School’s out and the kids are in—in your homes, in your refrigerators and in your hair. The newness of the experience has passed, so you have started looking for someone or something to babysit them. You could maybe get the next-door neighbor’s teenager to watch the kiddos, but that would cost money. So, the next option is to turn to technology—you know, electronic devices like tablets, cellphones, game consoles. No cost, just let the kids while away the hours in their rooms streaming games, music and other content. You get back to your routine and the kids are entertaining themselves. Everything is quiet, everything is good. Problem solved, right?
Wrong!
Unsupervised, overuse of technology is a poor substitute for the watchful eye of an adult.
The Internet is like the Wild West. There are very few safeguards in place for young people surfing it. Scams, incorrect information and dangerous and predatory adults are there in abundance. Even savvy adults can be duped by erroneous content. It’s not a harmless, time-killing recreation; it’s an incredibly addictive and sometimes hazardous activity. It’s not just dangerous but discourages social interactions with other children, the family and the community. It promotes social isolation and inhibits the development of coping skills.
The Missouri Legislature passed a new law, Senate Bill 68, this past session. It is currently on the Governor’s desk awaiting signature. The bill requires school districts in the state to develop policies to ban the use of cellphones by students during the school day. Students will not be able to use or display (have them out) their cellphones during classes, during lunch, during breaks…during the entire day. This is sure to create a lot of upheaval come August.
Humans are creatures of habit. We pick habits up quickly, but they require a much longer time to extinguish. Young people are even more susceptible to this phenomenon. Many kids are already addicted to the use of their electronic devices. They almost seem to be physically attached to our children’s hands. Can you imagine the distress and the resistance that will be taking place when school starts back up in the fall?
The good news is that you as a dad can help relieve some of this stress this summer!
An important part of being a parent is to help children develop healthy habits and not start poor ones. Additionally, parents should prepare their children to be successful in school. Be proactive! Use the summer break to ween your child from their dependence on electronic devices. Put some guidelines and restrictions on their use.
You can even use the Legislature as the villain! Please don’t blame the school. They get enough unwarranted criticism already.
Use this summer as an opportunity to actively engage with your children. Do things together with them to foster your children’s creativity and expand their knowledge. Map out some interesting and fun activities that you can be a part of.
- Design a project that you can build together.
- Maybe a bird or doghouse.
- Plant a garden that you cultivate as a family.
- Go explore city parks.
- Establish a family movie night with popcorn and treats.
- Make a habit of going to the library and reading together as a family. Plan a trip to a fun destination.
Supervision doesn’t have to be a dreary policing effort. It can be as fun and fulfilling as you create it to be. The key is to make a plan and stick to it. These activities won’t just happen by accident. You have to be engaged. You also have to include your children in the planning. They need to have ownership in the process. That ownership encourages active participation in the activities.
Your children are growing and changing each passing day. As a parent, you need to be actively involved in helping them become the best they can be. You can’t leave them to their own efforts, or to chance. You see, it’s not babysitting, it’s cultivating and nurturing. That’s something that a cellphone, tablet, or video game just can’t do. That’s what parents are for! Get to it!
Looking for More Low-Tech Ideas?
For even more ways to limit reliance on phones and other devices, head to our Strong Schools Success Tips page. There, you’ll find 50+ free activities for dads and kids to do together that’ll also set your student up to prosper in school.
And when you bring a School Success Tip into your life, snap a pic and send it to Good Dads! We always love to see what our readers get up to. Send your photos, questions or hellos to [email protected].
