Family is not just a simple word. Family defines us as parents (with responsibility and obligations) and our precious children.
Being a parent is not an easy role to play, no matter the circumstances. Full-time job, running from place to place, searching, investing, managing time, wasting free time, and taking care of the only meaningful thing in every family-our kids.
Impact of the Technology Revolution on Parent’s Behavior
It feels like time jumped from when we were teenagers, scared and at the same time curious to use the internet for simple communication, and now as adults, especially parents, properly using all kinds of tech devices (no more using buttons and flip-phones, only touch screens and smartphones).
As digital devices and technology rapidly grow, we face the situation of having spare time.
We don’t go to a bank when we have the option of e-banking, we don’t go to the store, we use online shopping, we don’t consult our lawyer, etc.
Instead, we all consult our search engines which help us find everything we need.
Reaching our career at the wanted level, we get the opportunity to enjoy ourselves with our kids in our free time, which we have a lot now, with the help of technology.
How Does Our Tech Usage Affect Children
We usually tell our children that we have time to spend with them, play some games, and read them bedtime stories, but usually, we get caught up with other chores.
Or sometimes, we pick up our phones and leave children to play with their own “toys” (their digital devices, of course).
Somehow we justify the overuse of tech devices by buying expensive technologies for us parents and our children.
Our kids imitate us in every single way, and we aren’t making an effort to do what is best for them regarding overtime usage of tech.
Instead, we selfishly use the capabilities of technology by letting it raise our kids.
Family Bonding
To improve our family’s development, we must strengthen the family bonds and combine tech usage time with time spent with our kids.
As a parent, I always try to find a reasonable argument and teach my children that it’s better to explore, learn, watch videos, and play games together than alone.
But when we can’t achieve that balance, we see the negative sides of our tech usage. In other words, even when we spend time on tech, make it time spent with children.
When we are together with our children, it is easier to explain both effects and side effects of technology usage.
Pointing Effects of Parents’ Tech Usage on Their Kids
It is a fact that thanks to technological expansion, we can achieve more targets and get to spend more quality time with our kids.
But, sometimes it also limits our availability to spend time with family.
So, let’s see how parents’ device usage can improve (or not) our children’s development and learning process.
Positive Effects
When parents use tech for work, kids can watch them and educate themselves on the proper use of tech from an early age.
The positive effects include learning new skills and knowledge that children will use later in life. Let’s quickly go over them!
· Speedy Communication
Thanks to technology, now our kids can communicate with close family members and friends, make phone or video calls free of charge, and much more.
It is an enormous achievement to be connected with people on the other side of the planet (and maybe someday, on the other side of the universe).
· Microsoft Office
We use MS Office programs every day. These are all programs that children will use a lot later on in life.
Microsoft Word for writing and editing; Microsoft Excel for data analysis, accounting, budgeting, and office administration; Microsoft PowerPoint for a mighty slide presentation and promotion, etc.
· E-Books
Reading books together is great. When children see you’re happy and interested when reading a book, they’ll try it too!
· Design Programs
Embrace your children’s creativity by encouraging them to draw, create and have fun! You can even make drawings and projects together as a family!
Teamwork as a Family Habit
Working as a team with our kids has proven a productively spent time accompanied by gaining:
- Motivational spirit
- Mental focus
- Practicing group rules
- Happiness when the job is finished
- Being there for each other
By involving our kids in our tech usage work, we send them the message that we respect them (even though they are small) and show our determination to spend time together.
Side Effects of Parents’ Tech Usage
A work day is over. We are home having lunch and using our smartphones for social media activities, playing games, or watching videos. But what do our kids do? The same- wasting time.
· Social and Behavioral Problems
Using tech as a priority (using our free time) challenges us as parents to face behavioral changes in our kids.
They isolate themselves in their rooms and communicate with virtual friends, lacking communication skills and interaction.
· Skipping Sleep
Our tech addiction leads us to fewer sleeping hours. Even when we can’t or won’t control our sleeping habits, we mustn’t let our kids develop unhealthy habits too.
Lack of sleep harms our kids mentally and physically. Provides insecurity when facing school obligations and effectively competing for chores.
They lose focus and are distracted and frustrated because they can’t finish the given assignment.
Conclusion
To conclude, parents using tech causes both negative and positive effects. We must be the perfect example for our children and always put them first.
Never let your needs and wants overcome the importance of your child’s development. They are our gems, and we must keep them and take care of them.
Be aware of your technology usage around children because they are curious and explore the world by mimicking our actions.
So, carefully introduce children to the tech world, keeping in mind that technology has different effects on children’s minds.
ALSO READ: How to Balance Technology Use With Other Activities and Family Time
