How Modern Technology Can Help Our Kids!

Fraboom Expert Ryan

We’re all concerned about the negative things that can happen when kids misuse technology. If they play Angry Birds too much, they may try to break your nicest vase by launching your parakeet at it with a slingshot. If they spend too much time on the internet, they might use your credit card to buy a lifetime supply of fruit snacks from Ebay. Hmmm... Maybe I’m just projecting some of my own fears onto you. Anyway, I actually want to talk about some of the positive ways we can use technology to help our kids.

Modern technology can be used to help kids develop their social skills. Of course, social networks or texting could never replace face to face interaction. These advancements can, however, become a powerful supplement if we use them correctly. Whether your child is interacting with other users in Club Penguin’s social network or being trusted with their first texting package on their cell phone, they are, in fact, relating to people in the way that most people communicate today. I see these platforms as an opportunity to actively grow their communication skills and pass on your family’s values concerning relationships. As parents it is important to teach your children how to use social platforms responsibly and safely just as our parents taught us how to use be safe when we were kids.

Parents can use technology as a way to connect with their kids. Think about the American cliche’ of a father playing catch with his son. Our culture has come to associate a meaningful relational connection with the throwing of a baseball. The baseball is not relational. It is the intentionality of the parent that decides to do something with their children that makes that activity meaningful. Why not try and learn what that “mitt and ball” will be for your family? Even if that means that you have to learn how to play a game on the Xbox 360. Spending time together online is a great way to bond with your child and learn more about who your kids are as people.

Use the internet to help your kids become self-learners. I remember getting frustrated with a video game I was playing when I was in the 4th grade. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t beat level six. So, I hopped on the internet, found a video game tutorial website and used that information to pass the level.

I’m glad that my parents let me explore the internet within safe boundaries so that I could practice critical thinking and problem solving. It’s like exploring an encyclopedia or the periodical section of the library when we were kids... only much more powerful. Help guide your child in ways that allow them to solve problems themselves using technology as a tool.

Finally, take advantage of the educational media that is so widely available online. As a parent, you already know that you have a huge part to play in the education of your child. The school exists to aid this process, but ultimately, it is your responsibility to create an environment in the home that lends itself to learning.

The good news is that more and more companies are producing educational content for new and evolving technology. Sesame Street recently released, “Once Upon a Monster,” a game for the XBOX 360 that teaches kids about friendship, sharing and teamwork. Even at Fraboom, the online children’s museum that I create content for, kids can experience educational games, interactive books, videos and even live classes. Let’s get intentional about influencing the media they consume.

Well, that was refreshing! We talked about kids and technology without being negative! Okay. One last technology-fear confession; I worry that if my future kids play with an iPad too much they may think that it actually is their parent. They will become bored to death of me because I don’t have any cool apps. I’m not paranoid. I’ll just keep a close watch on that conniving little tablet so that it doesn’t destroy my family! Anyone else have this fear? No? Okay.