We are living in a time where digital is bigger than the real world. Technology has a huge impact on the life of modern children and offers countless benefits without which today’s lifestyle would be unimaginable.
Just like our generations played with a stick, stones, and balls, and listened to the radio, today’s children see the world through the screens of TVs, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and consoles.
In other words, every modern parent has an obligation to present to their children all these various tech gadgets, just like our parents presented us with books, coloring pages, etc.
But, we also all know the negative aspects of using technology, so that means we shouldn’t let tech fully parent our children, even when we know that they are using it for learning, homework, etc. Kids like kids, they often stumble into places and wild adventures just for the sake of their curiosity.
That was just a short introduction to our topic. Let’s jump into the more detailed aspects of motivating your children to use their technology for learning and education.
The Benefits of Technology in Children’s Education
It takes only five minutes, just one Google search, and there they are, all the tips and tricks for parenting and tech.
Well, good thing you stumbled upon this article because here you can find out what exactly are the positive ways for your children to use technology.
Expanding Trivial Knowledge
Not so long ago there was a time when the availability of information was difficult and it took a lot of effort, invested time, and wasted money.
Nowadays everything is simpler. Do you remember reading every page of newspapers, books, and encyclopedias until you find that one-worded answer you’ve been searching for for hours?
Well kids today can ask Mr. Google (also Dr. Google when needed) anything, ranging from simple questions like “what is photosynthesis?” too tough and thought-compelling questions such as “why can’t I give my teacher homework?” And let’s not forget that they’ll get their answer in a matter of seconds.
Through my parenting experience, I have seen that teenagers as students highly depend on Internet searches when doing their homework.
So, introducing your children to the importance of knowing what to search for and how to find what you need is both a fun and positive process of learning, that profits both parents and children, as it acts as both a bonding (when you search topics together) and a learning activity.
Writing
Today’s children are blessed because they’ve never met the typing machine, although when you think of it, it isn’t much different from a keyboard. But, that’s a topic for another day.
As a writer myself, I encourage my children, and I encourage you to encourage your children (that’s a lot of encouraging) to dive into the waters of writing.
That doesn’t mean that you should expect your child to be the next Mark Twain, but you should expect them to get creative, show their thoughts, paste them on a plain word document and last but not least let them get the feeling of relief when they run out of thoughts, ultimately finishing their blockbuster story or article.
For example, I play a game that I like with my children. We pick a random topic and each of us writes a short story about it. I can assure you that some of the funniest and most creative sentences come out of my little pumpkins (come on, who doesn’t call their children cute names).
YouTube
Yes, YouTube, is the infamous platform that gives us a library of unlimited videos of everything from fluffy cats to nuclear physics (fluffy cats are better).
Although it is a major no-no for many parents, YouTube also has a kid-friendly side.
But, let’s get this straight, letting your children drool over their screen watching Cocomelon for hours isn’t the way to go.
Instead, try sitting with your children, watching videos together, dancing to those simple childish jingles, and letting the child outside of you come out.
You can also try working out, that’s good for both children and parents!
Also, it is a great opportunity to teach your children healthy tech habits. By that, I mean teaching them and letting them know when it’s time to put the screen down and go do something else (non-techy, if that’s a word).
Homeschooling
I am a parent, but I was a kid, so I know that school tends to be boring, especially when you have to sit in the same spot for hours listening (or not listening) to your professors.
There is always that one or two subjects that are actually interesting but most of the time students aren’t actually interested in what they are paying attention to.
Besides, according to renowned sources, homeschooled children tend to outperform children that learn in schools.
Also, some families can’t afford or live too far away so homeschooling is the way to go.
And like everything on this list, homeschooling is a good opportunity to bond with your children, benefitting both you and your child (you get to reminisce the good old school days and your child will get the much-needed motivation to work and study).
Parenting Methods That Actually Motivate Children to Learn
So far we’ve covered activities that should motivate your children to use tech for good by themselves, but what if it doesn’t work?
What if your children don’t listen to you and watch people watching other videos (I’ve never understood the point of that) instead of doing homework?
I’ve got the answer.
The most important thing is presence. Being there for your child, and acting as a bridge to the outer world is the pinpoint definition of parenting.
I like to advise other parents, just grow smaller! Get curious together with your children, get creative together, debate, find answers together, and relieve your childhood (but this time as a modern child).
At one point, you’ll eventually realize that your children are grown-up enough to be aware of what’s good, and what’s not on their screens.
But until then, your job is to guide them in a fun and childish manner in the tech world, which let’s be honest, is not fun and childish, yet rather dangerous. But let’s leave that thought for another time.
Last but not least, as a parent I encourage you (here comes the encouraging again) to not focus strictly on tech-only.
I may sound cliché, but introducing your kids to the tech world is not more important than introducing them to nature, sticks, stones, balls, jump-ropes, hide & seeks, and pretty much everything you grew up with.
ALSO READ: How to Use Technology to Strengthen Family Bonds and Communication
