Have you ever pondered the paradox of parenting in the digital age?
On the one hand, screens and technology offer unprecedented access to information and learning opportunities for our children, and on the other, they pose challenges to their development and well-being that previous generations never faced.
In this hyper-connected world, how can we ensure our children not only survive but thrive?
Current research suggests that screen usage is having an impact on multiple areas of child development. But what if I were to tell you there is one common protective factor that is seen across much of the resilience data?
It’s as simple as having 1 supportive, present and caring adult in a child’s life. This could be a parent or it could be another adult.
An adult whom the child has a strong connection with, an adult whom a child goes to for information and can ask for help when needed.
When we shift the focus onto fostering resilient connected relationships with our children, we help to cultivate resilience.
We prepare our children to adapt and grow in the face of any adversities they may face both on and off screens.
There are some skills that the modern parent could master to help build that connection. Here are a couple to start with.
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The ability to listen. I have been known to say use your ears in proportion to your mouth. Children want to be heard. Being judged and criticised…parents might call this ‘feedback’ or ‘just trying to help’…well it didn’t go down well in your childhood and often doesn’t go down so well now either. We are our own worst critics and they don’t need to hear it from you. Listen with empathy and then coach them to find the learning or solve the problem.
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The ability to stay regulated when our kids are not. Big emotions are a normal part of growing up. If we can stay regulated, calm and present for our kids during these times, this will help build a strong connection and it will help them become regulated sooner too.
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Celebrate failure. Remember it’s their first time being a kid, so they will make lots of mistakes. And they NEED to make mistakes so they can learn from them and build a foundation of knowledge to draw from in the future. To celebrate failure, give them a high 5, praise the effort and talk about what they learnt from the experience.
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Of course, there are many ways, but try these and you will go a long way to raising children who will not just navigate life well but shine a light on themselves as they go. #ParentingInDigitalAge #ResilienceBuilding #EmpoweredParenting
REFERENCES
Muppalla, S. K., Vuppalapati, S., Pulliahgaru, A. R., & Sreenivasulu, H. (2023). Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Child Development: An Updated Review and Strategies for Management. Cureus, 15(6). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.40608
https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/resilience/
Want support with raising resilient kids in the digital age? Check out our website for our Mums Matter program or email celia@littlekiwisnatureplay.com for 1:1 parent coaching.
Celia Hogan is an education specialist, parenting coach, speaker and adventurer who is passionate about nature play, risky play, child development, resilience and well being. You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Linked In. Subscribe to her newsletter for tips and ideas as well as workshop announcements.