Nurturing Trust and Safety: A Guide to Thoughtful Online Monitoring of Your Young Ones
Ensuring your children's online safety is a top priority. While the idea of using tracking apps and monitoring parental controls is regarded as part of the modern parenting landscape, it's essential to approach monitoring and tracking with sensitivity, respect for privacy, and age-appropriate considerations.
When your Child Threatens Self-Harm Over Phone Access
In my Counselling practice, I have had several parents distraught as their child or teen has threatened self-harm when the parent is trying to limit their screen time on their phones or their computers.
Despite trying many different approaches, some parents are sometimes left with having to physically take the phone away, as the child evades every parental control on the device and can’t seem to limit their phone use.
Unleashing Imagination: The Benefits of Audiobooks for Children on Holiday
As the holidays approach, some families gear up for road or plane trips to visit loved ones or embark on exciting vacations. With the allure of screens ever-present, parents often grapple with how to keep their children entertained during long car rides. In this digital age, where iPads and phones seem like easy fixes, consider the transformative power of introducing Audible books into your family's travel routine.
Should You Take Your Child’s Phone Away? Boundaries for Responsible Phone Use
In the intricate dance of parenting, we often face tough decisions regarding our tweens and teens and their smartphones. I often hear the question from parents: "Should you take their phone away when my child messes up online?" Let's explore this terrain with a real-life example, weighing the positives and negatives of this approach.
Grand Theft Auto: A Parent's Guide
If your child expresses interest in playing Grand Theft Auto (GTA) game, it's essential to embark on this decision-making journey fully informed. GTA, known for its mature themes, violence, and potentially explicit content, raises significant considerations for parents. Let's explore what you need to know as you navigate through this digital landscape.
Navigating the Digital Sandbox: Comparing Minecraft and Roblox for Kids
As parents, understanding the digital playgrounds our children venture into is crucial. Two popular choices, Minecraft and Roblox, fall under the sandbox games category, offering expansive virtual worlds for creativity and exploration. However, it's essential to be aware of the potential benefits and risks associated with each. Let's delve into the comparison.
Digital Balance: Setting Healthy Screen Time Limits
Striking the right equilibrium in screen time is not just about limiting access; it's about fostering a healthy relationship with technology. In this post, I'll share five tips to help you set and maintain healthy screen time limits, ensuring a harmonious balance between the digital and real worlds.
Teens & Tweens: Online Socialising: vs Face to face
In an age where online connections are woven into the fabric of our children's lives, guiding them in creating positive digital communities is essential. As parents, we must ensure they navigate these digital waters safely and respectfully. Join me on this journey as we explore the art of building positive online communities. From instilling online etiquette to fostering open communication, let's empower our kids to shape a digital world characterized by kindness and respect.
Digital Detox - Does it work?
Our digital devices are incredible tools, but too much screen time, especially for young people, can adversely affect their well-being. So, let's explore six tips on the advantages of a digital detox and how parents can encourage teens to take a much-needed break from screens.
Update Your Software Regularly: 8 Cyber Safety Tips from Leonie Smith
In the ever-evolving landscape of the digital world, staying ahead of potential online threats is paramount. One of the fundamental practices to fortify your digital defenses is regularly updating your software. This is just a quick reminder to keep your devices and browsers secure. Here are eight essential cyber safety tips to ensure your software is always up-to-date:
The Benefits of Digital Family Counselling in the New Year
Hello Digital Families! As we step into a new year filled with possibilities, it's an opportune time to reflect on our family dynamics, especially in the ever-evolving digital landscape. If you're considering Digital Family Counselling in the new year, here are some compelling benefits to guide you in making the most of this valuable resource:
Smooth Sailing into High School: Navigating the Transition to a School Laptop
As the school year kicks off and your child transitions from Year 6 to Year 7, a new chapter begins—often introducing school-issued laptops. Navigating this shift requires a thoughtful approach to ensure your child enjoys the benefits of technology while staying safe and balanced. Here's a handy guide on what you can do to set the sail for a successful high school journey:
Is your child always online? Striking a Balance
In the evolving landscape of digital parenting, observing our children predominantly socialising online is a common concern. Striking a balance between virtual and real-world interactions is pivotal for their holistic development. Here are practical steps to guide you:
Guiding Your Child into the World of Mobile Phones: 10 Tips
Introducing your child to their first mobile phone is an exciting but delicate journey. To help navigate this milestone responsibly, here are ten essential tips. Alongside them, we'll explore a cautionary example to underscore the importance of setting up the phone with safety features and engaging in open conversations.