Every home has some technology and all of the family members are using it. Whether it’s smartphones, computers, TVs, technology is omnipresent and slowly our kids are desiring to use it. Not only because it’s right there, but because they see their parents, siblings and everyone around them use tech. We are all used to it and a phone can be a nice distraction for a frustrated child, but are there some boundaries that need to be established? The answer is yes because children are still developing and learning and they need constant mental stimulation in order to do this properly.
How Young is too Young?
We are all familiar with the ‘monkey see, monkey do’ expression, and our kids are somewhat like that. Since we are their role models, they will do whatever we do and that is how they are learning that phones and tech are great to use. And there is no doubt that tech is useful, but when it comes to children it can be bad for them. There is such a thing as too young for a screen and according to research, children under 18 months old should have no passive screen time. Passive screen time considers all digital consumption where little creativity, thought or interaction is required to progress, which includes watching TV, YouTube videos or playing dull repetitive games. On the other hand, active screen time, such as FaceTime or skyping with another person is okay in moderation since it can help your child learn or connect with relatives.
Limit Screen Time
As a parent, you have to set some boundaries and teach your child that it is okay to use tech, but in moderation. That is why you should establish rules on when it’s okay to watch TV, play games and for how long. Hours of TV or computer at a young age is not acceptable, because your child needs things that will help them develop their brains. You can easily do this by optimizing your home and by turning off the TV and read together as a family. Also, hide the laptop and put smartphones on a higher shelf for a while and engage with your child in some other way. You can all have a designated corner for playing board games or some other educational games and have fun while learning. You can find lots of cool toys at FuntasticToy.com and teach your kid new things every day through play. However, you should let them use tech from time to time, but never right before the bed or during lunch and such.
Building a Relationship with Tech
Technology can be quite beneficial to children and they should know that. Instead of only telling them how phones and computers are bad, you should teach them how to use them properly and in a good way that can teach them something. For example, there are dozens of creative games that your child can play for some time, learn new words, use their brain and solve puzzles. Also, tech is great for connecting with peers, family, and relatives that can’t visit you often. All of these interactions are essential for developing social and problem-solving skills, but you have to keep in mind that putting a time limit is a good thing.
Monitor Their Use
Children learn fast and they will easily figure out how to use tech and click through to the next video or download games. However, you probably already know all that can be found on the internet and that there are plenty of things popping up left and right and not everything is good for children. So, when you want to give your child some screen time, make sure you’re with them in order to minimize the negative effects tech and online content can have. If they want to watch cartoons, be there so they won’t click through some content that is not for their young minds and keep a close eye on what they are watching and try to explain why they shouldn’t watch certain videos.
Technology can be quite beneficial and can teach us things, but our kids are often too young to be exposed to it too much. Not because it’s bad, but because their young brains need stimulation in order to properly keep developing.