Tips for Families on Devices

In the advent of technology, electronic devices, gadgets and other communication tools such as smartphones/cellphones, tablets, iPod, etc. are affecting family relationships. Families become disengaged with each other because they spend most of their time doing calls, texts, emails, social media, video games and others during family bonding times.

Don’t lose the relationship from your kids due to too much technology. Here are seven tips to stay connected in this digital age:

1. Set a good example

Kids watch their parents and model their behavior. Parents should leave the room for long calls, texts and emails. Otherwise, kids will think that taking calls and sending texts at any time is normal and acceptable. When you’re with your children, be present in their presence.

2. Communicate with your kids

Speaking with your children with focus and one-on-one is the best form of communication. You will learn more about what’s happening in their lives, understand their feelings and, above all, keep the personal lines of communication open.

3. Create limits

To have more peace and quiet, and family bonding time in your home, you should have a “no cell phone” rule in your house after a certain hour. Give all of your important contacts your home phone number in case there’s an emergency.

4. Monitor usage of gadgets

All parents should monitor the communication devices utilized by their children. It’s sure that your kids can learn things by using the internet, but they can also waste a lot of time with spending too much on this.

5. Leave video game devices behind

As a rule, leave handheld video games at home. Also avoid checking your email and messages on your smartphone during family time. While out as a family, you should be bonding in-person and making eye contact with your children. With too much technology around, both parents and kids get distracted, leading to conversations consisting of short answers and a lack of attention.

6. Encourage reading every day

With so much technology available, reading can get lost in the routine in any household. Make it a point that your children spend some time reading at home every day.

7. Keep things interesting

So create interesting pastimes for you to do as a family because oftentimes kids are driven to technological devices due to boredom with you. Do some research about some local activities in your own community and your nearby areas, and then make sure to go there and enjoy them as a family.

Source: www.sheknows.com