Strengthening Family Ties Using Mobile Technology
As parents embrace the role of smartphones in their childrens lives, the fear of being disconnected from them has also increased. You can put these fears aside because according to CTIA The Wireless Association report, 85 of families have felt that mobile devices helped them to become closer and 45% said that because of schedule organization, they were able to spend more time with each other. In this post, we want to reveal various ways how you can maximize your smart devices in building strong ties with your family, especially your teens.
Open lines of communication
One of the strongest foundations of any family is the communication between its members. Mobile technology has helped modern parents to extend their bridges in showing their emotions to their teens. Based on a Lookout study, 20% of dads and 35% of moms have used their gadgets to send messages of affection to their teens, whilst 8% have used it to issue warnings to their children.
Capture special moments
Turn your mini photo session into a bonding activity with your children to record fun memories with your family. Most smartphones these days like the Samsung Galaxy S4 has a dual camera function to help you capture fun-filled images using the front and rear camera. With the help of front camera, you can take focused shots of you and your child and save those special moments exactly as they happen, according to O2s Galaxy S4 page.
Shop online together
Another activity that the whole family can enjoy is online shopping. In 2012, a Luxury Daily reported 25% of customers using tablets and smartphones to make their purchases. You can all agree on designating an online shopping day for everyone.
Use social media to bridge the gap
With the immense popularity of social media, families across the globe become closer than before. Facebook, Twitter, and other popular social sites provide a way for parents to get closer to their kids. A study conducted by Brigham Young University noted, the teenagers who are most connected to their parents on Facebook, Twitter and other social media felt closer and more connected to their parents in real life. Thus, becoming a little more involved with your teens online life is necessary. However, as parents, you must respect the privacy of your child. We suggest that you dont tweet, write status updates or comments on their wall that would become a source of their embarrassment. If you found a post that you feel is not appropriate, you can talk it over with them when they get home from school. Remember that respect is hard to earn, so never break it.
Bond over responsibilities
Be their role model and show them how to balance their use of their devices. If theyre having a tough time finding answers to their homework, be there to lend them a hand. Although they are teenagers now, they will still require help from their parents in making that science project in class.
These are simple ways on how you can efficiently use your device in making you closer to your child. Do you have other tips you want to share?
Image courtesy of: Bart Everson (Flicker CC)
About the Author:
Allie Cooper is a tech enthusiast who dreams of becoming a primary grade school teacher. She loves writing about TechEd resources using smartphones tablets and other mobile devices as well as social media updates and trending apps fit for learning. Her free time is taken up exploring her passion for playing piano and old films. Follow her on Twitter.