Social media and technology have played an important role in the lives of our children. With the summer here and vacation in full swing, I was wondering how to leverage social media and family time. I’ve heard that some families have opted to not allow the children to use social media/technology at all one day out of the week (which is what I originally agreed with). My thoughts shifted when I read an article by Ellen Sturm Niz entitled “ How to Get Kids to Unplug in the Great Outdoors”. Instead of banning social media/technology altogether: choose outdoor activities that will keep your children engaged (horseback riding, fishing, campfire cooking and nature walks). Also consider allowing the children to share their adventures during designated times after the activities are over. Providing opportunities for your family to engage in outdoor activities will increase the children’s background knowledge and foster a healthy village of support.
– Dr. Ingrid Williams-Horton, Ed. D.