Parenting in the Digital Age Infographic

Technology Myth

One of the Myths that is perpetuated online is that one policy of time limits fits for all kids and that's simply just not true. Technology- use is never going to be a one- size- fits all strategy when we talk about screen time, apps, games and devices. What works for some kids will not work for others. Just like with parenting, it takes some trial and error to find the right fit for your child. Personally my son needs a hard limit set (prior to use) for time and for certain shows/apps/games or he becomes hyperactive and has a meltdown when the time is over. I've also noticed certain things make him more aggressive so we don't allow him to watch/ play those games and shows. Find what works for your family and your child. 

STEAM Apps for Learning

Mindfulness Apps

Summer Break

School is almost out for Summer Break (whether or not we are ready to have the kids home). It's easy to start the summer off saying we are going to have screen time limits and then 2 weeks pass and boredom and frustration set it and the next thing you know the kids are watching Netflix marathons and haven't gotten out of the pajamas in days. To avoid this scenario, approach the summer with a set plan for media use. A good start is creating a Family Media Plan and then adjusting for the summer months. A summer chart check list can also be helpful in setting up your child for a healthy and balanced summer break. 

What's a Family Media Plan you might ask? A Family Media Plan is a set of guidelines customized to your family values that establishes how, when and where technology is used. It can include screen-free times, screen-free zones, device curfew, safety and digital citizenship. The simple act of having a discussion about media use in your household will hep your family identify the purpose of using technology (work, school work, social interactions, communication, games, etc) and create a balance between your online and off-line lives. Over the summer months kids can easily play video games, binge Netflix's or text into the night hours, then sleep half the day away and get nothing accomplished. Check out a full article on the topic here: https://www.teachingdigitalliteracy.com/2018/09/creating-family-media-plan.html

Here's a quick chart to help keep kids on track during the summer months and create a healthy routine yet still allow them to enjoy their extra screen time. 

This chart can easily be adjusted based on your child's age or developmental level. We typical do 'homeschool' time right after breakfast which includes summer workbook and reading time while my boys are most focused, least tired and the least likely to push-back on doing the work. It's important to find your own grove with what works for your family. 

Happy Summer!

Decoding Teenage Texting/ Messaging

Ways to Open Communication with your kids

Questions to open communication about 

Technology with your kids

One of the most challenging things as a parent can be getting our kids to open up and talk to us. Here’s a quick list of open- ended questions to help open those lines of communication: 

1.  Which app or game is your favorite? 

2.  When was the last time you updated your privacy or security features? Why don’t   

      we take a look together and make sure your device is updated securely? 

3.  What do you like most about (insert their favorite app/ social platform or game i.e. 

      Snapchat, Fortnite, Instagram, etc.)? 

4.  What are the problems that come up over an argument over text, DM or email?

5.  What do you think are the short and long term consequences of posting a certain 

      photo or video? (Can insert sexy photo, party video or photo, offensive language, 

      inappropriate language, etc.)

• Can lead into short term it could affect school, a sports team, friendships, etc.
• Can lead into long term could affect college application, employment, reputation, etc. 

6.   How would you react if you saw someone being bullied online? Have you ever 

      been targeted or bullied online? What would you do if you were ever targeted       

      online and felt bullied?  

7.   Have you ever come across racist, sexist, or hate-based content while online? How 

      did it make you feel? What did you do in that situation? 

8.   Has anyone ever posted a photo/ video of you without your permission? How did 

       it make you feel? 

9.   Have you ever posted a photo/ video of someone without their permission?

10. Have you ever come across something online that made you feel uncomfortable? 

       What did you do? 

*These are a baseline of questions for an older child (think middle school and older) but they can be adjusted based on developmental level and age of the child. For younger children you can use simplified language such as ‘have you seen someone being mean online’ or ‘did something you saw online confuse you’.

The larger point here is to talk about these topics, and to revisit and talk often. We want our kids to feel as comfortable talking about cyberbullying as they are telling you what they did during recess that day. Make these conversations consistent and normalized.  

It’s can also be helpful to talk during those routine moments like the ride to school, bedtime, cooking, throwing the ball around or over a meal. Kids can be intimidated by eye contact so sitting next to them can also be helpful. Paying attention to the small details, summarizing the story and asking prompting or clarifying questions can help keep the conversation moving and get the real story out. 

These conversations need to start happening the moment your child picks up a device. Starting at age 2 or 3 when they first start trying to pick up your phone or are beginning exploration within early learning apps are the beginning moments to start these conversations. Obviously the conversation will be be very different with a toddler versus a teen.