A New Dad Playing with Tech: The Pro's & Con(n)'s

This week on Conn Talks, i'm going to open up and take a look into our last few months, as in this digital age, screens and technology are prevalent in our lives, almost all day long. As a new parent, I have quickly realized it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with screen time and prioritizing our baby's health and security. My wife and I just welcomed our son to the world this spring, he is our first, so some things have been a steep learning curve.

One of the observations we have both noticed is how much he is drawn to screens and lights. I mean, he just locks on from the other side of the room and cannot break contact unless we make it a screen free zone. Having these experiences with our son, has prompted me to want to share some insights in the the pro's and con's of using tech with your kids.

First meet Rory, he's the joy of our life right now. We call him the Red King!

I know for us the biggest concern regarding tech and our baby was excessive screen time. Especially for me, as I definitely have higher than normal screen use for myself, which I don't want for Rory... so I started looking into some of the impacts of tech on our kids and these were some of the risks to consider that fell on the Con list:

• Potential Developmental Risks: Excessive screen time can have negative effects on a baby's development, including language delays, decreased physical activity, impaired social skills, and attention-related issues. It's important to strike a balance and prioritize real-world interactions and experiences.
• Overstimulation: Babies have limited sensory processing capabilities, and excessive exposure to screens and technology can lead to overstimulation. This can result in restlessness, difficulty sleeping, and increased irritability.
• Limited Human Interaction: Extensive screen time may reduce face-to-face interactions, which are crucial for a baby's social and emotional development. It is important for babies to engage with caregivers and peers to learn essential communication and social skills.
• Dependency and Addiction: Excessive reliance on technology from an early age can lead to dependency and addiction later in life. It's important to establish healthy screen time habits early on to promote a balanced and well-rounded upbringing.

By understanding these risks of excessive screen time and prioritizing your baby's health and security, you can help them develop a healthy relationship with technology and you as parent. Personally, I think it's key to setting limits, promoting alternative activities, and fostering real-world experiences will contribute to their overall well-being.

Remember, our active involvement and guidance are key to protecting your baby in this digital reliance we have as parents. In fact, most of the Pro list that I came up with were to our benefit and easing through some of the anxiety and unknowns.

• ?Parental Support: Technology can be a valuable resource for new parents, offering guidance, advice, and support. Parenting apps, online communities, and forums can connect parents with experts and other caregivers, creating a supportive network.
• Communication and Connectivity: Technology enables families to stay connected, especially in cases where loved ones are geographically separated. Video calls and sharing photos or videos with distant relatives can help strengthen familial bonds and create a sense of connection for the baby.
• Health Monitoring: There are various technological devices available that can assist in monitoring your baby's health, such as smart monitors, wearable devices, and mobile apps. These tools can track vital signs, sleep patterns, and provide insights into your baby's overall well-being.
• Educational Opportunities: Technology can provide access to a wide range of educational content specifically designed for babies. Interactive apps, videos, and games can help stimulate their senses, promote cognitive development, and introduce them to early learning concepts.

Here are some of the actual brands and tech we used over the last 3 months that honestly were a life saver. Hopefully this will help any new or expecting parents.

There is a good video on YouTube that we watched to help us prior to getting some of these items. We also had lots of recommendations from friends that also said these were very useful. THANK YOU!

Would love to hear from all of you on your thoughts with tech and kids, as we know that tablets, phones, toys and VR video games are likely in our future.

• Are you using parental control tools and software?
• When did you educate your kids about online safety?
• What is the appropriate age to let them start using digital devices and surfing the internet?
• What types of red flags or signs should we be aware of?
• How did you deal with cyberbullying?

Drop a comment or reach out in a direct message!

#dadlife #worklifebalance #kidtech #cybersafety

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