Parenting and Media Smarts

So many parents talk about the problems regarding too much tv, computers, texting, overall online use and other media abuse issues.

Just like all other areas of concern in your child's best interests, it is important to approach the issue in a positive and productive manner.

Use of media and all technologies can be a wonderful advantage for children regarding learning. As always parents must remember safety first. Then check themselves to be sure their issues are NOT about he parents need to control but that there concerns are reasonable and make sense.

OK so when addressing such an issue parents can inform the children of the concerns and why they are concerned. Then explain what a reasonable plan to resolve the issue is going to be. Of course your child can have input about what is fair and reasonable or at least parents can listen to what their children have to say. That would be respectful. Offering choices within a healthy level is always another positive approach to an issue. However parents should do some homework and find out what is normal and what is healthy making a decision that is in the best interest of their child. (Normal is not always healthy so it is NOT just about what everyone does..like some people think it is normal for parents to argue with their teens????...This may be normal but it is not an absolute way of life nor is it necessary or healthy. Another topic for another day)

Anyway, it is always better for everyone if the issues are addressed in a positive way with lots of information available so that during and after the discussion about the issue everyone is at least close to agreeing. Trust me if a parent has good information available and provides their children with valid concerns in a respectful way ..children will be receptive to the info and requests.

If children are not then something is not healthy within the interaction and that is what needs to be addressed. Most often there is a power struggle, underlying anger/animosity, or other behavioral issue. If so seek professional help with figuring out why the unhealthy relationship exists.

For most parents just being sincere about your concerns, treating your children with respect, and
approaching the issue with effective communication skills will certainly help resolve the problem or at least be the beginning of a solution.

Ultimately parents are running the show since they provide all the privileges children like, want, and need! Parents however could benefit from being a little nicer when being firm and understand children just need to learn to make good decisions for themselves...that is the parents' responsibility to teach!