Parenting in a connected world.

     

          

    Today, technology is growing exponentially. Smart phones are ruling the world and technology is expected to be embedded everywhere. Parenting is lot more fun today provided you are smart enough to control this new-wave rather than yielding to the spell of it.

        Being mother to an 11 year old boy, I have experienced the good and bad sides of technology. Here is some useful information for those parents who are anxious about this new trend.

       I know that some of those with traditional views may disagree with this new influence of technology in children. But we have left no choice other than finding the best method to take advantage from this.

       1.     Awareness is the key!

               First of all, we, parents must educate ourselves on how to monitor or supervise your children’s activities online. This is simple if you have genuine interest to learn and understand new things rather than shunning away from it.

·         Educate your child about the power of mankind especially his own potential to contribute to this world: I have seen many children growing in a very unconscious manner, blindly following others, copying and comparing themselves with neighbors or classmates. This attitude kills the dynamism in young children. Teach him/her that his life's purpose is much more than any sort of addiction, say gaming addiction. Slowly educate them to find the true purpose of their own life.

   2.     Discipline is as important too!

         Television and sport channels: Children can follow cricket, football or any sport- but never let the sport/hobby get into their head: Children especially boys must enjoy watching world cup or other tournaments but as a parent you must set an example in front of them. Convince them that their potential is equal to Messi’s or Sachin’s and this is their time to work hard and to improve their life in order to reach to their levels. Good marks in exams are very important as schooling is the first step to discipline. I often hear parents say that marks are not important, Bill Gates is a college dropout etc- But dear parents, do you know, Bill Gates was in Harvard and to enter there itself need high level of basic education! So even if your kid is a genius in sports, you must encourage him in getting good marks too as any sportsman needs discipline in the first hand.

        3.       Internet as an educational tool: Today, it is easy to prepare for any exam as all the resources are available at your finger tip. Make use of it.

          4.       Video Games- Any digital game, if used in a controlled manner, is helpful in child’s brain    development and for a fast thinking mind. A study says that video games can enhance the problem solving capabilities in children.

         5.       Good Movies – Movies are windows to outer world through which children learn and improve creatively.

         
          6.       Easy access to the world of Books- Internet is a great help if your child likes to read- You can buy books online or even download free books.

        7.       Surveillance cameras: Another digital invention for improved connectivity.

   Working moms who might be forced to leave their baby with nannies are finding the surveillance cameras as a boon. Even though they know that their love is all the child needs at this stage, sometimes it might be mandatory that both the parents work.

      Taboos

 Saying all these- there are certain areas where parents must tight the rules.

         1.       Strict time schedule for gadgets: Never let the gadget control your kid’s mind.

        2.       Strict kid safe filtering methods for internet: There are many kidsafe browsers and proxy’s available, educate yourself about it.

       3.       Never forget to set time for Outdoor games: Encourage your child to play outdoor almost every day.

       Conclusion.

            Never take these technologies as a substitute for your love and care. You must constantly have 

        a rapport with your children. Sit and read with them, watch their shows and movies. Your love must    be  powerful enough to guide and light their paths. 
        Don’t leave them alone in the so called  “sophisticated” world as long as 
         they are too young and too innocent to face it.

     

           This is an article written for womensweb.in

          “This blogger contest is supported by Kid Social Shell, a unique digital parenting platform with 11  gaming-learning         apps. Use it play 3D nursery rhymes, counting number games, shapes games, fun    math worksheets, coloring games and more!”