If you find yourself raising children and facing screen time-related issues, you’re not alone. Today’s kids are growing up in an environment that is mainly about gadgets – from gaming consoles to smartphones.
Gone are the days when simple traditional parenting was good enough. In this new environment, the various ways to parent kids have to be considerate of the rapid advancements in technology and be well-thought-of.
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Imagine this scenario in this topic about technology and kids. Your child is busy with their smartphone, typing something and flipping across various screens. During this time, you’re multitasking in the kitchen.
This is a typical day in the life of a parent with today’s kids.
And it may not even be that they are watching some funny videos on TikTok or playing some game. Maybe they are doing homework or reading important educational notes. But the fact remains that they are busy with gadgets.
“Hey mommy, come see this!” your child says. You take a quick break from what you have been doing and join them at the computer. Meanwhile, your other child is busy chatting on their phone.
This is so normal these days.
With a computer in 62% of U.S. households and millions of cell phones connecting parents and children, it’s the new typical day. But here’s the good news. You don’t need to be a genie to handle this tricky situation.
You can try some simple parenting skills that have worked for generations. With them, you can guide and protect your children in the digital environment we all live in. Trust your intuition. Seek support if needed and set clear expectations. These few things hold the key to providing the ideal parenting to these modern kids.
Knowing little tech things can send a message to your kids that you don’t enforce rules on them just because you are not tech-savvy. In fact, this can demonstrate quite the opposite.
Simple things like taking pictures using filters, watching some good shows on streaming service together, or knowing how to reset AirPods goes a long way. If your kid walks up to you asking how to reset AirPods, you can actually help them out. Knowing how to factory reset AirPods will show your kids that you actually know the latest device tricks.
A simple hack on how to reset AirPods Pro can send a positive message. Once you learn how to factory reset AirPods Pro or other simple gadget hacks, you will be able to portray yourself as a tech-savvy person. Having a decent level of knowledge in this area is also helpful so kids know that they can’t pull any tricks on you when it comes to using the latest technology. It also helps you to better understand the experiences your kids are having with these gadgets.
Traditional parenting in the digital age
Just like you enforce rules about chewing gum and bedtime, it’s important to set some common rules for using gadgets. Here are some proven techniques.
Set tech-free zones: Declare certain areas in your home, like the dinner table, as tech-free zones. Make a habit of depositing all gadgets there, including cell phones and portable game devices.
Limit screen time: Just as you regulate the number of sweets your child can have, set limits on daily screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for kids under 2, and 1-2 hours a day (depending on age) for older children.
Set Boundaries and consequences: Teach your child about responsible choices. Define your expectations and boundaries in advance, and make sure they understand the consequences of breaking the rules.
Supervise: Keep a check on your child’s tech use. Keep gadgets in high-traffic areas where you can easily keep an eye on their movement.
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Modern parenting tips
Modifying parenting styles to fit modern times is very important. Here are some parenting hacks for the digital age and insights for managing tech at every age.
Tech tools: Parental controls on your computer and other gadgets like gaming consoles have standard features that allow you to regulate what your child has access to. Use them as per your need.
Use resources: Next in the latest parenting hacks in the digital age is the use of resources. Some rating systems and review sites offer insights into the tech your kids are using. Websites like CommonSenseMedia.org provide content ratings and detailed information. With it, you can decide what’s appropriate for your children. There are others like Plugged in Parents and ConnectSafely.org that you can try.
Have a gaming tournament: Organize family video game tournaments. This will engage your child’s interest and promote a sense of togetherness. You don’t need to be a gaming pro for this. Just enjoy it as it’s a fun activity for all ages.
Text or email greetings: Connect with your child through tech – something they would love. Send them a text with updates to your family’s daily schedule or an email wishing them good luck on an upcoming exam at school. It shows that you are open to your tech-specific approach.
Mix up tunes: Here’s something for YouTube and Spotify lovers. Make a personalized music playlist with your child. Share your favorite songs and create a playlist. They will surely love it.
Final Thoughts
As parents in the digital age, you need a few parenting hacks that take many tech-related things to take into consideration. But using tech devices is not at all bad if you know how to manage the use and teach your kids the pros and cons of it. You should also always be willing to learn about the changes in technology so that your kids see you as someone reliable who can guide them through the complexities of the digital environment.
