“Don’t sit in front of the computer all day anymore”
Concerned about their children spending too much time on electronic devices, many parents suggest reading books. However, simply switching from screens to books does not address the concern that children need more physical activity, as reading books also requires sitting still for long periods of time. This becomes contradictory if the goal is to encourage children to be physically active.
Furthermore, the child may already be reading books through electronic devices, so it is important to clearly point out the reason why a balance in daily activities is necessary. Parents should explain the importance of balancing time between reading books and using devices. If the goal is to increase physical activity, then planning activities such as biking or running with the child can be a better solution.
“You’re addicted to your phone”
This is a phrase that many people use, but sometimes it is not clear to children.
In reality, it is not the phone itself but certain apps or websites on it that can become too enticing when used non-stop, making the usage unbalanced or possibly leading to addiction.
Parents should try to express their concerns more specifically. Are you worried that your child is not participating in enough physical activities? If that’s the case, share that concern instead of just expressing dissatisfaction with phone usage.
For example, you can say “How much exercise did you get today?” or “Mom/Dad feels that we haven’t had much time together since you finished school.” By doing this, you are encouraging reflection and raising awareness about your child’s daily use of electronic devices.
“You’ve been playing that game for too long”
This is a way of reflecting the amount of time children spend on electronic games, but it may not really pinpoint the key issue.
Children may argue that watching a two-hour movie on the same screen does not make parents worry as much as when they play games for a similar amount of time.
When applying the principle of balance, parents need to consider the value of games compared to other activities. If they feel that the games are less valuable, parents should discuss that specifically.
Another approach is to say: “Do you feel that this game takes up too much time, as it mainly relies on repetition and chance?” This question opens up the possibility of discussing the value of apps and whether they truly deserve the time that children spend on them.
Parents can also ask: “Do you want to try a different activity today instead of just playing games on your phone?” This encourages children to think about how to use their time in a more diverse and meaningful way.
“You need to interact with real people”
This statement may not be persuasive enough to children, especially when they see themselves “interacting” with friends through the phone.
The fact is that the digital world opens up opportunities to connect with more people than in the real world, but it can also reduce the chances of offline relationships. Parents need to question the reasons for this imbalance.
Try saying: “Can you spend time with Mom and Dad?” or “Has it been a while since you played outside with friends?”.
These expressions open up the possibility of discussing the search for a balance between direct interaction and online interaction, contributing to the development of the necessary social skills for children.
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