Reframing Technology
Technology is redefining connection, and connection is something we can all support. Parents, teachers, and therapists are having all the feels about relying on technology and children engaging with it. If we can't refrain, then let's reframe our technology use to align with our values, empower us, and build connection.
Technology use can be guided by your values. There is so much guilt about relying on technology. In reality, technology is a necessity, and fighting our need doesn’t help us meet it. We feel guilty when something does not align with our values. So, let your values guide your technology use! Here are some examples: If family connection is important to you, support it through Zoom calls with relatives near and far to share rituals and celebrations. If friendships are important to you, support them through video messaging so children (and adults) can see each other’s faces and feel included in each other’s lives. If creativity and expression are important to you, support them through a variety of technology to draw, paint, build, and experience flow and joy. Technology can help you live, not leave, your values.
Technology use can empower you. Clear expectations and defined boundaries are important for parenting, teaching, and therapy. This applies to technology use as well. Designating technology times and spaces for each person clarifies who will be on what technology, for how long, how often, and in what area. Visual schedules can show (not just tell) children what to expect and what is expected of them.
Technology use can also be shared experience. Teachers and therapists are bringing all of their education, experience, and expertise online to connect with their learners and clients. Parents can connect with their children through technology as well. Actively engaging with children on technology by co-watching, playing games, and doing concept, language, and motor activities can create connection and support learning. Co-watching allows you to see what your children are seeing and discuss it with them. Playing games brings life to technology and technology to life. Technology can be a launchpad for learning and a portal to curiosity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.
Bottom line: You don’t earn more, and they don’t learn more, if you feel guilty about relying on technology. Reframing your relationship with technology can connect you with your values, empower you, and invite the very connection you may fear technology is impeding.
Here are some resources for learning about technology and families:
Sonia Livingston and Alicia Blum-Ross, coauthors of Parenting For a Digital Future, propose a toolbox of strategies for leading with your values and using technology as a jumping off point, not just a landing point on the NPR Life Kit podcast.
Jordan Shapiro, PhD, author of “The Digital Sandbox: What Grown-ups Need to Know About the New Childhood,” discusses fears associated with screen time, children’s use of video games, smart phones, and social media, and educational technology and its relationship to traditional learning on the Unbabbled podcast.
Sign up for the Learn Play Grow newsletter to access a toolbox of strategies, and stay tuned to Learn Play Grow on Facebook and Instagram for support to help your family, practice, or school learn, play, and grow to success!
