Do you know how to get your children to take off their mobile?

We live in a society where screens have invaded our lives: television, computer, tablet and mobile phone.

And not only that, it seems that we need these electronic devices in our day to day to work, talk with friends at all hours, pass the time... We always carry one with us, and this has led to the era of immediacy in which we want to be answered messages instantly, that inform us exactly about where our online order is or that you make that call from job. Not forgetting social networks (which seem to be the only way to socialize today), the overbooking of applications that we have for absolutely everything, the games, the activity monitor physics, etc.

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What to do to help your children unhook from the mobile?

Who has not heard that the more connected we are, the more we disconnect from what we have around us? Well, it is still true for some people who are always immersed in their screen, even when they are with other people. And this can lead to conflicts with friends and even family, for being aware of Instagram during a Christmas dinner or answering work calls on days off for example.

So, dear reader, as a father or mother, you put your hands to your head thinking that her son or daughter does not stop updating Instagram, seeing stories or to upload photos, in addition to whatsappear with your friends and send audios, I bring you 5 tips so that the screens interfere in your family life the least possible.

1. Communication

Sit down and talk to your children in a serious way. Feel free to reach out to them and convey your concerns. Don't stop informing them about the dangers of social media, as well as the benefits; As a father or mother, you are responsible for your little ones knowing the world and for warning, warning and teaching them both their good and bad things.

Make sure that you explain it to them in depth and that they understand it correctly, connect with their emotions and do not shy away from the examples.

2. Agree limits and schedules

Reach an agreement with them regarding the hours they spend on the screens. Of course, They must be schedules adapted to their ageBecause an adolescent, for example, will want to use a mobile phone more (to talk with her friends and socialize on the networks) than a 7-year-old boy or girl.

It is important that they are not schedules imposed by the parents, but that the opinion of the children counts; you will have to negotiate and think about what the screens may need on some occasions to perform work or search for information.

In addition, it must be borne in mind that sometimes you will be working or with your friends, and you will not always be able to ensure that they meet the agreed hours. I recommend that you do not get overwhelmed and do not try to always have it under control. It is not about imposing strict rules, but about finding a balance and learning to regulate themselves.

In this regard, remember that there are stages of growth in which the youngest try to distance themselves more from their parents and relate more to their peers. An example could be: no mobile phones during meals, or no screens before sleeping.

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3. Spend some quality time together

Take the opportunity to spend more time with your family and do things together. Try to do things at this time that everyone likes, that you can change your activity, that you get to Agreements regarding the activities that you will do and that you make sure that all votes and opinions count for same.

During these moments together, forge bonds, share your day to day, your concerns, etc. You can from watching a movie together to going on an excursion, the possibilities are endless!

4. Offer them alternatives

Think that the mobile phone is an easy and comfortable remedy for boredom. Social networks offer us fast and varied entertainment. We can even see stores, update the news, talk with friends from the mobile. Remember that it is not a negative tool, although we spend a lot of time with it, it has multiple benefits.

This is why competing with this device is so complicated, but if you keep your mind busy with other entertaining tasks, mobile use decreases.

I recommend puzzles, reading and writing, painting, signing up for activities outside of school hours, meeting friends, going to museums, organizing social activities, board games, etc.

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5. Set an example and be consistent

It is difficult to try to make your children spend less time with the mobile if they see their parents at home using it continuously. Thus, it is important to introspect and evaluate what our children may be learning with our behaviors.

I know that sometimes we need a mobile phone for work, but we must remember that the limits and schedules agreed are for everyone, it is not worth it for my son to leave his mobile phone at dinner if I answer work calls at that moment.

We must learn to find balance in the use of new technologies and social networks in family life, always adapting to circumstances and being flexible.