Valuing Parenting In The Realm Of Digital World

Parenting may be affected with your children being so engaged in this "hyper-connected world". This includes the interaction of parents and the children.

"Parent-child interactions are definitely changing, and not in a good, healthy way," Dr. Victor Strasburger,  distinguished professor of Pediatrics Emeritus, University of New Mexico School of Medicine told the Huffington Post. According to Strasburger, the bonding between parents and children are threatened and rapidly dissolving.

"Parents need to understand the impact of neglecting kids. I don't want to get into shame and blame. Every parent in their hearts adores their kids, but these devices are addictive and provide an easy escape," Cris Rowan, pediatric occupational therapist and author of Virtual Child: The Terrifying Truth about What Technology Is Doing to Our Children.

"My parting suggestion to parents is to put down the tech and pick up your child. Manage balance between healthy activities and tech by scheduling "No Tech Times" such as eating dinner together every night, play board games one night a week, plan an outing half day on the weekend...all without tech," she added.

Meanwhile, according to the report of UCLA Newsroom, a study shows children's social skills may be declining because of the increased use of digital media. "Many people are looking at the benefits of digital media in education, and not many are looking at the costs, "Patricia Greenfield, a professor of psychology in the UCLA College said.

"Decreased sensitivity to emotional cues-losing the ability to understand the emotions of other people--is one of the costs. The displacement of in-person social interaction by screen interaction seems to be reducing social skills," she explained.

On the other hand, perceptions from Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair, the author of "The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationship in The Digital Age," are affirmative. "I think technology is definitely strengthening bonds between parents and children-it's another medium through which children can communicate," she said.

"The question is how is it used and how often is it used? I think it's great when a parent goes on a business trip and is able to Skype -- these devices are amazing," she said. "On the other hand, I think that when communication gets reduced to text abbreviations, to transactional, minimal conversation, that's not always a good thing."

Parents with their children in this digital world require such thorough understanding and responsibility on how to utilize the new technologies as more children are embracing the new technology at these modern times. This remains to be a challenge for many parents today.  

Parents must teach technology to their children the proper way -- knowing the limitations in their use of such gadgets and other digital devices. Be mindful to observe family values and clear out rules among your children in order to eliminate the interference of the new technology.