Being a responsible parent might be overwhelming, even more so in the rapidly changing digital environment. With new Internet technologies developing at a rapid pace, giving your kids the baseline knowledge of how to behave is simply not enough. As social media sites have now become an integral part of teenagers' social life, children are getting even more vulnerable to scary realities of today's world. What good parents are obliged to do first and foremost in response to this challenge is to teach their youngsters the principles of ethics and online safety by applying the following strategies of successful parenting.
Inform your kids about the importance of using technologies responsibly. Warn them about online dangers and advise them about safety measures so that they could be aware of how to protect themselves from the Internet threats. Instill them with proper cyber-manners and etiquette and explain that a good reputation is essential not only in the real life, but also in online communication.
Communication is one of the key elements in building a healthy relationship with your children. Not only does good communication imply spending time with them, but also being a considerate and responsive listener. You may ask your child to tell you about her friends and their pastimes or discuss an upcoming school event. Encourage him to share his vision of certain situations and ask to suggest possible solutions to sort the problem out. This approach will allow you to wrap your mind around your kid's world-view, as well as help her develop critical thinking and the ability to discern the difference between right and wrong.
By treating your kids respectfully, you are forming their behavioral pattern towards other people in the future. Be attentive to what they are saying and never ignore their requests. Avoid being rude or aggressive and try not to snap at them, even if they throw tantrums. Instead, stay level-headed and explain your position in a calm, polite manner. Encourage your children's independence, as this is an awesome way to help them gain a sense of purpose. However, do not forget that establishing rules and setting boundaries are similarly important and helpful in developing self-discipline in your kids.
Applying smart parenting strategies is no doubt a better way of fostering responsibility in your kids, than spying on then. But if you are not sure that your kids are using the Internet safely, you can always opt for Teentor, which offers one of the most convenient and reliable parental control service.