Tips from Dr.
Hallowell, TIME, March 27, 2006, p. 50.
DO |
DON'T |
Do see for yourself
what it's all about. Get on IM. Download an MP3
music file. Create a MySpace Account. Let your
kids be your guide, but talk with them about these
technologies safely and wisely. |
Don't be a disapproving
elder. Every older generation believes the younger
generation is on the road to perdition. Your kids
need your curiosity and involvement, not pious,
uniformed pronouncements. |
| Do set limits, monitor content
and teach "techno-manners" for everyone.
No cell phones at the dinner table. No playing video
games while someone is trying to talk to you. No
ignoring Mom and Dad when they come home because
you are glued to the screen. |
Don't be a screen-sucker.
Monitor your own online behavior and television
viewing. A major reason for the disappearance
of the human moment in families is the parents'
- not just the kids- addition to screens. |
| Do look for the good. Search
for what's positive and innovative in the ways in
which your children are using and adapting to the
new technology. Try to imagine how it could be used
to enhance relationships and learning. |
Don't let technology steal
your kids from you. Enjoy your children. Cherish
the face-to-face conversations, the shared laughter,
the dinner with all the family, the bedtime story,
the car ride without the iPod, video game or fold-down
DVD. |
| Do take time to hang out
with your kids. Do mundane, non-technological things:
wash the car together, play Ping-Pong, debate politics,
take them out for ice cream (no cell phones or iPods
allowed). Spend time together with ears and eyes
available for them. |
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