It’s really difficult to keep our children away from gadgets, more because newer technology and more attractive gadgets are flooding the market each day. My daughter is grown up now , and maybe thats why I can give you the actual facts, results and how my methods worked.
Some of my thoughts :
keep them healthily occupied . Find out what interests your children have , sports , writing, reading , drawing, clay modelling whatever, and enrol them in any such course so that they are busy for some time each day, at least till they are in their late teens.
If they are into gaming you too play with them. This really works well . When you are good enough to compete with them it works better. You shouldn’t get addicted and should know when to stop. Try not to play everyday. This definitely helps you to bond with your children and also you can keep a strict schedule of playing time . You can also play some outdoor and indoor games with them once in a while.
If you tell them not to use gadgets you too shouldnt use these gadgets too much. Your preoccupation with these gadgets sometimes triggers a child’s obsession with them too.
Phones are not toys for kids , dont let toddlers and little babies play with phones and tabs .. Nothing to feel proud about toddlers clicking YouTube to view their favourite shows. If they want the phone just don’t give it to them . This is how addiction starts When they are a little older say 4–5 years old you can let them use it to receive a call from mom, dad or grandma, grandpa etc. ..keep removing the restrictions as they grow. Once they reach their teens they can use the phone to call a friend but , I had never allowed my daughter full possession of a phone till she was 16.
My daughter had become quite computer saavy around her middle teens ,mainly because she used to write a lot . Not that she wasn’t on social media , but that never took her away from her reading , or her creativity .. whenever I had time I talked with her, never tried to lecture her, it was always a friendly talk . It gave her the confidence to share her problems with me.
The real world was so very beautiful and enjoyable to her that she never wanted to waste her time with gadgets .
All this needs a lot of planning and patience. Sometimes you might feel you are losing the battle and gadgets are winning , but have faith and never lose your temper.
Never let your children know that you want them to stay away from gadgets.
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