Parenting in the digital age brings added challenges to moms and dads whose kids are growing up with technology. As they become digital natives who rely on devices, gadgets and online connectivity, the adults might need to adjust their approach to become effective parents.
Family therapist Susan Stiffelman shares on Huffington Post that she regularly encounters parents having problems with their kids and their dependence on technology. The common dilemma is that these kids need to use devices for school work for learning or to connect with friends for socialization. Thus, imposing digital downtimes have its pros and cons.
As with other parenting styles, Stiffleman says there is no one-size-fits-all technique to parenting in the digital age. She, however, suggests some tried and tested techniques such as listening and picking up on what the children want without scolding them about gadget use, or making compromises to unplug or setting the example for kids to emulate healthy habits to using technology.
Parental involvement is crucial to effective parenting in the digital age, according to psychiatrists Dr. Joseph A. Grizzaffi, via The Star. He insists that parents have to monitor and set screen times.
"Most kids cannot self-regulate with electronics and would potentially be on electronics 24/7 if they could," the expert said. "This is where parents have to set limits because most of the kids can't, or they want to be on electronics when they need to be doing something else."
Parents also have to ensure the kids get personal interaction as well, and more importantly, follow through on this. Boredom triggers the children's dependency on technology, thus it is up to the parents to come up with interesting activities that the family can do together without turning the computer on or checking the smartphone. It might even be necessary to impose rules about not using phones during dinner times so that it won't become a habit.
Do you have rules in your house when it comes to gadget use or screen times? Is it effective with your kids? Share your thoughts on parenting in the digital age in the comments below!
