If you are reading this article, then chances are you live in a Digital Household. Defined as a family that uses technology in day-to-day activities while at home, more and more families are adopting a digital lifestyle. With the popularity of smartphones, tablets, wearable technology, and on-demand entertainment services, families rely on technology and gadgets to communicate, entertain, learn, and much more.
As with anything, too much of a good thing can turn it into a bad thing. While technology can be a positive, it can also be a negative if families overuse it. A digital lifestyle should enhance the lives of families, not overtake it. Being able to communicate effectively and not become too dependent on technology is not only healthy, but a must for families.
There are Work Life Management techniques that families can utilize to make sure that their Digital Household utilizes technology positively and in a healthy manner.
Check out these Five Ways to Utilize Work Life Management in a Digital Household:
Unplug Regularly
A family that plays together, stays together. And that means that there are times when technology should be put away for real-time engagement and interaction. Try to have an hour a day of unplugged activity while being together. This especially should be done during dinner time. Encourage family interaction with game night or even taking family walks. Anything that is tech-free, so that the family unit spends time together not dependent on gadgets.
Set Time Limits
In my household, I set time limits when it comes to my daughter and technology. For instance, she gets to have an hour of computer time before dinner if she completes her homework and household chores. She also gets an hour of TV time during the week which she can use to watch parent-approved programs, play her Wii U, or watch a DVD. I do believe in setting boundaries when it comes to making sure she doesn’t get over-saturated with digital life.
Communicate in Real Time
Yes, communicating in real time is very important. Don’t get too reliant on texting and instant messaging one another while in the home together. Get up, talk, walk to one another’s rooms to chat and communicate. This is very important and cannot be replaced by technology. And it is a must for a healthy family relationship.
Lead By Example
As parents and role models, it is important that we lead by example. If we are showing our children that it is important not to be too dependent on technology, we also have to set the tone and not get caught up ourselves. I try to stick to rules myself when it comes to living the digital life—no laptop in my bedroom and only in “work” spaces in the home, not watching too much television, etc.
Gadget Share
If you have more than one child who are fairly close in age, gadget sharing can teach responsibility as well as Work Life Management. Your children can share a tablet and have appointed times that they are each allowed to use it. This promotes sharing and healthy attitudes towards technology that is important for balance and boundaries.
Work Life Management is important for the entire family. We all have to learn to utilize our digital lifestyle effectively, without it becoming too much. I hope these tips can help your Digital Household positively.
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