One such company, TrackMyKids.com based in Jericho, NY, has developed two GPS devices which are designed specifically to track children. One is called a "personal tracking system" (PTS) that can be carried in the child's pocket, hooked to their belt, or put in their backpack.

The other, a "vehicle tracking system" (VTS) installs directly in a vehicle - say, for example, the family car your teenager begs to borrow on a regular basis. Both devices let parents know, any minute of the day, precisely where their children are.

GPS Tracking: A New Take on Setting Boundaries

By using TrackMyKids.com's online mapping system, parents can set geographic boundaries for their kids online. So if children travel beyond a pre-set area, their parents will be notified instantly via email or cell phone. You can even create reports to see where your child or parent traveled that day, that week, or over a longer period of time.

Parents and Children Build Trusting Relationships

For some parents, however, tracking their children may seem an invasion of privacy. But not so, says TrackMyKids.com CEO James Dunham. "As a parent myself, I'm very sensitive to privacy issues when it comes to the relationship between parents and their kids, so our company has designed GPS tracking devices that help families strengthen mutual trust and understanding."

He explains, "Teenagers have a better sense that driving is a privilege that shouldn't be abused with bad driving habits when there's a tracking system in the family car; younger children feel safe and secure knowing that mom and dad know where they are. It works out beautifully for the whole family."

Peace of Mind that Won't Break the Family Budget

But what about the cost? Aiming at affordability for families in tough economic times, TrackMyKids starts its pricing at $49.99 per month. As one customer put it, "The Track My Kids system costs me less in a month than taking my family out to a restaurant for dinner." Find detailed information at: www.trackmykids.com.