Join me as I celebrate the launch of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected! Enter to win a Nabi 2 Tablet and a digital copy of my book. Enter daily if you like! Go to the Rafflecopter link at the end of this post.
Overwhel
med with all of the scary news, disturbing headlines and alarming research when it comes to social media and kids? As a mom of two children who are growing increasingly interested in technology, I know I was concerned. But, I was also frustrated. As parents, we need realistic solutions and practical tips to help our kids thrive in the digital environment.
I want my kids to enjoy the many benefits of social media technology while having a healthy awareness of the risks. With that goal in mind, I wrote Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.
It is never too early to start thinking about how we are going to prepare our kids for the online environment. Consider this: According to a survey conducted by Common Sense Media, 38% of children interact with a tablet or mobile device before the age of 2. They push a button and are typically rewarded with a sound or an image. They grow accustomed to immediate results. Teaching kids to be conscious, patient and deliberate is no easy task when they are more focused on “what’s next” rather than what’s happening right now.
One thing we can do to help kids grow more patient and conscious of the world around them is to integrate unplugged downtime in the day. That may sound counter-intuitive when we’re talking about preparing kids for social media. But really, by giving them opportunities to unplug and connect with the people in front of them, we are teaching them the value of setting boundaries, developing important conversation skills, all while underscoring the necessity of striking a healthy balance between the online/offline world.
Here are a few ideas to nurture an appreciation for the present moment:
- Go on a walk together. Point out the sights, smells and sounds of nature.
- Sit down to a meal together. Relax and reflect about the day.
- Do a jigsaw puzzle.
- Snuggle up and read a book together, pausing to look at the pictures. Ask your child’s opinion of what he thinks will happen next or what he does and doesn’t like about each character.
- Color or paint pictures together.
As kids grow older and are greeted with more complex social situations both online and off, the ability to slow down, listen and thoughtfully evaluate situations and people critically and empathetically, will serve them well.
What do you like to do that helps you and your kids slow down and be more “in the moment”?
Click Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway going on now until September 30. Enter daily if you like!
You will be entered to win a Nabi 2 Tablet, a digital copy of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected and more!
I did not become a parent to compete with technology. I have always limited electronic time, be it TV or computer time. No TV/video/movie viewing is allowed during the school week. Weekends and summer are very restricted. Communal areas such as the kitchen and family room are cellphone-free zones. We also do not allow cellphones at any meals. These rules apply to guests in our home as well. By establishing these rules early, and not caving into what other parents or families may do, we have been able to establish coveted family time and connection. Thankfully, my kids desire time with their siblings and their parents. 😉
Using technology to complement your life is certainly more preferable then letting it take over your life to the detriment of family relationships. Sounds like you have done a great job of drawing those boundaries, Judy!