Phones. Computers. Tablets. Game Consoles. TVs. For parents, screens are the enemy we love to hate – they take over our kids’ minds (and steal their attention). In this video, learn how to establish a parent-child agreement that will help kids with ADHD use electronics responsibly.
Technology is empowering, mind-expanding, and awfully fun. It’s also hugely distracting from daily responsibilities and relationships – particularly for kids with ADHD who want electronics time to be ALL the time.
In this video, learn how to teach your child how to use their devices responsibly — with clear guidelines for their use.
How to Set Boundaries on Your Child’s Devices
Each time a new electronic device enters your home, immediately create clear guidelines for its use with your child.
1. Who may use the device?
Explain that the device belongs to you as a parent. You are kindly sharing it with your child to use within certain parameters.
Say this up front, the first time you give your child a device. Then say it repeatedly.
2. What may the device be used to do?
Explain what activities are OK, and information your child may send.
Establish the consequence that you’ll take away the phone if your child uses it inappropriately.
Use a parental control program like Mobicip to filter what your child can access.
3. When may the device be used?
Restrict phone use during homework and at night time.
Phones and video game consoles need scheduled time outs during appropriate times, and whenever they are being misused.
4. Where may the device be used?
Maybe your child isn’t allowed to use the phone:
At school
In study areas
At the dinner table
When driving
Choose places where your child should be deferent and thoughtful to other people, and disallow phone use there.
5. Why is this rule being set?
While creating boundaries, don’t ever utter the phrase, “Because I’m the parent.” Always explain why the rule is being set.
This is how your child learns priorities and values.
6. How will this rule be enforced?
When a rule is broken, sit down and have a conversation about how long the device penalty will last.
The punishment should be just long enough that it gives kids pause the next time around to think, “Do I really want to do this?”
Author: WES CRENSHAW, PH.D., ADDITUDE EDITORS
Article Source: https://www.additudemag.com/electronics-time-guidelines-video/?utm_source=eletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=parent_may_2018&utm_content=052618