As children grow older, parenting becomes more challenging. Unlike when they were younger and could be kept close by, older children are more difficult to manage and supervise. This is why unexpected situations can arise, leaving parents bewildered.
A classic example is the story of a young mother from China who shared a video on social media, attracting the attention of the online community. The mother of two posted footage from her home security camera, captured early one morning, revealing the presence of two “intruders.”
At that moment, the house was still dark, and the mother was just waking up. Out of habit, she reached for her phone and happened to check the camera footage. A few seconds later, she was startled to discover two figures crawling into the living room. Initially thinking they were intruders, she rubbed her eyes, still groggy from sleep, and was surprised to recognize her two sons.
It turned out that while their parents were still asleep, the two boys, eager to play on their phones, had crawled towards the living room table to secretly grab the device. Fearing they would be caught, the young boys kept glancing around nervously, their faces betraying their fear. The sight was both amusing and frustrating for the mother.
After achieving their goal, the boys quickly ran back to their bedroom. Watching their antics, their mother couldn’t help but laugh, but she was also frustrated, seeing signs of technology addiction in her children.
Many other parents who watched the video shared similar concerns about the easy access children have to phones and TVs these days, leading to excessive screen time. This is not something to be encouraged, and parents need to be more vigilant in monitoring their children’s device usage to prevent negative influences.
So, how can we address the issue of children’s phone addiction?
According to psychological experts, when children become addicted to phones or gaming, parents should consider the following:
– Avoid threatening or forbidding children from using electronic devices
Technology is not the enemy, and coercion is not the solution. In fact, forbidding something often leads to a lack of focus in children. This is because the human body, including the developing brain, requires proper nutrition.
Threatening to take away devices can lead to a constant preoccupation with phones and computers. The “craving” caused by unfulfilled desires can result in a lack of concentration.
Public Health Malaysia also advises against threatening children to keep them off their phones, as this can create traumatic experiences that linger in their memory.
– Establish rules for children’s phone usage
Instead of banning phone use, it is advisable to allow children to use phones in a controlled manner. In today’s information age, it would be a disadvantage for children to be unfamiliar with smart devices. However, it is crucial to set clear guidelines for phone usage.
Parents should closely supervise their children from an early age, allowing them to use mobile phones at specific times during the day.
Additionally, parents need to lead by example by practicing self-control in their own device usage for gaming, internet browsing, and social media. Children learn from their parents’ behaviors and attitudes, so it is essential to model healthy device usage habits.
– Provide alternative recreational activities for children
To wean children off phones, there is no need to threaten them with the negative consequences, as the young mother in the story did. In reality, parents can simply offer alternative recreational activities, such as playing with peers, engaging in healthy and brain-stimulating activities like puzzles or Lego, and participating in outdoor sports.
Encourage children to explore nature through trips and tours, providing them with enriching experiences that divert their attention from electronic devices.
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