These days, a lot of parents complain about how their kids tend to become too attached to their gadgets, and who can blame them? With just a smartphone and an internet connection, kids these days can spend hours just glued to their tiny screens, watching videos, reading stories online, or just checking their social media accounts.
However, it’s also important for kids to ‘unplug’ every so often, since getting addicted to their gadgets, isn’t really good for them, as well as their development since kids who are addicted to their devices tend to have less exercise and stay home more often. So, what’s a parent to do?
Don’t tell them it’s a bad thing
First and foremost, gadgets are pretty useful. Even moms and dads check their social media, watch videos, and check emails on their smartphones or tablets.
The key would be to strike a balance between their gadget use, as well as their time outside. If your child spends too much time at home, they’ll grow up to be sedentary, and probably unhealthy. Likewise, using gadgets and smartphones allow them to learn more about the world, and connect with other people from different countries, and with different cultures.
Which is why the first step would be trying to find a balance between the two. You can setup a schedule for their gadget use, as well as schedule trips to the park, or ask them to go have a bike ride around the neighborhood with their friends.
What can we do if our kid is already addicted?
Now, if you think that it’s too late for your gadget-addicted kid, fret not! You can try having what’s called a ‘digital detox’.
Basically, it means that you and your family will try and wean yourselves off gadgets and gadget use for about a week. It’s not the easiest thing in the world to do, as it will take a lot of resolve, hard work, and persistence to help your kid adjust to a life without their gadgets.
However, the important thing here is to tell your child why you’re doing the ‘digital detox’, and how it will benefit them in the long run. Make sure to engage them in worthwhile family activities, and try and keep their minds away from anything that will remind them that they’re having a ‘digital detox’.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to striking a balance between gadget use, as well as being active. Both have their benefits and merits, and having a healthy balance between the two will surely make your child a better, and well-rounded person.
Source: telegraph.co.uk
READ: How a hands-on mom allows her kids to use gadgets
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