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Parenting in a Techno-World

Nowadays, kids are born with an innate inclination and gift for technology, media, and telecommunications. Just give a toddler an iPad and you’ll see what I mean.

Technology truly fascinates me. It is amazing what you can do with it and what it can do for you. But this can be a double-edged sword.

I am very protective of technology use at home. While I encourage the skills, I limit and monitor the access.

With no intention to exaggerate or mislead, I can confidently state that new media has the power to destroy our children’s morals and, it will if we let it.

parenting in a techno world - MOMtivation - the positive mom blog

According to Dr. Harriet Klopper, a criminologist in Pretoria, “it is estimated that children see more than 8,000 murders and 100,000 violent acts on T.V. before they reach high school.” Up to 80% of computer games aimed at youngsters between the ages of 8 and 14 realistically portray blood, beheadings, mutilation and death in graphic color, with all of the associated sound effects. “And heroes who die in these games come to life again, which teach children that violence has no consequences.”

I’ve always said that Parental Guidance is needed at all times, not just when advised by inaccurate movie and TV ratings. Even when we try to raise our children in a no-media safe haven, they will be exposed to some questionable content. But there is a lot we can avoid and so much we can do to guard our children’s spiritual health.

The best and most effective concept you can teach a young child is the power of free will and the gifts that come with making positive choices. Just like a simple kitchen knife that can be used for service or for sin, it is up to the user what the result of technology will be.

Teaching kids to choose right is like practicing preventive spiritual medicine. When we focus on our children and individuals and teach them foundational principles of character education, we won’t have to prohibit or micro-manage their technology use or anything else. They will have the skills to delete, discard, or embrace whatever comes to them with the conviction and commitment of honoring us as parents and honoring our Heavenly Father.

Instead of making technology a no-no at home, let’s teach and guide our kids to make the right choices and they’ll make the best use of it. Who knows, we may even benefit from it. 😉

Elayna is a homeschool educator, single mom of 4, founder of the Positive MOM Community, award-winning Storyteller, Story Strategist, and Student of Pain. She’s a bestselling author, internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, and 3x TEDx speaker. To receive a gift from Elayna, click HERE.

Be Positive and You Will Be Powerful ~ Elayna FernandBe Positive and You Will Be Powerful ~ Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive MOMez ~ The Positive MOM
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Robin (Masshole Mommy)

Monday 9th of June 2014

My kids are only 6 & 9, so they are too young to be on the computer, but it is definitely something I worry about for when they get older.

Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive MOM

Monday 9th of June 2014

My girls started using the computer young because we homeschool and we use an online curriculum. They also have a website because they sell art and wrote a book LOL

Anna

Sunday 8th of June 2014

Great advice. My kids are still very young, so I haven't had to worry much about their technology use.

Pamela R

Wednesday 4th of June 2014

in every aspect of their lives I'm always posing questions to my kids....so with electronics it's no different..they know the #1 rule is NOTHING is OFF LIMITS TO MOM AND DAD!!

Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive MOM

Monday 9th of June 2014

Oh yesss. You are definitely right!

Michele

Wednesday 4th of June 2014

Very good advise up there! I have no children but have seen how our society has changed over the years-not for the better! It all does start with the parents.

Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive MOM

Monday 9th of June 2014

Unfortunately! But as you point out, as parents, we can make a difference!

Karen Dawkins

Wednesday 4th of June 2014

My kids use the computer at the kitchen table, not in a bedroom tucked away where we can't monitor them.

We've also made a rule that ALL electronics, computer, phones, iPods, etc. can be checked on demand at any moment. Any efforts to hide or delete cause an immediate loss of privileges for one month. We also insist on knowing their passwords. They don't complain because the rules were understood BEFORE they got their own devices. They know we are trying to make sure they make wise choices online. It's worked well.

Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive MOM

Monday 9th of June 2014

Great tips, Karen. I love it.