Technology as a parent can be a worrying and uncertain thing because children have much more access to electronic devices than we ever had as children, it’s a minefield. It can quite quickly get out of control if you aren’t careful. But technology can also be a beautiful thing, it can help with family bonding, creativity, and of course, work. So where do we draw the line? What is correct, and how do we find what works for our own families and us?
Watching
We used to have a TV that was hooked up to cable or sky, and we would have just a few channels is available, and that was it. Following a schedule of programs now to us may seem completely alien, with the rise of Netflix and Amazon video, as well as guides from Troypoint, we will always have a program we love on standby waiting for us. There are positives and negatives of this. If we intentionally take time to complete a box set in a weekend, that can be a great way to unwind. But this also means that I will children have access to their own children’s programs as well, and this can cause conflict. However, this could also be a great learning moment for children, since they have to learn how to self regulate their electronics and not lose sight of things that are important. Such as homework and playing with their friends. This all comes down to how the children’s parents manage the devices. And manage expectations effectively. But either way, a child must have a clear understanding of what is expected, and what is allowed.
Learning
It may not seem like it, but there are many ways in which children can learn from their electronic devices. Plenty of the games that you can download onto the electronic device are easy to use and include mathematical equations, and English challenges, that help your Child’s brain matures. Over time you will know which apps are helpful so that you can monitor the intake from the electronics anyway and there are tools available for you to do this as well. It may seem cliche to say that children can learn from mobile devices since they generally choose more fun activities over mathematics or French. Still, a majority of people will know what is needed to do to have a good time safely.
Relaxation
Relaxation can sound complicated, and many people over complicated. But relaxation is either sitting in a place that you enjoy sitting, doing an activity that you enjoy doing, or an activity such as meditation or yoga. But communities are surrounding these things on YouTube, for example, which helps your children develop their skills, and look up their heroes.
So whatever the way you use technology was parenting, it isn’t all doing well, and the negativity surrounding technology and entertaining children can get complicated. But with some common sense and some tools in place, tech can be important for everybody.
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