Tech-savvy parenting: Read here before tonight’s online talk

In their book, Tech-savvy parenting – A guide to raising children in a Digital World, Nikki Bush and Arthur Goldstuck share practical insights that all aspiring tech-savvy parents (and tech-illiterate ones) can apply in their households. Sarah Rice explains

It was with delight and trepidation this mother of two read Arthur Goldstuck and Nikki Bush’s much needed guide on raising safe children in a digital world.

Delight because it was good to know that I wasn’t alone in my fear and confusion about how to navigate this new digital world. And trepidation because I was also pretty sure I wasn’t doing the best for my kids.

Luckily for me, the book is written in a calm and gentle style with none of the finger-wagging tsk-tsking of many of the baby books I was exposed to.

On the contrary Arthur and Nikki (after reading this book I really do feel I am on a first name basis with both of them) quietly talk you through the basics of both tech and parenting with two clear lessons.

1. Keep talking to your kids. Everyone will be better off when conversations happen.
2. Watch yourself sister… How is your use of technology? How are you modeling for your children? What are they learning from you?

I particularly loved the chapter entitled Practical Parenting Guidelines. This chapter provides practical information from something as simple as kids’ need to stay active (and how to keep them active!), right to the slightly more contentious situations where the authors provide solutions like letting your teenager sign a ‘contract’ for appropriate cellphone usage.

The chapter is jam packed with great ideas and recommendations backed up with developmental psychology and common sense parenting.

Another section that really spoke to me was a list of the traps that we – as 21^st Century parents – fall into. I know I am certainly guilty of a few!

* Many of us overuse technology as a babysitter for our children;

* Use technology as a bodyguard, assuming our kids are safe in front of a screen;

* Default to sending kids to engage with a screen when we are tired or busy;

* Use technology as a substitute for time spent with our kids;

* Use technology for peace and quiet in a home and to appease an upset child;

* Use technology to put children to bed at night;

* Lack ground rules and boundaries when it comes to our kids use of technology;

* Not manage our own use of devices in front of our children. (I am very guilty of this one!);

* Give in to our kids nagging to use technology whenever they want to;

* Be overwhelmed by our ignorance of the media landscape;

* Not be aware of the potential dangers of technology;

* Be hyper vigilant to the point of being obsessive and denying access to technology completely.

If any of the above rings a bell, then this is the book for you.

It’s useful and clear without being extreme or preachy and hopefully can keep us, and our kids safe online.