Parenting and TV, computers and video games

Educational Side of Media for Children

There seems to be a consensus on the influence of media on children this is why when children are at the screen parents need to be present whether it’s television, computer or video game.

The negative effects are felt especially when the parents are absent, while the child is isolated and the screen is their “babysitter”. With younger children parents need to participate and with older children you need to develop their critical thinking skills.

Spying on your teen’s internet activity is necessary in order to ensure their safety.

When it comes to video games, you can play by their side to explain the functionality and then allow them time to gradually discover their own findings.

Some helpful tips to take into consideration for your child to help maximize the educational benefits of television on children ;

  1. Place the TV screen in a central location where you can easily watch them and manage your child’s reaction and see what they are doing. Avoid placing television or game console or computers in your child’s room.

  2. Encourage your children to participate. Invite them to sing, clap their hands, dance to music or identify an animal, item or person. This type of interaction will be active pastime.

  3. Use the TV as a catalyst to invite your children to investigate further into a particular subject with the help of books.

  4. Teach your child to distinguish shows and info commercials. Usually they do not know the difference until 7-8 years old.

  5. Always discuss what is happening in the story. You can benefit from asking them questions like;

  • Do you like the show? Your child will be able to develop his own opinion and make connections with their interests, hobbies etc…

  • What do you feel? Joy? Pain? Fear? This allows your child to take conscious of his or her emotions and learn how to cope with them if necessary.

  • Is it really possible in “real” life? Allow your child to distinguish between reality and fiction.

  • How do you think the story will end? Allow your children to imagine, dramatize and predict the course of events and when finished rewrite the scenario.

  • What would you do to resolve the problem? Children would be able to make a difference between fiction and reality and critique the solutions provided by the show. They would also come up with their own ideas.

Discipline your children by teaching them and enforcing rules such as limiting the time they spend in front of a screen and choosing the appropriate content and shows for their age group.

Importance of Spending Time with Family

SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY

Did you know that children misbehavior usually stems from a lack of attention from parents? We all lead hectic lives and it is essential and in the best interest for your children to spend quality time with them. Children want to feel accepted and loved by their parents.

There are many activities indoor or outdoor that are an inexpensive ways to spend time with your children. Taking trips to the park, walking through the neighborhood, listen to the birds chirping and reading before bedtime are some examples. You don’t need to wait for the next family vacation trip to spend time with your children. There is no rule of thumb on the amount of time but more importantly the quality and a daily dose is most effective.

Here are some activities that you can incorporate in your daily interactions, which will strengthen the bond with your children, focus on everyday things and make it a routine in your family.

ACTIVITIES TO SPEND TIME AS A FAMILY

Outdoor Activities include picnics, BBQ, gardening activities, wash the car, make a snow fort, take a hike, fly a kite, museums, grocery shopping or just watch nature in a park. Indoor activities include board games, writing a story, reading, arts and crafts, painting, clay sculptures, bake favorite dessert or watch a family movie.

Laugh and sing with your children they will connect with you and you will notice that you will spend less time disciplining your children with each day you spend together!