1. Set Some Ground Rules
Make sure your kids know that they won't be allowed too much time in front of the computer or TV screen. Knowing about the rules ahead of time makes kids more likely to be respectful of the rules so that they feel a part of the process.
2. Don't Take Away the Technology
Instead of taking away all technology rights, simply set aside an agreed upon amount of time that your kids can spend playing video games or texting friends. Be sure to enforce the rules. A suggestion may be an hour in the morning and an hour at night. An easy to follow daily routine makes the schedule easier to stick to for both parents and kids.
3. Monitor Text Messages and Online Usage
This is a must year round. Make sure to look at the websites your children visit and the friends they text. In terms of texting, don’t ask to read every text. You don’t want to make your kids feel as if they need to text in secret in order to talk to a friend. The best way to reassure yourself of appropriate behavior is to ask to see who they text and not each thing they say. If you’ve reason to be concerned then by all means exert your mom power, but first let your children know you trust them and give them a chance to prove that you have reason to.
4. Give Kids Alternatives
The best way to urge kids out of the house is to provide fun alternatives to the tablet or phone. Create a scavenger hunt, help them set up a lemonade stand, or create some makeshifts bases for a baseball field in the yard. Encourage your kids to get creative with a little help along the way.
5. Take Advantage of Parental Controls
Parental controls provide a great way to reassure yourself that your kids won’t be spending their allotted electronics time watching inappropriate programming. The easy to use control settings can usually be found through your most menu functions. Or visit Youtube to see how it is done.
6. Use Technology to Spend Time Together
Technology’s certainly not purely evil. Hold a family movie night where you put the good powers of your electronics to use. With multiple inexpensive ways to rent new releases, holding a family movie night is a wonderful way to connect with your kids at the end of the day and spend time together.
7. Bring the Music Outdoors with Portable Speakers
It doesn’t have to be one or the other. Outdoor fun can be enhanced with music and other gadgets. A great way to do this is to purchase an inexpensive travel set of speakers and bring your kid’s favorite tunes outside!
8. Invest in Gadgets that Help kids Explore the Outdoors
Many additional electronics exist that can allow you to create adventures for your kids. Smartphones have camera and video capabilities. Kids can explore and capture their surroundings. Explore using geocaching – a true treasure hunt!
9. Provide a Good Example
As a parent, life is hectic. Be a role model for your kids and put down you phone! Have some outdoor adventures of your own!
10. Have Fun!
At the end of the day, no matter how you choose to spend time with your kids, make some memories that last a lifetime.
Bda Parent Mag cybertips at the office
