Intro

As modern life differs from life in the past century or even ten years ago, it is only natural that all of its aspects also differ. The same is true for parenting. Raising kids has always had challenges – they depend on the period. Even though raising kids is easier nowadays with all the useful gadgets and technology, it is not. Sure, it is in some aspects, but in others, it’s even more challenging. Maybe it’s because we must deal with both the virtual and real worlds. Keep reading to learn more about how to raise kids in the digital era with our parenting tips. 

The first essential is communication – you must communicate with your kids. You should be updated about what’s going on in their lives. Also, you should encourage in-person interaction and limit screen time. That doesn’t mean that you should discard technology. You should embrace it and use it in the right way. Moreover, you should be a good role model. Creating tech-free zones and using parent control on devices would be advisable. 

Communicate with your kids

The virtual world is one of the significant aspects of the digital era, so it often lacks communication – at least a spoken word. If kids get immersed in the virtual world at a very young age, their development in some areas is slowed down or even impeded. That happens due to a lack of communication and spending too much time in front of screens. To prevent that from happening, you should devote time to your children and communicate with them, rather than giving them phones at a few months of age. Parents are tempted to let their kids use phones or watch cartoons so they can do their chores. However, it would be better to find another way that won’t potentially negatively affect kids.

To learn more about your child’s personality and characteristics and happenings, you should be updated about what’s going on in their lives. For example, if you are walking your child home after preschool, you can use that time to bond and talk about their feelings and actions of the day. Even though professional early learning centres such as Insight Early Learning send daily or weekly reports about every child, it would also be good to have your child’s perspective. It gives you a rounded report. Only in this way, will you be able to prevent things from happening or to repair them before escalating.

Encourage in-person interaction

As mentioned, the modern age is mainly about the virtual world and virtual communication. We can see that through instant messaging, video apps, and various social media networks. What we lack is in-person interaction. It is not the same when kids play a game online with their friends and when they play in person. They learn things from both ways of playing. However, for them, it is more beneficial to play in person. They learn to socialise, take turns, communicate, interact and share things. They also learn to resolve conflicts and share their thoughts and opinions. These are all valuable life skills to learn at a young age. Later on, it becomes more difficult. 

Limit screen time

We cannot completely ban and forbid screen time, gadgets and devices. However, we should limit screen time. Kids shouldn’t spend hours on their phones or tablets. They become very passive and uninterested in doing so. So, set time limits and have the kids complete some tasks before being able to use the devices. These tasks can be related to schoolwork or chores. Remember to check if they did it correctly. After all, they are kids and don’t understand the importance of completing homework and chores. But we as parents do, so we must ensure they follow through. 

Embrace technology

Devices, gadgets, and all the technology with the internet are not all bad. Kids can learn a lot of things by using technology. You should embrace it as we live in a tech-driven world, which will become even more techy as time passes. Kids need to use it correctly to succeed academically and professionally. The key is in teaching them how to use it in the right way. Make sure that you approve the content they want to watch. Be there to suggest cartoons and shows they can watch and some amusing yet educational games they can plan. We need to guide them through the process. 

Be a good role model

One of the most essential things of all time as far as parenting is concerned, and this is true both for past, present, and future, is to be a good role model. Even though you don’t see that, or maybe you even do, not to the full extent, kids watch you closely and copy everything you do. So, for them to copy the goods things, you need to be doing them. If you are a good role model, just in theory, without practical examples, kids will not likely copy what you say and not what you do. Keep this constantly in mind.

Create tech-free zones

As we are constantly bombed with screens and online content, countless notifications, every modern home should have some tech-free zones where families can get their much-needed digital detox. So, in the designated zones, nobody should be allowed to use their phones or tablets. These are zones specifically designated for reading a book, relaxing, talking or playing board games. We all need time off phones and social media, as spending too much time on them can harm our mental health, confidence and self-esteem, especially kids, who are sensitive, developing and more prone to these things.

Use parental control

Use parental control on your devices to ensure that your kids are watching only the content you approve. It is quintessential to know what your kids are watching.

Every period has its benefits and drawbacks, so hopefully, these tips will help you diminish drawbacks and boost benefits.