The internet is a great place to be and has a huge number of educational resources for kids, as well as escapist and informative sites for parents. However, like anything, moderation is a good thing and you need to make sure that your kids are getting as much outdoor and exercise time as they are screen time.
So, to manage their time, and yours, more effectively, implement these simple rules to keep the balance between family and technology in your home.
1. Meet up and go out
Make a point of meeting up with your friends and other family members outside of Facebook or email. Yes, it is always lovely to get that virtual letter or online nudge, but sitting down and chatting over coffee and cake is far better for you. Socialising with other kids and parents will make you all feel renewed and invigorated.
2. The day off
If you are all plugged into the net day in and day out, perhaps it is time to allocate one day a week as “No Technology Day”. No computers are allowed, just outdoor and indoor activities that encourage you all to spend some time together. It won’t be easy at first, that’s for sure – especially if you have teenagers – but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much fun you’re having by the end of the day. Who knows, you may not even be inclined to reboot the next day…
3. The mobile phone
We are all getting addicted to them, it’s nothing to be ashamed of, but try to stop yourself from compulsively checking your email or messages every ten minutes, especially on the weekends. When your partner (or parent) has their nose buried in a screen most of the time it can be a little disheartening.
4. Do something online together
In the times you do leave open for online activities, why not do something together? For parents with younger kids it could mean joining them in one of their virtual worlds or chatting to them about what they are doing on Cbeebies. For older kids it could mean looking at their latest video or photography creations and working with them on any problems they may have.
The reasons behind these rules are pretty obvious but we can all forget them in the crazy busyness of daily life. So go on, shut down your pad or your PC and go for a walk with the kids.