LaGratitude Frail Care’s Post

Grandparenting in the Digital Age: Staying Connected with Your Grandkids! Living far from your grandchildren doesn't have to mean missing out on the fun! This blog post is packed with tips and tricks to bridge the distance using technology. ✅ Explore user-friendly online tutorials and workshops to conquer technology. ✅ Discover creative apps and platforms that allow you to play games, learn together, and even create digital storybooks with your grandkids! ✅ Learn how to strike a balance between virtual interactions and cherished traditions. This post is your guide to creating lasting memories with your precious grandchildren in the exciting digital world! Read the full blog post here: https://lnkd.in/dMim2VmG #GrandparentingInTheDigitalAge #TechSavvyGrandparents #MakingMemories

These days Grandparents are vital in raising their grandchildren, with nearly two-thirds regularly caring for them. But let's face it, expecting them to follow all your guidelines especially when it comes to tech isn't realistic. Internet Matters Ltd shares several tips about online risks, setting clear internet use rules, monitoring online activities, and maintaining open communication about online experiences. In this article, Angel's CEO Tim Estes explains why “taking away devices creates a ‘pink elephant paradox’.” Essentially, if you take a device away from a child as a consequence, the more they want them. 🐘 It's important to find a healthy balance with technology for your child even when you may be away. Using age-appropriate apps like Angel and setting clear expectations helps ensure a happy, healthy day spent with their grandparents. #KidsTech

Kids Born with Screens in Hand - Are We Preparing or Preventing Them from the Tech-Drenched World? 🌍💻🍼 In this tech-drenched era, our offspring are virtually born with screens in hand. 📱But are we truly equipping them to deal with this new frontier? 🧗♀️🤔 Digital parenting isn't about hiding devices in cupboards post-bedtime. 🚪 It's about imparting the wisdom and empathy they need to navigate this digital landscape. It's about fostering responsibility, not imposing restrictions. 🌟 Here's an example. Last week, instead of implementing screen limits, I initiated an open dialogue with my daughter about her online activities. And guess what? We discovered an app which was simultaneously educational and fun that she now loves! 😁🎈 Remember, it's not about preventing our children from using technology—it’s about preparing them for a world dominated by it. Ready to join me on this crucial mission? 🚀 Being a digital guide is more than a role—it's a responsibility. Are you up for it? 💼👍

2 years back, I felt like I was raising digital zombies not kids. I know we can’t run away from screens. They’re a reality. But how do we make sure it’s a tool not a trap for our kids development? I desperately sought answer to this question. And I finally found one. — I started involving my kids in intentional digital screen time Here’s how: ↳ Didn’t let screens be the babysitters. Co-watched educational content with my kids, and discussed with them afterward. ↳ Used parental controls to set boundaries and promoted healthy content that aligns with my kids’ interests. ↳ Encouraged kids in active play and offline hobbies. Allowed them to be messy, exploring, and let them build social skills. ↳ Stopped using screen time as rewards. Rather offered playtime at the park, a fun trip to museum, or fun craft project. This reinforced the value of offline activities in my kids. See, the motive is to guide our kids to be the masters of media, not slaves of screens. And you cannot escape digital screens in this age anyway. So it’s better to — Set boundaries and Lead with example. How do you set boundaries for digital devices in your home? Share your best tips in comments. P.S. Here’s a glimpse of Champions Studio, where we nurture your kids beyond screens with offline activities.

Encouraging meaningful playtimes without screens can be a challenge for parents. Are you seeking inspiring ways to switch your child's pace from digital devices to creative fun? I recently came across an intriguing blog post, "Screen-Free Activities Perfect for 8-Year-Olds". The blog post presents innovative ways to keep 8-18-year-olds engaged, learning, and entertained – without the constant glare of screens in their eyes. This comprehensive guide contains a plethora of offline games tailored for children, promoting hands-on experiences and stimulating their creativity. What I really liked is the emphasis on interactive crafts and puzzles that can spark a child's imagination, keeping their minds active while providing them with immense fun! One major reason I'm sharing this here is the rising concern associated with excessive screen time for kids. Many reports suggest that prolonged screen exposure can impact a child's physical health, sleep, and social interactions. Engaging children in screen-free activities not only mitigates these risks but also plays a significant role in their overall development and learning. The resource also reinforces the idea that screen-free experiences can create cherished memories. Playtimes are more fun when they involve hands-on activities that help children build motor skills, encourage critical thinking or foster relationship-building. So, parents of middle schoolers and YA kids, here is our call to action: Let's try to replace a fraction of digital downtime with old-school fun and learning, one day at a time. Do you have any screen-free activities that your kids love? Maybe a backyard game, art project, or DIY science experiment? I would love to hear how you contribute to this screen-free initiative and implement it in your routine. Let's make screen-free time fun and share our ideas to inspire each other. Let's unlock a universe of joy, imagination, and learning for our children - all without the glare of a gadget. Together, we can ensure that screen-free never means fun-free. #ScreenFree #Parenting #HealthyHabits. Read the full post on https://lnkd.in/dZNSByTM.

Let's be real. Navigating parenthood in the digital era is a journey like no other. As we pioneer this path, it is important to allow ourselves grace. We won't always know the latest apps, trends, or lingo. But we can make every effort to have conversations with our children, be involved in their online lives, and be proactive in learning about the platforms they use. #sexualexploitationeducation #parenthood #parentingtips #parentingadvice #parentlife #onlinesafety #internetsafety

Welcome to Day-5 of our 7-day back to school challenge Task for the day Limiting screen time for kids📱💻 Screen time refers to the amount of time a person spends using devices with screens, such as smartphones📱, tablets, computers💻, televisions📺, and gaming consoles. It can include various activities such as watching videos, playing video games,⚽ browsing the internet, using social media, or doing schoolwork. Why Limiting Screen Time is Important for kids: 1. Supports Social Interaction: 2. Encourages Active Play 3. Promotes Emotional Well-being: 4. Prevents Sleep Disruption: 5. Boosts Focus and Attention: How to Limit Screen Time Effectively: **Set Clear Rules: Establish specific times when screens are allowed, such as after homework or chores. **Use Timers⏰: For younger children, setting a timer can help them understand when it’s time to turn off the screen. For older kids, teaching them to manage their own time can encourage responsibility. **Encourage Alternate Activities🤽🏂🚵: Offer engaging alternatives to screen time, such as reading, outdoor play, board games, or creative projects like drawing, crafting, or music. **Be a Role Model: Kids tend to mimic the behavior of adults, so it’s essential that parents or caregivers also practice balanced screen use. **Plan Family Screen-Free Time: **Monitor Content and Quality: Not all screen time is created equal. While entertainment and games have their place, educational content that promotes learning and development should be prioritised. **Keep an eye on what your child is watching or playing to ensure it aligns with your values and developmental goals. **Encourage Social Use of Screens: If screen time is inevitable, try to make it more interactive. For example, encourage multiplayer games where children can play with friends, or watch shows together as a family and discuss what you’ve watched. This can turn solo screen time into a more engaging **Establish Tech-Free Bedrooms: **Balance Screen Time with Physical Activity: **Gradual Reduction. Balancing screen time is essential because excessive usage, especially of passive screen activities, can impact physical, social, and emotional health, particularly in children and adolescents. Beloved parents let's help our kids to eliminate this bad habit which will definitely affect them in the future.. Thanks for following 🥰 #Backtoschoolchallenge.

🌟 Happy Safer Internet Day! 🌟 As a parent to two wonderful children aged 18 and 14, I believe it's crucial to reflect on the limitations of Safer Internet Day. While this day brings awareness to online safety, we must acknowledge the challenges our children face in today's digital landscape. Did you know that various social media apps profit significantly from children under the age of 16? Shockingly, statistics reveal that these platforms generate billions in revenue from younger users. As #parents, it's essential to understand the financial motivations behind these platforms and their impact on our children's online experiences. Our education system now heavily relies on children having access to smart devices for learning. While this technological integration offers numerous benefits, it also exposes our children to potential risks online. Is it time for social media giants and communication providers to invest some of their profits into assisting the education system? One significant issue our children face is the pressure to be seen as popular on #socialmedia Peer influence plays a significant role in shaping their online behaviors, often leading to risky activities and exposure to inappropriate content. Children will do things that you wouldn't believe just to fit in, like masking apps, or keeping them in the cloud, so when you check their phone it may not always be easy to see what they really have available to them. In light of these challenges, I urge fellow parents to prioritise parental controls and open discussions about online safety with children. It's crucial to establish clear guidelines and boundaries while fostering a supportive environment where our children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences, I know this following the experiences of my own children and reading the stories recently in the press. Additionally, I encourage schools to address #digitalliteracy and online safety as part of the curriculum, a different and more engaging method is needed than the antiquated "Show and Tell"; in my opinion the classes should be learner-led, using their issues and concerns. How do you think we can empower people with the knowledge and skills to navigate the online world responsibly? #SaferInternetDay #Parenting #OnlineSafety #DigitalLiteracy #ParentalControls #CommunityAwarenes

👋 𝐇𝐢 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞, I want to take a moment to share something important that could make a real difference for families with non-verbal loved ones. For those who might not be familiar, an 𝗔𝗔𝗖 (𝘈𝘶𝘨𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯) device is a tool that helps non-verbal individuals communicate. Unfortunately, most of the top-rated 𝗔𝗔𝗖 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 are only available on iPads, which can be expensive. On top of that, the apps themselves often come with high costs, limited customization options, and all of this before you even know if it will truly help. This is where 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐖𝐚𝐲 comes in. Created by an Autism mom (my beautiful and talented daughter, Brittany Johns) inspired by her own 4-year-old non-verbal son, 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐖𝐚𝐲 was developed to break down these barriers. It’s accessible from any device with a web browser, and 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀—𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀—𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲. The app is also highly customizable to meet each individual’s needs, and there are some premium features available for those who might want more. 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐖𝐚𝐲 is designed to help families who might not be able to afford an iPad or expensive app access, offering a solution that’s flexible, affordable, and continually improving based on feedback from the community. If you could help us get the word out by 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙩, it would mean so much. 🤗 You never know who might see it and find exactly what they’ve been looking for to help their loved one communicate. ❤️ 𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕜 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕤𝕦𝕡𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕥!❤️ Sign up or get more information at www.speakanyway.com

I saw an ad for app the other day that let’s kids choose their adventure in a story, so that you, as parents, do not always need to read the same book over and over again. The idea is that instead of reading the same book time and again, you can use the iPad for different stories… But here’s the thing: Kids actually want and learn from reading the same book over and over again. It’s one of the reasons that, in its heyday, Blues Clues showed the same episode 5 days in a row. The makers of that show built on the research that Sesame Street’s creators used, in terms of repitition when it comes to early childhood development. Plus, any parent today will tell you that one of their biggest challenges is managing screen time with their kids. The general consensus that we are getting in our society is basically that almost all screen time is too much... So now you have this new app or technology that is challenging both of those conceptions. But is it really a net good for anyone who uses it? It’s a cool concept, especially from the parents perspective, but will it really help kids learn and have a healthy relationship with devices? I’m sure it will be successful, but it’s a reminder that just because you can make something using technology, that does not mean it is a better experience. The key to technology is to focus on the users experience and how you might be improving lives. And not just the easy day-to-day improvement, but the meaningful, long-term, and deep improvement that has a positive impact and changes the course of someone’s life.