Nowadays technology is part of our daily life, we turn to it to support us in many things, such as putting soft music on our babies to lull them. Probably many people can no longer imagine a life without our mobile or tablet, we have become somewhat dependent on them and many of us have a hard time disconnecting from them to live in the real world.
Something that I have seen as a consequence of this, is that many parents lend their devices to their children to "entertain" them or even some buy them a tablet when I am still very young. Personally, although I rely heavily on my cell phone and tablet for my work, I have never liked to see children stuck inside a screen. Although I don't judge those who do, Buying a tablet for my daughter is not in my plans and I explain why.
Modern and informed mom
One of the stereotypes about my generation's mothers, millennial moms, is that we live in our mobile phone all the time and therefore our children, being digital natives just like us, grow up with a tablet in their hands. But reality is not like that.
Although there are many misconceptions about our generation, many mothers worry about keeping us informed and updated about the issues that talk about the development and growth of our children.
In my case, I like to read the new studies that publish about these topics, because new things are constantly being discovered and many of them include benefits or disadvantages that we didn't know before, so I consider it important to be a bit aware of this type of news.
Technology is a support, not a babysitter
I really have nothing against technology, as I said at the beginning is my work tool and I turn to it a lot, but I am aware that when it comes to children, things must be different.
From my point of view, technology can be a great ally if we know how to use it to our advantage and with measure. Recently the American Academy of Pediatrics updated the recommendations about the use of tablets, mobiles and television by children, emphasizing that it is not only about limiting screen time, but also reviewing the content that our children watch.
The truth is Although we can win the battle with technology at home, there are other places where our children can access it, like the house of grandparents or a family member, the restaurants that now place tablets on the tables for children to play and even the same schoolmates, by lending their devices to our children.
I think that the best thing we can do as parents is to try not to stress and understand that technology is everywhere, and although of course we should not stop doing our best to control and be firm with screen times, we must put special effort in supervising the contents to which our children are exposed.
That if our children are going to have their television time or we have to resort to lending them the mobile or tablet because there are no more options, make sure to look for programs or applications with educational content and always be by your side. Thus, in addition to making sure that they only see content appropriate for their age, we can reinforce and comment on the lessons you may have learned After the screen time has passed.
Why I decided not to buy a tablet for my daughter
In principle, because there are several studies in which it has been proven that excessive use of mobile phones and tablets could have serious negative consequences on children. One of these studies told us that their use could be negatively affecting the social and emotional development of children.
Another reason why I have decided not to buy my three-year-old daughter a tablet for many years (perhaps until adolescence or before if it is really necessary) is because the fact that she has to turn to me to use technology makes it easier for me to monitor what she looks at.
Many parents give tablets to their children hoping they help them learn new things and start lending them for a while. But in some cases when a tantrum appears we can fall into the "take, but calm down" and give them the tablet. It's easier not to offer them or fight for her if you don't have one for them, although still 70% of parents leave their tablets to their children.
In our case, they gave me an iPad at the beginning of the year, but from the first time my daughter saw it, I told her that it was mine and that it was a working tool for me. Of course there have been situations where I felt that I had no choice but to lend it a little, but At the moment, I don't consider it necessary or recommended to buy something like that from my daughter.
