Finding balance in modern families can sometimes be difficult. Easy access to the internet has brought with it a sea of information – and conflicting opinions – about every parenting issue under the sun. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the veritable ocean of parenting advice that comes your way, but there are ways to navigate it, and number one is to trust yourself.
Embrace technology sometimes, avoid it at others
Technology overuse or addiction in children and adolescents is dangerous for developing minds for obvious reasons, but tablets and computers do have their place. There are literally thousands of educational applications and software programs designed to facilitate learning, and some can be very useful in combating particular learning disorders and areas of difficulty. If your child is having trouble learning at school or pre-school, ask a child psychologist to suggest some helpful apps to try out. Conversely, it’s always a good idea to limit screen time before bed – make sure you have at least a one-hour buffer zone for children to wind down before hitting the hay.
Connect with other parents
Use resources like online parenting groups, support groups, blogging communities, etc. to connect with other parents. It often helps just to know that other parents are going through the same experiences you are. Through these groups, you will often find that meet-ups and play dates are arranged so that parents and children can get to know each other in the flesh too.
Don’t let others dictate what’s right for your Family
While connecting with other parents online is great, it’s important not to lose sight of what you feel is right for your family. One approach to building confidence in your parenting decisions, suggested by parenting educators, is to listen to different advice, but take it on to form your own balanced opinion about what is right for your family. Building confidence as a parent can take time – but in the meantime seek advice from people that you trust and try to trust your own opinions. There is a lot to be said for a parent’s instinct!
Take time out
The positive and negative aspects of technology tend to dominate rhetoric about modern parenting, but sometimes it is important to take a step back, take a deep breath and get back to nature. “Getting back to nature” could be as simple as taking a walk in the park each afternoon or banning technology at dinner time, and it could be as complex as a camping trip, bush hike or surfing lesson. However you choose to take a step back from technology, it certainly helps the mind to relax and familial bonds to grow stronger.
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If you’re looking for more ways to find balance in your family, it might be time to speak to a family and child psychologist. Contact the friendly team of child psychologists at Strategic Psychology in Canberra to start therapy today. Call us on (02) 6262 6157 or book an appointment online to work towards a happy, healthy modern family.