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4 Ways to Be a Good Online Example

Like most parents, we have strict rules for the kids regarding technology. As soon as they started showing interest in screens, I started worrying about their brains being overstimulated and their bodies not getting enough exercise. However, my son said something the other day that really got me thinking.

I heard him say to another kid, “My mom is on her computer all the time.” My immediate thought was, “No I’m not!” But after I paused and thought about it, I realized he was right. I needed to limit screen time for myself.

We moms are good at preaching about the problems that arise when our kids spend too much time online, but do our own online and social media habits line up with what we’re teaching our kids? Our actions communicate more than our lectures ever could. Here are 4 ways to be a good online example.

1. Consider the time you invest.

When your kids reflect back on their childhoods, the last thing you want them to picture is their mom on the sofa staring at her laptop. The constant accessibility of the internet through our phones and other wireless devices makes it easy for that to be something you “go to” by default every time you stop moving. Consider tracking the number of times you log on per day and how long you are in front of a screen. You may be shocked at the totals. Make it a game to lower your screen time totals week after week. Even if it’s only by five minutes.

When your kids reflect back on their childhoods, the last thing you want them to picture is their mom on the sofa staring at her laptop. Click To Tweet

2. Consider your boundaries.

Even if you spend a modest amount of time online, think about when and where you do it. Can checking Facebook or Instagram wait until the kids are in bed? Are you constantly checking email and text messages while the kids are trying to tell you about their day or while you’re driving? Look at the schedule and set up some designated online time, and leave the computer or your smartphone off or on silent during the hours when your kids need you most.

3. Consider your standards.

Do you tell the kids they can’t follow influencers who gossip or show too much skin, but those accounts fill your feed? Maintain integrity with regard to what the standards should be for your kids and yourself online. If you’ve given your children strict instructions about who it’s OK to “friend” or “follow” on a social media site, make sure you’re following the same rules. The same goes for the types of websites you visit. Usually what’s not healthy for kids is also not healthy for adults.

4. Consider what you share.

It seems that young people are very unguarded about the types of personal information they’ll freely share online—but some adults are just as bad. Make sure you’re not a mom who overshares about herself or her family. Even things that just seem funny to you may seem personal to your kids, so ask before you post.

How do you limit screen time and put other precautions in place for yourself?

ASK YOUR CHILD...

Why do you think it’s important to limit our time in front of screens?

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