You can't spend your days and nights staring over your son's or daughter's shoulders, so let some simple software do the job for you. The Internet is loaded with search engines designed to provide a child-friendly interface along with-more important-child-friendly search results. Search site , for example, employs both Google SafeSearch and its own database of inappropriate content and keywords to keep things clean. Free Web browser , in contrast, is a complete kid-oriented browser, engaging children with a fun interface and protecting them with all sorts of built-in safeguards.

Effort: ModerateCost: $40

Protecting your kids from the dark corners of the Internet may seem like a breeze compared with the daunting task of limiting their time racking up achievement after achievement on their Xbox 360. To that end, we suggest looking for a little assistance from , a handy gadget that serves as a vigilant sentry over your children's time in front of the television. Time Machine transforms the video game console into an arcade-style machine, requiring tokens that allow kids to play for a predefined length of time. When the allotment runs out, Time Machine shuts off the game. How's that for effective?

(Illustrations by Greg Clarke)