Cody and I have always been deeply connected to the Internet—it's been a major part of our lives since we can remember. We grew up with dial-up connections, AIM chats, and Hotmail emails. But the most incredible thing the Internet ever did for us was bringing us together. It all started back in 2008 when we met on an online dating site and instantly “clicked”. I was studying Computer Science at UT Tyler, while Cody was already running Longview Computer Center. We tied the knot in 2009 and took over the business together in 2010. For 15 years now, we've been working side by side, both at home and at LCC.
Our household is pretty tech-savvy—you'll always find a tablet, smartphone, or TV within arm's reach. With our two sons, Blake (11) and Noah (7), we've made a conscious effort to balance screen time with offline and outdoor play. They're both bright and curious kids, but it seems like screens are their default go-to.
Knowing our kids' friends used to be straightforward—they were the kids they played with in our neighborhood, saw in school every day, or rode the bus with. But once they started interacting with people online, that sense of certainty faded. We worry about the influence of strangers and the unknowns lurking behind screens.
That's why we decided to create this activity book. If we can teach kids how to navigate the online world safely, we can empower them to use the Internet responsibly, making sure it complements their real-life connections rather than replacing them.
Get your free copy of the Internet Safety coloring activity book at Longview Computer Center today!
