Do you have one of those children who can’t get enough of their computer and mobile device? If so, should you have worries?
As many parents can relate to, their children get all too consumed with the Internet world. When this happens, it is often the former worrying that their children spend too much time online. The worry is also there is not enough time with family, friends, schoolwork and more.
So, is your child too wrapped up in the Internet?
Steps to Take to Get Them a Little Less Internet Crazy
In the event your son or daughter is spending too much time online, here are a few steps to consider:
1. Has it reached the problem stage? – Before you panic that your kid is spending way too much time online, stop and assess the situation. You want to determine if it has reached the problem stage. If it has not, then you should take a step back. In the event you feel it has gone too far, why is that? Did you allow your child all this Internet time or are they doing much of it behind your back? Always assess a situation with your children before acting.
2. Do they need a diversion? – One reason your child may be spending too much time online is that they do not have much else to do outside of school. If you’re a busy parent with little downtime, they may look to the Internet to take up some or much of that time you are busy. Not that it is your fault for working hard, but you can’t always be doing many things at once or in two places at once. So, is it time they had a diversion or two? If so, have you thought about camp when summer rolls around? Summer camp can be beneficial to your child on so many different levels. With that in mind, unplugging at summer camp can be the best thing to happen to your kid in a while. When they go to camp, they can leave the smartphones behind. In turn, they can concentrate on quality time with others. By the time your child returns home from camp, he or she could be a changed individual for all the right reasons.
3. Are you setting the right example? – Last, could one of the reasons your child spends so much time online be you? Yes, you may need to be on the Internet often for your job. That said you need to set a good example for your children. If they see you being too consumed online, they may follow suit when old enough to use a computer and smartphone. Use the Internet in moderation. When doing so, your child will in all hopes follow suit.
Although the Internet can be a great learning tool for your children, you do not want them overdoing it.
Take some time to step back and see if your son or daughter has become too consumed with online activities.
If they have, sending them to camp may be the move that changes things in a positive manner moving forward.