Children born today are technology-savvy almost right at birth! Kids as young as 18 to 24 months use mobiles and tabs with great ease. Leave your phone with them and in two minutes they've already exhausted your credit making calls (to unknown people) or downloading games. Besides the inconvenience this does to you, you also have to consider how it can affect their development and behaviour. Here are a few tips you can try to ensure that your child doesn't become addicted to technology;
1. De addict Yourself
Kids imitate what their parents are doing, if they find that you are always glued to your phone they might do the same. Limit the use of your phone in front of your kids, this will dissuade them from spending too much time browsing your phone too. When they are asleep, you can spend as much time you want on your gadget.
2. Play with them
Is there a game or cartoon that your child loves watching on your phone or laptop? Then play, sing or act it out with him, when you involve your kid in it, he'll enjoy it and have less desire to play with your phone.
3. Read books together
Buy some children's books that have interesting story line with big and colourful pictures and read it to them(or let them read if they can), it won't only develop their reading habit, it will also build their language skills and help them lay off your phone.
4. Play interactive games
Play fun games that involve role play together this will make your child think and react. You should also encourage outdoor games that'll help their social and physical development.
5. Restrict screen time
If you're busy with house work or office work and you need to engage your toddler so they won't disturb you allow them watch TV, play with your phone or your laptop for a short while and while they are watching the screen, ensure they distance themselves from the screen while keeping their head and shoulders straight.
Keep your child away from gadgets (phones, laptops...) until they are five. It won't affect their technology knowledge in any way.
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