Parenting the Connected Generation

Are you Parenting the Connected Generation (children born after 2000 and growing up with technology)? I speak to moms daily who are concerned about the impact of technology on their child.  I often hear the following:  “Too much screen time and no green time” (outside time) or they’re totally caught up in social media or they’re becoming disrespectful to their parents.  Sound familiar?  We spend so much time trying to love our child, that adding in technology adds a completely new dimension.

Next week, I’ll be sharing “Is My Child Ready for a Phone?” Checklist.

Bonus Tip:

One additional tool we use to support our family with Technology Time is the Circle from Disney (click here).  This little box helps us monitor the internet, sites, and time on devices.  It’s like having an extra parent do the dirty work in your house – Pause the internet, shut the device off after 30 minutes… love!

This post will outline:

• How to Earn Technology Time (printable)
• The Technology Elevator (printable sample and blank)
• Resources:  websites and books

Let’s start first with the above phrase.  It’s Easier to Lighten Up than Tighten Up.  Isn’t this the truth on all things parenting?  If you feel that technology has gotten out of control at your house, then it’s time to pull it all back in.

Would something like this “How to Earn Technology Time” help?  We’ve used this chart consistently on the weekends and in the summer.  I use it in with our Circle, our simple parental control for devices.

>>>>>>>Printable: How to Earn Technology Time <<<<<<

Earning Technology Time

This chart is a hand tool to use to manage your child’s technology time.  How often have we heard them declare that they are bored?  We have our children earn their time, based on the following:  exercise, playing outside, doing their chores, reading, and creating.  You need to decide what your children need to work on (math facts, feeding the dog, cleaning their room, reading, playing together) and that’s what you put on your chart.  

Remember:  You, the mom, are the QUEEN.  My chart uses 1 hours and 15 minutes a day.  If I’m following the no more than 2 hour rule (set by the American Academy of Pediatrics for ages 6-18), then it still allows for a bonus 45 minutes.  Then we can all watch a show together, I can chat with a friend, or they can play a game with a friend.

The chart also takes all of the guilt out of letting them have technology time.  At first I monitored it, but then was able to back away.  So when they’re on using a device or playing a game, I know they’ve done something productive to earn it.

Check out our favorite VISUAL timer (click here).  It doesn’t make any noise and the kids can easily see how much time they have left.  Truly a lifesaver!  My kids also each use a simple Timex watch (click here) to keep track of their time when we’re on the go.

Click here to find out “What Kids Need Today”

Technology Elevator

My husband and I came up with this elevator to help steer my now 12 year old and show him that we had a plan.  Instead of just passing over a device, we’re take baby steps.  Remember: It’s always easier to lighten up rather than tighten up.

Kids move up when they demonstrate maturity, self control, or they’re about to leave for college! 

Being able to manage a chart like this shows responsibility and they earn your trust.  It also clearly outlines to them what you feel is important for them to learn.  There is no checklist that we’re working off of, these are just decisions that each family must make on their own.

The sample elevator starts at the bottom and works up.  Just like Tim Smith’s  chart (on the left), we have to move from control > coach > consultant.  All levels are monitored… until they leave your home.

 >>>>>Printable Technology Elevator  Technology Elevator<<<<<

It’s just like when you were learning how to drive.  For years you’d ridden in the car with your parents.  You knew where the pedals were, how to operate the radio, you had some basic understanding of where different roads led.

This Technology Elevator allows you to do the same thing with the internet…. Build up, rein it back in if needed, but slow and steady.  With boundaries in place like this it allows them to have the privileges OR drop a level if there needs to be a consequence.  Remember: It’s easier to lighten up rather than tighten up.

Other Resources for the Connected Generation

PINTEREST BOARD:  Technology and Our Kids

Books for Parenting the Connected Generation:

Growing Up Social by Dr. Gary Chapman

No More Perfect Kids: Love the Kids You Have, Not the Ones You Want

Five Conversations You Must Have With Your Son by Vicki Courtney

Five Conversations  You Must Have With Your Daughter by Vicki Courtney

Six Ways to Keep the Good in Your Boy by Dannah Gresh

Life Skills for Kids

Hands Free Mama  by Rachel Stafford

Preparing Your Son for Every Man’s Battle by Steven Arterburn

Your Brain on Porn (free e-book from Covenant Eyes)

PRINTABLES:

Positive Parenting Solutions Summer Contract (includes chores, behavior, and technology)

iMoms Social Media Contract

Life Skills (what kids need to know ages 2-18 for life)

BORED printable – for kids who don’t know what to do with themselves!

RESOURCES:

imom

Common Sense Media

Focus on the Family

Positive Parenting Solutions

Wiredsafety.org

Additional Resources:

How to Set Up a Family Computer Station

Tim Smith’s Consequence Planner

 *Links are affiliate to Amazon.  This site receives a small percentage off of each purchase.  Thank you!

Special thank to my sister for making my printables look super cool!