5 Ways To Parent Online Confidently
Reconfidence with Paps - Your Wellness and Confidence Coach
Award Winning Confidence & Wellness Coach | Award Winning Author | Highly Skilled Psychologist | Coaching Women, Pre/Teens and Leaders in Africa |
Since the launch of our Facing Giants Mentorship for teens and preteens in 2016, I have had conversations with hundreds of parents who are overly concerned about their children’s dependence on technology and internet. It is with a good reason. The COVID19 revolution has not only intensified online engagement but also increased the risk of exposure
Here are a few reassurances I never fail to mention in every conversation around this inevitable effect of the 5th industrial revolution.
KEEP LEARNING – Whereas our kids were born into tech (digital natives) but we are learning about tech (digital immigrants). Technology ain’t going anywhere, reliance and speed are increasing every day. Never tire of bridging the digital gap. Don’t grow weary of keeping up with the cultures and norms of the digital lanes. Learn a thing or two about those popular apps and games they're on, Consult Mr. Google whenever you are curious about something, join parenting forums, have chats with other parents, and most importantly, learn from your kids! Digital space is a dynamic culture with ever-shifting traditions, be a good student if you are to parent your child deeply and holistically.
KEEP RESPONDING - Every day will be full of incidences that require advice, conversations, observation, and flexibility. Whereas RESPOND is a positive action, REACT is negative. Instead of reacting, choose to RESPOND. It evokes negative reactions and attitudes from them. Respond to the surprises, disappointments, fears... Respond to the lessons, respond to the constant change. Don’t resist; learn and flow...
KEEP PLANNING - Be intentional. Be involved. Create a consistent parenting strategy, make a to-do list, and keep checking off stuff that will help you get ahead. As we hope for the best, we prepare for the worst through planning. Also be mindful to plan with technology in mind. Whenever possible, involve them in the plan. Planning will help in adjusting expectations and handling the unforeseen more confidently.
KEEP BELIEVING - This generation may look crazy, but trust me, they are totally awesome! Believe in the good in this generation. Believe in how unique they are. Believe that every arising challenges will come packaged with solutions and brilliance. Keep believing that technology is an amazing tool for their future. Keep believing that you can still raise kids with values like Shadrack, Misheck and Abednego in Babylon. Don’t stop believing in yourself for the amazing parent you are to your coming generations.
KEEP PRAYING - Parenting in the 4th Industrial revolution is honestly overwhelming. When you feel like it's all coming down on you, take it to the Lord in prayer. All your concerns, fears, frustrations, disappointments, inadequacies… name it! Take time to pray through each thing and trust that God is able to reach out even where you can’t, lead them where you are not present to, and heal them from any devastations of exposure and mistakes that threaten to destroy who they are.
We end this conversation with the Serenity Prayer, shall we? God give me the serenity to accept what I can change. The courage to change what I can and the wisdom to know the difference.
A blessed week to all ye faithful and super parents!
Would you like your child to start their journey towards Purpose Clarity, Positive Attitudes and Confident Decisions? Every Monday, we have a New Intake for Preteens and Teens aged between 10 to 17 years. Chat me on Whatsapp +254 735 428808 for more details and sign up.
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