Obviously children (and us too) can get lost on the Internet for hours without us interacting with each other. But instead of viewing it as a bad habit. Why not sit down the the little ones to do something together online? We also made sure these are free so no expenses involved. Here are some ideas.

1. Find a recipe to make together
   It is always so much fun to cook with the kids. Look up a recipe together to find something totally new not in your cookbooks. It will also help kids learn to search for information, and expose them to good websites.
2. Challenge each other to a game
   So many games to play together. Shockwave.com itself has plenty – you definitely want to be with them generally they are pretty clean. My little ones love to play the dentist and spa game. You can take turns playing and see if you can beat each others score for a prize of ice cream.
3. Watch a movie together
   Did you know sites like Hulu have full feature length movies that are totally kid friendly? Some examples are Puss In Boots and The Emperor’s New Clothes. Sure some are pretty old but hey it is free.
4. Write a blog together
   Blogs are so easy to start and free too! You can always go to Blogger.com or WordPress.com to get started.
5. Find a craft to make
   So many crafts, so many ideas online. Part of the fun is choosing a craft together.
6. Read a free book together
   You know I love eBooks. There are tons of classics and not-so classic ebooks out there. In Gutenberg.org itself, I am always coming across books appropriate for tweens and teenagers. Plus, since many of the books were written so long ago, I’ve always found them to be pretty clean. No foul language or explicit suggestions. Mysteries are the best – of course, I am biased here.
7. Research things to do together like plan an outing or find local attractions and events
   This ought to be fun. Teach them how to do local search and read maps and make their own local ‘tour’.
8. Watch video clips together
   There’s of course YouTube which you have to watch like a hawk. If your child is older and perhaps you want some more stimulating material, check out TED.
9. Look at Flickr pictures together
   Pick a topic that might be educational e.g. Sequoia trees then research all about the trees online
10. Bid on an auction together
    While spending is not always a good thing, but spending wisely is. Show them how to spot deals, look for something they want and learn to buy it cheaper than regular retail.