🧠 The American Dynamism 50: AI 🚨 Mercedes-Benz’s Code on Thin Ice 🎉 Boost Your Child’s Brainpower with Fun & Play!

TPT 2024-02-06

Issue #9 [4 minute read]

Together With [Eighty Two Media | @eightytwo.media]

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Headlines & Launches

The American Dynamism 50: AI 🧠

Ready to boost your child’s motivation? Here’s the science scoop! a16z put together this list of 50 startups tackling some of America’s most pressing problems around defense, energy, transportation, and manufacturing. All of them are using AI in some form to accelerate their efforts. If you’re curious about real-world applications of AI, this is a great insight. 💎

You Are Not Late to AI 🌈

Wondering if the AI train has left the station? Fear not, TechParenting pioneers! It’s never too late to join the AI revolution. Whether it’s mastering AI, building with it, or simply understanding its impact, endless opportunities await. Kevin Kelly’s wisdom reminds us: the digital realm is ripe with uncharted territories, just like the early internet days. Imagine, the tools and platforms we adore today were once mere ideas. And now? AI offers a new frontier of possibilities. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a curious parent, or an innovator at heart, AI is your playground. Let passion and joy be your guide to exploring and shaping this vibrant digital landscape. The future is ours to create, and the time is now. Let’s embrace it together at TechParenting Today! 👪

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Attacks & Vulnerabilities

Mercedes-Benz’s Code on Thin Ice 🚨

A cybersecurity hiccup at Mercedes-Benz has us all on edge. A stray GitHub Token by an employee exposed their source code vault – think blueprints, passwords, and more! This isn’t just a boo-boo; it’s a massive “oops” that could have let the bad guys in. The leak? Spotted by RedHunt Labs, and it’s a real eyebrow-raiser about keeping our digital worlds locked tight. Mercedes has since patched up the breach, but it’s a stark reminder: digital security is a must, not a maybe. Why care? Beyond the tech drama, it’s a teachable moment for us and our tech-savvy kiddos. Let’s chat about online safety, the importance of secure passwords, and why sharing too much online is a no-go. 🛡️

A $400M Crypto Heist Unravels 😱

TechFamilies, brace for impact! A colossal data leak just spilled 26 billion records from platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter! Dubbed the MOAB, it’s a digital Pandora’s box —a mix of old breaches and potentially new data. Cyber sleuths are on it, but with sensitive info at stake, it’s a cyber safety wake-up call! As we raise screen-smart kids, let’s double down on robust passwords and stay sharp online. 👾

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Raising Children & High-Tech

Boost Your Child’s Brainpower with Fun & Play! 🎉

Did you know playtime is not just fun but a brain booster for your kiddos? From the get-go, playful moments lay the groundwork for a strong, healthy brain, resilience, and key life skills. Thanks to insights from the LEGO Foundation, we’ve got a treasure trove of age-appropriate play activities to spark that mental magic from infancy through the teen years. 💪

• 6 baby giggles and games for the littlest ones (6 months) 👶

• 5 cuddle and explore adventures (9 months) 🧸

• 5 toddler tales and treasures (12 & 18 months) 🌈

• 6 discovery and independence activities (2-3 years) 🚀

• 5 imagination and creativity blasts (4-7 years) 🎨

• Endless exploration for school-age scholars (8-12 years) 📚

• 6 teen challenges to navigate and thrive (13-17 years) 🤖

Let’s turn playtime into brain-building time, empowering our children to learn, grow, and navigate the world with confidence.💖

Easing Toddler Travel Tantrums ✈️

Navigating airports and flights with toddlers might sound like mission impossible, but we’ve got your back with tried-and-true tips to keep those little frowns upside down. 🎒

• Dollar Store Magic: Pre-trip, sneak off to snag $10 worth of unseen toys and books. Reveal them mid-air for awe and quiet! 🛍️

• Surprise, Surprise: Pack little eggs with fun distractions. Simple, colorful, and enchanting! 🥚

• Storytelling Superpowers: Engage with tales and books. Bring new reads and old faves, plus a puppet or two for added fun. 📚

• Stagger the Fun: Don’t unleash all toys at once. Keep some in reserve to maintain interest. 🎁

• Talk Their Talk: Embrace “toddlerese” and acknowledge their feelings. Praise their good behavior openly. 🗣️

• Timely Treats: Align feedings to avoid crankiness. Pack their favorite snacks, steering clear of sugar highs. 🍏

• Snack Attack: Sometimes, novelty snacks (low on sugar) make for happy distractions. 🍪

• Sip and Soothe: Keep drinks handy for takeoff and landing to ease ear discomfort. 🍼

• Seat Smart: Choose your seat based on your child’s needs – window for privacy, aisle for explorers. 💺

• Naptime Navigation: Aim for flight times that coincide with sleep schedules. Consider a red-eye for guaranteed zzz’s. 🌙

• Tech Time: Your phone can be a lifeline with engaging apps and photos. 📱

• Screen Time Exception: A little extra screen time can be a sanity saver for everyone on board. 📺

• Bathroom Adventure: Airplane bathrooms are surprisingly fascinating to toddlers. Explore! 🚽

• Friendly Skies: Use the flight as a chance to make new friends and enlist play allies. 🤝

With these tricks up your sleeve, your next family adventure will be smoother and filled with smiles. Let’s make every journey with our little ones an adventure to remember! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

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