We are a true example of a tech-savvy, digital family; you can find anyone in our household connected to a device at any point during the day. But how do you maintain a healthy tech balance? Here are some ways to stay connected with your family at home.
Use Tech Together
In the past, we’ve experienced challenges with using multiple devices in our household all at once. This made it difficult to work, keep the kids entertained, and watch our favourite shows – causing unnecessary stress and arguments.
Now we have Rogers Ignite Gigabit internet service, allowing us to seamlessly use multiple devices at the same time and in the same room. You can watch YouTube videos, play computer and video games, and research topics of interest together as family or in different rooms of the house. I can be uploading a blog post while one of my sons is playing the PS4, the other is watching his favourite YouTuber, and my husband is watching a Netflix movie on our family-room television at the same time.
Family time is super important. We look forward to watching movies together on Friday nights, playing games, and chatting; a chance to re-connect as a family, and catch up on what’s happened during the week.
Open Dialogue
It’s important to talk to your kids about social media, cyber bullying, and browsing the internet safely. If your child has a cell phone, discuss the responsibility that comes along with it such as the risks of posting or uploading photos, texting or sharing personal information. I always tell my kids to think twice before pressing the publish button. My kids have Instagram accounts which gives us a great opportunity to talk about safety; no matter how many rules and limits you set, the best thing you can do is have open communication with your kids.
Let’s get social!
We also like to have some fun with social media too! We enjoy making Boomerangs and Instagram Stories together. When I have a work opportunity to film or photograph my kids for a brand, I’ll ask them to model for me; they gladly accept, with a pay cheque of course!
Set limits at home
Set limits on recreational screen time, such as one or two hours a day. My husband and I have a Share Everything Plan for our cell phones, and we recently added our “new” teenager to our plan, with limits; We sat him down to explain the value of data and the importance of not having your face in a phone at all times (Social Media etiquette 101. As an added bonus, I can track our usage to ensure we won’t receive any overage charges.
Kids look at their parents to set the example so try to limit your own screen time too! When “tech time” is over, encourage your kids to get outside, play sports or go to the park, or do something active together as a family.
How do you stay connected with your family at home?
Disclosure: I have an existing collaboration agreement with Rogers to share my views on products & services. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.