Technology has become a luxury that we cannot live without. We use it for work, for recreation and even to do our daily chores. Even our children resort to online games and television as a form play, or to pass the time. To date, our kids have become so conditioned to the use of technology, that they are often not exposed to other activities, like imaginative play or sport for example. This is where parents need to step in. It is so important that our children (and us too) live balanced lifestyles and do everything they do in moderation. As adults, we need to firstly, set an example, and last but not least, we need to encourage our youngsters to explore the word beyond TV screens and cell phones.
We really do not want a generation that does not know how to socialise, exercise or improve themselves. While I do not agree on eradicating technology from a home completely, we do need to implement certain measure to make sure that there is a balance of activities. My advice is as follows:
Create a bustling environment
An exciting home goes beyond what movies there are on TV. Set up swings, jungle gyms, sandpits and all sorts of other fun things that could distract kids and entertain them as an alternative to TV. If there is nothing else for them to do, then you really cannot blame younger children for resorting to watching screens or playing Xbox games.
Make your home welcoming
Welcome your children’s friends into your home, make them feel comfortable and at ease. This way you can keep an eye on your children and encourage them to socialise at the same time, maybe even kick a ball or two around.
Limit screen time
As parents, you make the rules, and there is nothing wrong with setting a timeframe on how often the kids can watch TV or play video games a day. They might hate this rule at first, but you will soon find that they will discover something new to apply themselves to.
If you adhere to the suggestions above, it is very likely that your child will move towards sporting activities as a past time, since they will be seeking the adrenaline rush that their TV and Xbox games gave them. It is also then up to you as a parent to bring sporting opportunities to your children, preferably with a variety that they can choose from, so that they find something they love and excel at.
