Time's Up! Preventing Tech Tantrums

Parents often ask me how to limit their child's time on the computer. They usually wish to avoid "tech tantrums"--frustration and meltdowns--when they tell their child, "Time's up!"

What's the goal?
One of the most important things I stress to them is to fully understand what their child is trying to achieve, whether it is on a website, software, video game, or app. Is he or she creating something? Or trying to beat levels of a game? Attempting to finish a puzzle? Or just randomly surfing from one thing to another?

If you set a timer, or give a child an "end time", they might get frustrated if they haven't completed what they set out to do. Instead, understand your child's goal and set an approximate end time based on that goal. If the goal is too ambitious and could take much longer than you want, then help your child reset this goal to something that can be achieved in the time frame you prefer. Communicate, set expectations, and don't just say "Time's UP!" When time is ALMOST up, check in with your child and see what they have accomplished, and then you can transition to something else--without the tears!

Choosing Tech Gifts

"I want... an iTouch, a laptop, a new Wii game, a membership to my favorite website, and...."
It's the holiday season, and parents often have questions about choosing the right technology-related gifts for their young children. Here are some tips we have shared with parents of Imagine Tomorrow students, that may help with the shopping!

Choosing a Computer:

• At home or on the go? Before purchasing a computer, think about where you will have it set up in your home. We recommend setting it up somewhere that young children can easily be supervised or given assistance, like a family room or den (rather than a bedroom). Selecting a laptop versus a desktop really depends on whether or not you prefer to be portable. Regardless of the type of computer you choose, remember that young children can be taught to respect this new gift. So after the gift is given, be sure to remind them of "the computer rules"--such as how to gently tap the keys, how to take turns with siblings...and not to use it as a place mat when eating & drinking!
• A mouse in the house? Children adjust very quickly to different control mechanisms--whether it's a touchscreen, a touch pad, or a mouse. As a matter of fact, the hand motions to control touchscreens are very intuitive to many young children, so this is often not a limiting factor in your choosing.
• "Hi Grandma! Do you see me?" Consider whether you want a web cam that comes with many systems--a nice addition if you have friends or family that use Skype.

Games/Apps/Software/Website Subscriptions:
Games, software, and websites can be educational, entertaining, or hopefully both! When deciding which ones to choose, do a little research. Look at product descriptions and information online, and read user reviews. Here are a few things you can ask yourself:

• Is it age-appropriate? Check the recommended age, read reviews, or even ask other parents for feedback on the product. For the same reason that you wouldn't hand a 1st grader a book that a 6th grader is reading, you should take the time to carefully choose the right level game or program. This can prevent a lot of frustration.
• Is there violence? Are there darker 'mean' characters? If so, how does it fit into the values and standards you have set in your home?
• Is there educational value? Straightforward academic enrichment? Or problem solving and critical thinking skills? Does it look like it will inspire creativity???
• Does it seem to be positive/rewarding? Does it look like it gives positive feedback, such as "Good Job!" or "You did it!", leading the child to success? Please be aware that there are games out there that challenge children to "beat a level", but are negative, even labeling attempts as "Failure" on-screen. This type of negative feedback frustrates children (young and old), so try to avoid these types of games when possible.
• Does it look like FUN? That's an important question too--because that's what will put a SMILE on the face of the child receiving the gift!

Happy shopping!