Homebuilders – Control devices

Today we are having to parent our way through things that we ourselves were not parented through. I’m talking specifically about technology.

One of our jobs as parents is to put in limits for our children to help them flourish. I notice in my own children, and hear from other parents, that screen time can be addictive and leaves children feeling grumpy and demotivated.

Personal devices are part of modern life, but we need to learn to find balance with them.

Here are some things to try:
•    Agree on a daily time limit. You have to be honestly comfortable with this otherwise you’ll find yourself getting cross with your child. The time limit  should specify how much time they are allowed (e.g. 1 hour) and the time of  the day (e.g. before 5pm).  
•    Decide what you are comfortable with them spending their time on during their screen time (e.g. Minecraft, YouTube, Snapchat)
•    Include research for homework in the agreed time. Otherwise you will find  yourself in an unwanted conversation about needing to go back on the device.  This helps with learning time management. With younger children, you may need to help them plan how to divide their time up.
•    The privilege of having a personal device requires parents to always know the child’s password. Keep an open and honest relationship about what they look  at. Respect their interests but keep them safe.
•    Expect mistakes as they are learning. If you see comments to or from them that are inappropriate or mean, use this as a learning opportunity. Remind them that their personal reputation is of value. How do they want to represent themselves online?
•    Become an awesome role model and limit your own time on devices. This will in turn make you more available to your children.
•    Encourage children to go outside and get “grounded” after being on their device.

Technology is an ever-changing phenomenon in our lives and as such it is an opportunity for children and parents to learn together and develop their relationship by working as a team. Ultimately, our children will most certainly be our teachers in this area.

Liz Cole, Homebuilders family support worker
www.homebuildersfs.org