Of course there’s the very general question of how much screen time is appropriate and at what age?
How do you foster hobbies and interests outside of technology, especially when their friends have access to it?
How should you, the parent, engage in technology when around your kid?
It all seems at odds with each other, no?
But there is information we can share, from experts and available studies.
And, perhaps unsurprisingly, it really all starts with the parents' behavior.
Distractions dull overall enjoyment.
She holds another toy up, sets it on the table.
Also: Turn off all non-urgent notifications.
It just an element of FOMO.
And so you’ve caused this distraction for no reason."
They’ll learn they should never be tech-free.
This, of course, is likely comforting to many adults.
(How could it not be?
You’re just one call away from any issue or accident.)
But an unfortunate side effect: You’re teaching them that they should never be without a cellphone.
Your kids deserve the same feeling.
“The parent is likely always in contact with them, ‘What are you doing now?’
‘Is everything OK?’
There are plenty of ways to create tech-free interests.
We’ve recently talked aboutteaching your kid to love nature: Same applies to kids who enjoy screen time.
If your kid is showing resistance to screen-free time, take cues about what they’re enjoying about technology.
Is it a video game with tasks and puzzles?
Create an outdoor scavenger hunt with similar elements.
Do they like Instagram?
Take them on a hike with a real-life camera.
Tech may be unavoidable, but double-check it’s not everything.
Technology is available, present, and, yes, even necessary in the modern world.
