9 Innovative ways to prevent Gadgets overuse in Kids
Parenting in today’s world has become difficult than before. Majorly because of the explosion of technological gadgets all around us. Among them, the electronic gadgets that entertain us are being found more in the hands of children; and as the side effects of that are becoming visible with each passing day, so is the worry of parents.
If you always wondered how to keep children away from these electronic gadgets and make their time productive, give them proper overall development, but couldn’t do it, then following are the ways to begin the repair:
Setting an example
It is simple logic that if you want your kids to stay away from the mobiles and other gadgets, you should do that first. Children heavily do an imitation. Hence, at least in front of them, you resist the urge to use your mobile, and they too will not feel any longing to use it.
Limiting the time on the gadgets
As you start setting an example in front of them, slowly get control over the time they spend on the mobiles. Gradually reduce their usage with a few minutes each day to the point when they will use the gadget only when essential.
Reading books, telling stories
Books will be anytime better than tech gadgets for children. Invest in some interesting storybooks which will also have colorful pictures in them. Read the stories, poetries and rhymes for them and the more they get curious and involved, you can tell them to read for you all.
Encouraging outdoor activities
You can take them to a garden, parks, and shopping malls regularly. Encourage them to play outside with other children regularly. Playing outside in the sun is good for health, besides kids will learn many things like social skills, winning and losing, team play, cooperation, making choices at crucial times, etc.
Assigning household tasks
It will be good to involve the kids in the household work with you like handling items, cooking, etc. as they grow older, you can give a specific task of the house to them only. Watering the plants on specific days or every day will be a good activity for them which will also develop love in them for nature.
Involving them in creative activities
Teach them drawing and painting, buy them sketchbooks, drawing and painting books, colors, pastels, board games, toys and box packed games which will hone their creative skills and constantly make them think, keep them engaged in creativity. Who knows, they will develop a specific world-class talent from such activities.
Protection with a Password
Keep your mobile and other gadget password protected. This will ensure that the kids are not using them unsupervised and anytime they want. It will bring a good restriction on their gadget usage and only you will be able to give them the mobile when it is necessary or when you want to.
Engaging in Pretend play
It is a good way to immerse the kids in fun learning; they also love to do this activity on their own as they observe the adults and imitate them.
Keeping the access away
Sometimes even the sight of a mobile or other gadget can trigger the craving to use it. So it is best to keep the gadget at such places that it will be out of sight for the kids as long as it can be.
See to it that you are not forcing the children to comply with the help of stern words or voice, which can have an opposite effect too. Convince them in a playful manner. Most importantly, try to give your time to them as much as you can. Plus, a little usage of the gadgets will do them no harm.
