and Lee Kantor host the radio show Dr. Fitness and the Fat Guy out of Atlanta on health topics and all sorts of good stuff (like porn :). They invited us to be on the show in February. We enjoyed these guys so much that we decided to fly to Atlanta to do the interview in person. These gentlemen are quality guys and absolutely hilarious. Our interview is posted on the Temptation website. What a riot!

We left having done the best ab workout ever...laughing so hard it hurt. Check them out www.drfitnessandthefatguy.com.

Martha's Bookstore Signing

2008-07-06T08:46:00.001-07:00

Martha's Bookstore on Balboa Island hosted a book signing for A Generation Lost In Translation Sunday, June 29th. The Daily Pilot did a fantastic spread on the event. Dear family, friends and supporters showed up to give their love.

Parenting OC Youth Expo

2008-06-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

We had a booth at the Youth Expo hosted by Parenting OC Magazine. We had a blast visiting with parents, kids, educators and those interested in protecting kids. We had a drawing for a gift certificate to a popular clothing store and I was proud when many teens (mostly girls) told us they could not give out their email address or cell phone number. KUDOS to those parents!

I wanted to give each of them a reward for being smart and for having parents who set boundaries and limits for them.

Orange County Register

2008-06-30T17:27:00.001-07:00

Jeff Overly at the Orange County Register did a fantastic piece on the series. Thank you Jeff!

KSL Studio 5, January 2008

2008-06-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you KSL Television in Salt Lake City for featuring the Temptation series on their morning show Studio 5 with Brooke Walker and Darin Adams.

OC Family Sponsor Night

2008-06-30T14:51:00.002-07:00

A therapist, author & educator visit NYC to spread the word

2008-06-30T14:36:00.001-07:00

Last October Danielle and I took a trip with a fantastic educator-friend of mine, Amanda Burns, to attend the National Publicity Summit in New York City. It was our first attempt to promote the Temptation of a Generation series. We had no idea what we had gotten ourselves into. It was intense!

We met producers and hosts from television and radio, and had to deliver our pitch about the plight of pornography and children in 30 seconds or less. We waited in line to see the most desired producers from The View, Oprah, The Today Show and as we waited we talked to fellow attendees about our subject. EVERY person we spoke to had been affected by pornography either in their relationship or as a parent. It was fascinating that EVERY person we spoke with had a story to tell.

It was quite ironic that we were there to "sell" our story...when a compelling story was already right there in the room with so many stories and emotions about how pornography had affected and ruined lives.

About Us

2008-06-30T14:26:00.001-07:00

Karen Child Ogden

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT) in private practice in Orange County, California. Being a therapist is actually my third job behind my favorite jobs of wife and mother. I have two small boys and a husband who supports me every step of the way.

As many know, most pornography users stumbled upon it when they were young and have struggled with the temptation ever since. In my opinion, pornography is the most powerful drug on the market. With today's technology and our children's electronic sophistication and access to electronic devices..the danger to them is real. Pornography can steal from it's victims their time, money, innocence, relationships, spirituality and desire for anything else. My passion is fueled by my desire to protect children from it's devastating effects.

Danielle Tiano

Danielle Tiano affects children's lives through the books they read. She offers books covering important subject matter such as childhood obesity, ADD, behavior traits, and self esteem. She has a Bachelors of Science in Marketing and spent twelve years in advertising and branding corporations nation wide. Tiano authored books for the Los Angeles Angels and Miller Children's Hospital. She received national attention as the Fox Sports West TV Network featured several shots of the book on television. It also aired on MLB radio in both English and Spanish. Danielle’s latest accomplishment is her Temptation of a Generation series. Which have been featured on national radio stations. Her books address the difficult task of talking to kids about unacceptable adult web sites and the misuse of cell phones today. It is crucial for children to be able to talk to their parents about their discoveries online and Internet safety. She offers parents information and a powerful tool in the books she writes. All of her books are written in rhyme, which allows the children and pre-teens to receive the information in a more accepting way. She wishes to help parents raise their children to become more emotionally healthy.

How We Started

2008-06-30T14:25:00.001-07:00

Our meeting seemed to be orchestrated by a higher power. Danielle and I met by through our common love of children, and began working together because we both are passionate about protecting them.

Danielle was working at a local bookstore in my area and read for story time each day. I took my little boys to story time as much as I could because my oldest son LOVED the story lady. Her presence, enthusiasm, excitement and love for the children was infectious. She allowed my son, who is very assertive and talkative, to jump for joy when he heard a story he liked, call out when things made him smile, and allowed him to be himself within a group of children and parents. She showed ultimate respect for him, for the other children and for their parents and caretakers.

We became friends and as I learned that she was an author the wheels began to turn. The next time I saw her I asked her if there was anything written for kids and parents on the dangers of pornography. She agreed to do some research and came back with a clear "no". We started talking about doing one together. With her creative talent and my psychology and personal background I thought we'd make a great team.