Parenting Pointers: Getting Kids to Unplug

While mobile electronic devices such as cell phones, iPads, iPods, and video games offer convenience, it can be difficult to get your children to unplug and interact fact to face. Some kids are plugged in to electronic devices from the time they get home from school until they go to bed. In fact, kids ages 8 to 18 spend an average of seven and a half hours per day using electronic devices, this includes time at school and time watching TV. The need for constant electronic stimulation can take away from socialization and self-taught imagination. You can use the ideas below to encourage your child to spend their time plugged in more constructively, and to unplug more frequently.

Give Alternatives Instead of Nagging

As parents it is so easy to request, or nag, our kids to get offline or unplug, however, we need to do more than that. Instead of nagging, create fun-filled alternatives with activities your kids enjoy, or new activities they have never tried before. This could be a new sport or extracurricular activity, baking cookies together, family outings like hiking or camping, or playing non-electronic games together.

Electronically Limit Their Time

Many electronics such as computers, Kindles, and iPads can be managed by electronically limiting the hours your kids can use them each day. Set a time limit for the devices they use, and let them know that they will not be able to log back in after their time is up. If they need to use their devices for homework, explain they must do their homework first. Some devices even give you the ability to limit specific activities; you can set up the device to allow your child to surf the internet for 1 hour per day and read for 2 hours per day. For devices that you are not able to set specific time limits for, set a timer and let them know when time is up.

Invest in Physically Or Mentally Stimulating Games and Programs

If your primary concern for your child's electronic overuse is that they are not getting enough physical activity, invest in electronic devices like the Wii that have games that will keep your child plugged in and entertained, but get them off the couch and moving around. You can also download fitness apps designed specifically for kids. 

If you are concerned that your kid's electronic use is not mentally stimulating enough, encourage games that have a learning aspect to them and have them read online magazines and books. Also invest in electronic programs that encourage art and creativity. For example, you could encourage your child to take photographs with their digital camera or phone, and then buy them a program that teaches them photo editing, graphic design, and how to create electronic art.

Plug-In With Them

Also look for ways that you can plug in with your kids. Maybe you could read a book together on their Kindle each night for 30 minutes or you could play a Wii game with them. You could even have them learn how to use a new program or app, then have them teach it to you.

When it comes to electronics it's somewhat relative. When you were young you can probably recall your parents constantly asking you to get off the phone. While you don't want you kids plugged in at all times, electronic devices are the new social norm.

This article was provided by Anna Roberts, recent college grad and seasoned babysitter. Anna knows an unmonitored child online can lead to unmonitored browsing, unwanted purchases and even stolen identity, which is why Anna recommends ID theft services by Protect Your Bubble.