Wow.  Can you image that our kids are spending that much time with digital media?  I know as a mom it can seem so overwhelming to keep up with not only our children’s activities and events, but also their friends, lingo and now all that they are faced with online and via social networking.  But seeing these statistics, how can we not educate ourselves and communicate with our kids about the dangers and situations that can arise?

I want to begin by saying that having a close relationship with your children from the beginning is critical, you need this in order to talk about any subject. If the norm in your home is to make small talk until everyone once again finds themselves submerged in work, technology or friends…then it will be difficult for you to try and have open communication about any isolated topic.  It is all about relationships.  In my opinion, the biggest obstacle in our families today is isolation. Somehow our culture has convinced us that it is okay that we all live separate lives. That teens need to have constant contact with their peer group and that they could care less what you have to say.  That is simply not the case.  Your children are a part of your family and you need to function as such.  There needs to be limits set on the amount of time spent on game systems, phones, iPads, and computers or simply just alone in their rooms.  Interact with each other, spend time together doing things like the dishes, working in the yard or going on a hike. The only way to have a relationship with our kids is to have a relationship with our kids.

I know that we cannot shelter our kids from technology.  They are going to use technology and technology is not intrinsically “bad”.  However, we allow our children to have cell phones, iPads, and social media accounts far too early.  We allow our children to be put into adult situations before they are equipped to handle them.  Filters do help.  Parents having an understanding about the devices, apps and programs their children use is crucial.  But using filters and gaining knowledge, simply will not protect them completely.

I am including some great websites and resources.  It would be a start to help you as you begin to educate yourselves on the things your teens likely already know.

www.theiphonemom.com

www.theonlinemom.com

www.connectsafely.org

I want to encourage you.  You are the parent of your child or teen.  Don’t fall to pressure from our culture.  You decide what is okay in your home.  You set the boundaries.  Remember, parenting is about your relationship with the Father.  If you are obedient to Him when it comes to setting boundaries with your kids, you can’t go wrong!

TYL J,