Technology can be a tricky thing to manage as parents. Our children are growing up in a digital age, where technology is all around them and entertainment and answers are at the tips of their fingers. It is a common complaint that we feel that our kids are having too much screen time or that they are asking to be in front of their video games and favorite TV shows rather than getting outside and playing, spending time with family, and reading. It is quite easy to see the downsides of all of this tech, but perhaps there are some real benefits too. We think so, which is why today we are sharing with you 3 ways that technology is brilliant for our kids.
To answer all of those burning questions
We all know that children are endlessly inquisitive. They ask question after question and occasionally they will ask you something that you simply do not know the answer to. This is where technology becomes our very best friend.
Whether the children are asking ‘what is the capital city of Afghanistan?,‘how do you become a guitar luthier?’ or ‘How do people build houses?’, you know that all that you need to do is pop online to provide them with their answer.
YouTube can be particularly effective at answering any burning questions as they have thousands of child-friendly explanations for just about any topic. You can search there to explain anything from how an aorta functions to where zebras live. It can also be great for helping to spark an interest in a subject, so use it to introduce new topics and passions to your children.
To supplement their education
Technology can be a great addition to your kids’ classroom learning. There are so many online sites and tools that can complement all that they are being taught at school and help them to become more confident.
Perhaps they would benefit from tightening up on their addition, then try some quickfire math games. Perhaps they are fascinated by their current history topic, then encourage them to delve into it a little more online.
It can also be useful in helping with homework and many schools use online homework systems now allowing you to keep up to date with what your children are learning so that you can support them at home.
To keep them out of mischief
Now, we are not suggesting that you use screens to babysit your children all day long, but there are real benefits to using them to keep them out of mischief from time to time.
There is nothing wrong with popping them in front of an afternoon movie after a full morning out whilst you get a few chores done and get dinner ready. You will know that they are safe and entertained whilst you get your jobs out of the way.
Using screens in this way, when the majority of the day is screen-free, can work well for everyone in the family.
