Sneaking(Kids + Internet) = PROBLEM

We've been having problems with our oldest kid, 11 years old, getting on the computer when our backs are turned. It didn't used to be a problem, but now that we have DSL instead of dial-up, it's turned into a huge problem, hence the title of today's algebraic post: Sneaking(kids + Internet) = PROBLEM.

Today we had to restore our system settings to an earlier date because the computer wasn't acting right. Jim came in to find IJ downloading a game. Jim wasn't happy. I was because now he saw first hand what I've been dealing with when he is working.

Our kid acts like he's the greatest when dad's around, but as soon as he leaves, even to go outdoors or to the bathroom, he starts acting up and stealing computer time. Jim thought I was exaggerating, but today Jim got to see first hand just how bad our son has been. You see, now that he's been on it so much behind my back and even in my face in complete defiance, he's finally gotten to the point where he's challenging Dad. And that is NOT a good thing.

Every couple of days or so I head over to PayPerPost.com to see if there are any new opportunities I find suitable to talk about on my site, (yes for pay--go visit them if you want) and found one for http://www.spectorsoft.com. Most of the offers I find I'm not interested in supporting (I'm sorry, but I won't take a picture of myself with the name of a company written in black magic marker on my forehead and post it on my site for $10.), but this SpectorSoft caught my attention because I read the words "computer monitoring."

Aha! That's what we need! Software installed on our computer that tells us exactly what our kids are downloading and playing when we're interior decorating the toilet bowl or making dinner (after washing hands, of course).

According to their site, Spector Pro 5.0 even records e-mail, chat, websites, key strokes, and program activity, peer to peer and snapshots. Apparently it also has the ability to protect kids from online predators.

The more I read about this surveillance software, the more I want to save up the $99.95 (on some special right now--it's normally $149.95) to purchase it. I really dislike that I even have this problem, but with six kids I don't foresee it getting much better. Not until we have this current Internet/computer abuse situation under control.

So, even though I get paid $8.00 to tell you about this product, I really do think it's a great idea and will put some serious thought into purchasing it for our own home library. And with IJ having been busted about this very thing just today, it's definitely timely. I only wish someone sold software that would detect who's hands are touching the keyboard or using the computer so it would give an electrical shock to the ones who aren't supposed to be on it.

Well... maybe not. Then I'd probably get zapped half the time for checking e-mail when I'm supposed to be making dinner. (I'm working on doing what I'm supposed to be doing. Really! No really--If my kids see my good example regularly, they'll be more apt to follow it. I've seen it work.)

If you've got kids sneaking computer time behind your back, what do you do about it? Do you spend lots of time on the computer yourself?

Also, have you heard of this software or used it? If so, do you like it?

Please take a moment to leave a comment and participate in our poll about the Internet and kids.

Speaking of stealing computer time, it's time for me to do something else. Until next time~