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There is little doubt that all of the new technologies, led by the Internet, are shaping the way we think. Social behaviour is defined by how you or me function though technology and not by the way we interact with people personally. It is an engaging time to be in, especially for children. With increased exposure and developments emerging at a rapid pace, while we don’t have direct statistical analysis on how theses advancements form an impact on our children’s cognitive development, we all need to accept the fact that technology is a way of life of our children and we, as parents, need to educate them on how they can judiciously make use of it. It is exactly the same way we guide them on how they need to have chocolate neither too much, as they may spoil their teeth, nor too less — after all, childhood is all about eating chocolates.
In a study conducted last year, researchers found out that kids’ use of gadgets had grown by 89% . With the rise of working parents, technology seems to be the only and sensible way to be engaged with your child when you are away from him or her.Kids on the other hand seem to imbibe technology much more quickly than their parents, and by the time a parent learns about an app, the child has progressed to the next one. To an impressionable mind, this proves to come with prolonged consequences. Not all information can be of genuine backing, but to a child, Google may seem to be a means of impervious knowledge. In addition, as kids get older they want more freedom so that they work on self-actualisation, engage in self-reliant activities, and otherwise get ready for the outside world. It’s a very difficult line that parents have to walk — letting their kids grow up while trying to keep an eye on what’s going on.
A steady supply of supervision, with an open ended approach towards technology can help both the child and parent transit through this phase, smoothly. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind about how you can raise a technology-balanced child.
Inclusive upbringing: 21st-century preschool children, with and without disabilities, may be found using technology, including assistive technologies, on a daily basis in their homes, schools, and communities. Rather than partaking of preventive measures, involving the child in technical discussions is a smart way to promote a healthy outlook towards technology. Not only does it satiate the child’s curiosity, it also inculcates a sense of responsibility, with the child considering himself to have an equal space as an adult.
Exposure to the outside world: Encouraging children to participate in technology conferences with or without adult supervision, is a wonderful option. Here, he/she can listen to thoughts on upcoming areas and get encouraged to speak on some of the key topics. This is a healthy way of disseminating information and also engaging in social interactions.
Technology is an enabler in more ways than one. It assists us in every sphere of life. Several ordinary manual tasks can be automated today, thanks to technology. And parents’ grasp of technology is crucial for the child’s receptivity towards it.
Give the key to the thief: Prevention may be effective in certain cases but proves to be detrimental when it comes to dealing with children. Young minds function in an elusive way and are apprehensive to restrictions. The fact that inhibitions are in place makes them test barriers and try to break them, straining the relationship between the parent and child. Parents ought rather to let it pass and coach the kids on how to use technology judiciously.
Gadgets as companions: Easy solutions can be provided through exploration of technology. Whenever there is an issue which can be technologically solved encourage them to give a solution through technology. Letting a child explore and learn through trial-and-error is one of the fundamental blocks of a wholesome development. Teaching them to consider technology to be a companion is a good way of creating a healthy environment for nurture.
Participation in schools: Education is slowly taking assistance from technology to improve upon its tools. The introduction of technology in the educational field has made the process of learning and knowledge-sharing a more interactive and pleasurable experience. Children should be encouraged to imbibe technology as part of their education and use it to benefit their expansion of knowledge.
Use your skills: Technology is an enabler in more ways than one. It assists us in every sphere of life. Several ordinary manual tasks can be automated, thanks to technology. Parents’ grasp of technology is crucial for the child’s receptivity towards it. Use of technical terms in day-to-day conversations can help children pick up the essence of technology and incorporate it in their learning curve.
Training to strike a balance: Technology is certainly an asset but can have its negative impacts, with prolonged dependence on it. It is necessary to be disconnected from gadgets and internet at regular intervals at home and spend time bonding with the family. Letting children know the beauty of self-restraint teaches them to have a wholesome outlook in life, through not letting technology overpower them.
By nature, human beings are ruled through habits. But as parents, one deals with change on a relentless basis as the kids grow up. To help them in embracing the change puts young minds on the correct path and ensures that they become responsible citizens of tomorrow.
The writer is CEO and co-founder, Evoxyz Technologies