By Guest: Arlene Pellicane
If you have an iPad and kids, you have probably uttered these words to your son or daughter, “Give my iPad back!”
Whether it’s an iPad, a different tablet, or a smart phone, you have probably struggled about your child’s growing use of technology.
I recently had lunch with a grandmother named Sally who was lamenting the loss of quality time with her teenage grandson. She and her grandson were very close during elementary school. Peter was always talkative and social with his grandpa
rents and others. Peter’s grandmother was very much a part of his everyday life.
Today the relationship is different. Sure things change as kids grow into teenagers. But now, Peter prefers spending hours each day playing video games alone. He rarely looks up to engage his grandmother in
conversation anymore. When they have a meal together, Peter wants to play games at the table instead of talking. He’s forced to put his electronics away, but when the meal is over, the gaming begins.
Does this scenario sound familiar?
Unfortunately, it’s becoming the norm to see teens texting instead of talking, and toddlers swiping instead of skipping.
The good news is that you are not helpless as a mother. You don’t have to simply allow technology to influence your life more than you want it to.
Author of The Five Love Languages series Dr. Gary Chapman and I are teaming up to write a book about parenting relational kids in a screen driven world. There’s no doubt we are living in a media saturated world. Our children have access to information that other generations of children did not have. This can be positive or negative, depending on how you use technology in your family.
We must learn how to be intentional about screen time in our families. It’s awfully tempting to go down the road of convenience. Screen time is just so easy – no fights, no fussing, no boredom. Just let your kids stay occupied with their favorite game, app, or educational website. But there’s a trade off. And it’s big.
What struggles do you have about dealing with technology in your home?
How much screen time to allow?
How to get your iPad away from your kid?
Getting your child to make eye contact?
How to limit video games without constant negotiating?
I look forward to reading your comments. Together let’s work to find solutions that would honor God in our families and use screen time in a positive way.
A Bit About Arlene:
Arlene Pellicane is the author of 31 Days to a Happy Husband. Arlene and her husband James have three children, ages 3, 6 and 8. You can find out more about Arlene’s books and ministry at www.ArlenePellicane.com
A Bit About Arlene’s Book:
What does a man need most from his wife? Arlene Pellicane, author of 31 Days to a Younger You, asked numerous husbands that question. Based on their answers, Pellicane identified five keys that will give wives a new appreciation and understanding of how to love and care for their mates.
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