Before becoming a mom, I immersed myself in parenting literature, eager to grasp the essential do’s and don’ts of raising a child. I mastered the art of swaddling, learned the significance of introducing carrot baby food before blueberry, and found the safest car seat on the market. Now, as a mother of a teenager, I feel compelled to share what’s crucial for parents today: guiding our children on the responsible use of technology. The landscape has shifted dramatically! Here’s a glimpse into our past conversations with kids versus the new lessons we need to impart.
Then vs. Now
Then: Don’t run with scissors!
Now: Don’t run with my tablet!
Then: Turn down that loud music!
Now: Remove those earbuds!
Then: Answer me when I call from the other room!
Now: Respond when I text you!
Then: Watch where you’re walking!
Now: Avoid clicking on that sketchy ad!
Then: Make sure to comb your hair for your class picture!
Now: Don’t post cringeworthy selfies on Instagram. And definitely don’t share any pictures of me before my morning coffee!
Then: Turn off the TV when you leave the room!
Now: Unplug the charger when you’re done and return it to its place!
Then: If you finish your dinner, you can stay outside for two more hours.
Now: Just go outside and play!
Then: No elbows on the kitchen table!
Now: No phones at the table!
Then: Be selective about your friends.
Now: Please “friend” me on your social media!
Then: Look at me when I’m speaking to you!
Now: Look at me when I’m talking to you!
And there you have it! I could share more insights, but it looks like I have a text to respond to. For additional resources on family planning and fertility, check out this post on fertility boosters for men which might be helpful. For those exploring insemination options, this article on how many embryos to transfer provides valuable insights, and you can also find excellent information on intrauterine insemination at this link.
In summary, the evolution of technology has reshaped the way we communicate with our kids, adapting our guidance to the digital age. As parents, we must embrace these changes and ensure our children are equipped to navigate the complexities of modern technology.