Today’s modern world has introduced technology as a brand-new parenting tool, ultimately creating a tech-forward parent. This digital age demands parents and children to know basic digital skills they can use daily.
So, implementing technology in parenting has its pros and cons, especially regarding the process of raising children.
In this article, we aim to provide parents and caregivers with a guide to becoming a tech-forward parent. We’ll explore the digital world and unveil the benefits of using technology as a parenting sidekick.
Understanding the Benefits of Being Tech Forward
No matter you go, you must know how to connect to WiFi, browse the Internet, and find proper information.
Parents must transfer these digital skills to children because they are essential for living in a digital era. Moreover, children can use technology to explore their creativity and imagination through various digital tools.
Also, tech has educational benefits. But children often overlook the educational purposes of tech. School is more than enough for them.
Furthermore, if you live far away from your children or travel often, you can use tech to communicate with your family.
Lastly, technology can cure boredom. Who doesn’t love a good game of Candy Crush when there is nothing else to do?
Creating a Safe Digital Environment
The first approach to creating a safe digital environment is setting household rules regarding screen time. Every tech-forward parent should be aware of the risks of excessive screen time usage.
The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages using technology for more than 2 hours daily. So, follow this recommendation.
Moreover, children must know how to be responsible digital citizens and have a positive online presence.
They can’t just go around from platform to platform, insulting everyone along the way. Try nurturing these healthy digital habits by learning and embracing them with your little ones.
To make sure your children follow these rules, you can always monitor them with parental control apps!
Choosing Age-Appropriate Technology
The quality of the content children are exposed to affects their mental health development. Introduce your children to age-appropriate content suitable for their maturity and preferences.
You can’t let your 5-year-olds play horror games or watch violent and aggressive content. Instead, let younger children use more educational apps such as Khan Academy, Toca Games, etc.
Encourage children to use interactive apps instead of passive content like YouTube videos. Lastly, balance children’s screen time with other activities like sports, arts, music, etc.
Using Technology for Educational Purposes
Learning has become much easier with technology on our side, especially when learning new things.
In the past, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, we had to flip thousands of pages to find a piece of information. Nowadays, we can discover every bit of knowledge with a simple search on our browsers.
Many educational apps, like Khan Academy, Duolingo, Socratic, ClassDojo, Udemy, and others, are perfect for children and students.
These apps promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills, which are essential in today’s academic world.
Our children’s engagement in educational communities benefits their academic performance and library of knowledge.
Staying Up-to-Date With the Latest Technological Trends
Technology changes and advances every day. So, we must do everything to keep up with the newest trends. The best way to learn these new technologies is by keeping up with blogs and social media platforms.
For example, our blog, The Digital Parents, keeps up with the latest news and transfers that into parental guides. Have open and honest communication with your children regarding the latest technological trends.
Children are often more informed than parents about technology. So, you can learn something from your kids too. Never forget to keep your tech devices up-to-date and explore the newest tech advancements.
Why is it Important For Parents to Embrace Technology in Parenting?
We need technology in school, at work, in our household, and pretty much everywhere we go. For example, you wouldn’t be able to read this article if it weren’t for the technological advantages.
And you wouldn’t be able to crush some candy in your free time without the advancement of technology. In this digital era, we depend on technology for every aspect of our lives. And children do too.
With the help of their devices, children can grow into successful people with a suitable library of knowledge and information.
Tech-savvy children can reach information faster. But it’s hard being a tech-forward parent when technology changes so fast.
That’s why you must be persistent, follow the newest trends, and teach your children proper digital skills. Their academic performance, their profession, and their whole future depend on technology and how they use it.
Some children may even grow into computer engineers or high-level programmers and developers.
How Can Parents Set a Positive Example of Responsible Technology Use?
Parents are role models for children. Children copy their parents’ behavior, so it’s crucial to set a positive example.
Firstly, leave your phone down. You can’t expect your children to follow your screen time rules if you use tech all day. Discuss the risks of excessive screen time, and reach conclusions with your children.
Approach them in a friendly manner, and don’t force anything. Instead, slowly implement rules and boundaries.
Lastly, take your children for a walk or play some ball. Setting healthy physical habits is also important.
Develop a love for nature in your children. Explore the wildlife together and breathe some fresh air.
Or when you enjoy technology, enjoy it together. Grab some popcorn, turn on a movie, and relax as a family.
Summary
As we already mentioned earlier, technology has infiltrated every segment of our everyday lives. Children also use tech devices daily for educational purposes, research, and entertainment.
So, parents must adapt to this new digital era and keep up with the newest trends and announcements.
But, parents should also focus on creating a balance between technology and other tech-free activities. After all, every child deserves to have a childhood filled with beautiful memories.
And we all know that the best memories are created with family or friends and not with phones or computers.
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