When you’re stuck in home containment like we are now because of a pandemic or for a long reason, things get complicated. Not only do you communicate less, but you also move less. After working from home for a few days, I realize that it is not easy for anyone unless you have been doing it for years. You’re stuck in a house and it gets boring. In this post, I share some good Tips and challenges of digital parenting to overcome when working from home.
Digital parenting
Although the digital world is fascinating, but most of us have seen it grow, unlike our children for whom it is just another tool. You can relate that to the television, which we took in our daily lives because it was there. However, when it comes to the Internet, we have seen it flourish.
In the same way that we interpreted television, our children understand the Internet. It’s there, always on, always accessible, thanks to smartphones, smart TVs and computers. Next comes the dark side. Just like how our parents kept an eye on what we watched on television, in the same way, we have to do it for our children, but intelligently.
We will talk about the following under Digital Parenting-
- Educating children on the Internet
- Digital Parenting Apps
- Digital classroom
- Define a house rule for digital access
Challenges to overcome Work at home
Working from home does not mean that you can work at will. Just like you would have followed an office schedule, you need it here too. Without that, it’s easy to lose track of time and you will end up working more, less time with your family.
We will talk about the following:
- Strict schedule and times
- Regular assessment
- Break social isolation.
Tips for good digital parenting
I have an eleven year old son and he sees me online every day. The story is the same for all of us, and believe it or not, they notice it and parents don’t see it. So here are some tips from your personal experience that you can try with your modifications.
1]Educating children on the Internet
Children see the Internet as games, video calls, messages, websites, in short, it is an entertainment system for them. Although we know the dark side, they don’t know it, and we need to talk to them about it.
No, I’m not talking about teaching them, but educating them. Tell the children how things could go wrong if they are not careful when they are surfing the Internet, how important it is to strike a balance between studying and studying on the Internet, and spending time with families. They are intelligent and most of us are smarter than us because they see the world with a different perception.
So the idea is to talk to them, educate them, and that is something that you will need to do so that your child can understand and understand better. Even better, use the computer with them, show them the good things they can find on the Internet, and then let them go the way.
2]Digital Parenting Apps
Until the child reaches an age where he can be free to decide, you can use digital software to keep track of what he can access and what he cannot. It is important. Although do not limit them to using the Internet, but limit the duration of use, what they can download and the websites they can access.
You can use three tools: Microsoft Family Safety (PC Windows 10), macOS parental control from Apple and Family Link from Google (Android).
Microsoft family security
You can read the detailed Family Safety Guide for Windows 10 and Xbox. Here are some key features
- Plan when they can access the device
- Types of applications they can download based on their age
- Weekly activity report
- Block websites
- Authorization request available by email or in person
Apple macOS parental controls
Although I have not used it personally, here is the list of available features.
- Disable the camera and multiplayer games in Game Center.
- Specify which apps can be used, including iTunes, Apple Books, or apply age-appropriate ratings.
- Limit access to websites
- Time limits for weekdays, weekends and bedtime.
- Privacy functions to ensure the security of the child’s data
Additional control options include Siri, Dictation and printer access.
Google Family Link (Android)
- Configuration of when the device is accessible (daily limits and bedtime)
- Location tracking
- Times of micromanagement application and total use
- Website restrictions
- Authorization request available via the application
- Control over Google Play, Chrome, YouTube and Google search.
Lily: Free software that will help you work from home.
3]Digital classroom
Many schools are turning to online education via videos, Zoom sessions and even messaging apps like WhatsApp. It would be a good idea to use apps like Google Classroom, which can help you and your child organize everything in one place.
The application is available on the phone, tablet and browser. I had to set this up for my son because there was too much chaos and the tasks were scattered. Google Classroom helped me categorize topics, files uploaded to Google Drive and everything was linked.
Students can submit their assignment, mark it as finished, and you will be notified.
I’m sure there are many services like this, and if you don’t like Google Classroom, it’s better to try others to see what works for you.
4]Define a house rule for digital access
This goes to the most difficult part because you have to be part of it. I talked about finding the balance, and unless you do, the kids won’t.
Set up schedules when it is okay to access the Internet and when it is important to spend time with family. An extended lunch and dinner is a good idea, and playing board games is even better. Enjoy a family movie or talk about old times. Children can also participate. They can talk about their friends and their thoughts. All of this will bring balance.
Challenges to overcome Work at home
1]Strict schedule and times
It is essential that you follow a strict routine and believe me, you have plenty of time if you do. The most important time you save by working from home is the journey time. This time can be used as a family, but it can also lead to a lot of work.
Not only must you follow a strict work schedule, but you must also involve the family. You are at home and if they are not used, it could make them feel that you are available throughout the day. Sit back and plan when you want to work and when you plan to take a break. You may need to adjust your work schedule based on the family calendar, not the other way around.
Take regular breaks, ask everyone to join him, it will help you work effectively and spend time with your family. You also need to decide when to stop working. If you think you can work for ten more minutes, anything that takes a minute to reach the family can be catastrophic.
2]Regular assessment
Evaluate your last day of work each day. Consider if you have to work a schedule because work is essential, and if you don’t, the WFH will become a hobby at home. The COVID-19 lock could expand, so make it a habit and evolve.
3]Break social isolation
It can be mentally devastating because you don’t meet a lot of people. It’s essential, after all, it’s the essence of life. Try making video calls, exchanging light moments with your friends at work and family. It will keep you sane for a longer time. Applications like Zoom, WhatsApp video calls are free and more than enough to break the barrier of social isolation.
There can be a lot of writing about digital parenting at home and the challenges of WFH, but these tips should be enough to get you started. Each experience and configuration will be different; you just need to assess and make choices to see what works for your family and work.