In this digital age, it’s more important than ever for grandfamilies to use technology in a good way. As grandparents, it can be hard to find the right balance between the good and bad things that technology can do. But if you use technology the right way, it can be a great way to help your grandchildren grow and get along better with you.
Setting up a Good Way to Manage Screen Time
To begin, set up good ways to manage your screen time. It’s important to be clear about how much time your grandchildren should spend on their devices each day. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that kids ages two to five should only spend one to two hours a day in front of a screen, and older kids should have regular, reasonable limits. A good rule of thumb is to encourage breaks and make sure that using technology doesn’t take the place of exercise or talking to people face to face.
How to Pick Educational Apps That Help You Learn
There are a lot of different educational apps you can use. Choose apps that are fun and help you learn, like those that encourage creativity, problem-solving, or learning new skills. It can be fun and helpful to use apps that teach basic math, reading, or coding. This makes tech time useful. Before you suggest an app to your grandchild, make sure to look it over first to make sure it fits with your values and their age.
Putting Grandchildren’s Online Safety First
When you introduce technology, it’s also important to put safety first. Talk about how important privacy is and how dangerous it is to share personal information online. Make sure that devices and apps have parental controls so that the content is appropriate for kids. Talk to your grandchildren about what they see online, and make sure they feel comfortable coming to you with questions or worries.
Making Healthy Tech Habits for Better Relationships
It takes time to build good tech habits. Make sure that technology doesn’t take the place of real-life connections. Instead, use it to stay in touch, share experiences, and even work together on projects that both of you are interested in. You can use technology to send pictures, read an e-book together, or learn something new over a video call. All of these things can help you and your grandchild get closer.
Questions and Answers
What are some apps that help kids learn?
Some of the most popular educational apps are Khan Academy Kids, ABCmouse, and Duolingo. They make learning fun and engaging.
How can I keep track of how much time my grandchild spends on screens?
Make sure that using technology doesn’t get in the way of other things you like to do, like spending time with family or playing outside. Set clear time limits and tell people to take breaks.
How can I protect my grandkids when they are online?
Talk to your grandchildren a lot about how to stay safe and private online. Use parental controls and set limits on their devices.
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