Resetting and maintaining media rules at home is an important part of a new school year, especially after an extended summer holiday. It may sound daunting at first, however it can be very worthwhile especially when your children are involved in the process of conversation.
Firstly, together with your child, visualize a 24 hour day as an empty glass. Start by filling the bottom of the glass with the essentials such as sleep, school, homework, activities, family time, playing outside etc. This way, you are not visually restricting your child’s media time, rather allowing them to expand and control how they are experiencing their day. It is important to frame the dialogue in a way where your children understand that they are preserving their daily essential life activities rather than cutting them off from the virtual world. Being a part of this experience will allow your child to visualize and understand the essential activities that take place in their daily life.
Media use contracts can also be useful when resetting the house rules. Some examples are found through the American Academy of Pediatrics or the Family Online Safety Institute. Your child’s sense of ownership in the contract making will increase their motivation to build their self discipline and time management skills.
To keep up to date with information and resources, like us on our Digital Citizenship Facebook Page.
Firstly, together with your child, visualize a 24 hour day as an empty glass. Start by filling the bottom of the glass with the essentials such as sleep, school, homework, activities, family time, playing outside etc. This way, you are not visually restricting your child’s media time, rather allowing them to expand and control how they are experiencing their day. It is important to frame the dialogue in a way where your children understand that they are preserving their daily essential life activities rather than cutting them off from the virtual world. Being a part of this experience will allow your child to visualize and understand the essential activities that take place in their daily life.
Media use contracts can also be useful when resetting the house rules. Some examples are found through the American Academy of Pediatrics or the Family Online Safety Institute. Your child’s sense of ownership in the contract making will increase their motivation to build their self discipline and time management skills.
To keep up to date with information and resources, like us on our Digital Citizenship Facebook Page.