There has been much talk about whether parents should let their kids play with gadgets. I’ve come across millions of articles when I searched kids and gadgets Philippines. Some of these are…
Noemi’s column: https://www.manilatimes.net/2018/07/29/business/columnists-business/are-digital-gadgets-good-for-our-kids/424235/
The Asian Parent’s Article: https://ph.theasianparent.com/being-smart-about-kids-and-gadgets
GMA’s feature: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/technology/657754/experts-warn-parents-gadgets-expose-children-to-cyber-risks/story/
I read these and some other articles, and this topic now becomes one of the most difficult conundrums for the parents.
Our personal belief when it comes to using gadgets is to limit screen time. Ever since she was 3 years old, she was exposed to playing with games on her iPad. She was never the type who would freak out when we take her gadgets away from her. When we would tell her to stop, she would.
She would then grab and read a book, or play with blocks, pillows, dolls or toys within her reach.
Being in the tech industry, too, we know that there are some games and applications that can help enhance creativity. We also play with her while she’s playing these games (usually Minecraft and Roblox). This way, we can monitor and see what she’s up to since we’re in the same game (we see who she’s chatting with, etc.). We know she’s a digital native, and later on, knowing how to use technology will be as natural as using a spoon and fork for her and her peers. We don’t want to stop her, too, from understanding how things work. We do our best though to guide her (teach her about privacy, etc.).
I was curious to find out what other moms think about this topic. Here are some of the replies.
Mommy Berlin Domingo
Mommy Berlin is the mommy of five boys (Gabriel, Miguel, Daniel, Yael, and Samuel). Follow her at https://momiberlin.com and FB, Twitter, and IG: @momiberlin
Do your kids have personal tech devices?
Yes, they have their own devices. They have a laptop which they use at school but the mobile phone, they have to surrender to me on weekdays.
Do you think we should keep gadgets away from kids?
Yes, during school time and before bedtime to lessen temptation to use.
How do you limit the use of gadgets?
Mobile phones are with me on weekdays and they can have it on Friday after class until Sunday before bedtime. At home, Saturday is help day and after all the cleaning and errands, they can have their mobile phone and laptop with them.
Mommy Ley Reinares – Almeda
Mommy Ley is the mommy of Addy (10), Arriana (3Y) and Amanda (almost 2Y). Follow her at www.leyalmeda.com and Instagram: Instagram.com/mommyplannerley
Do your kids have personal tech devices?
Addy at 10 and in Grade 5 has no Cellphone. When I asked if he wants a cellphone, iPad or laptop, he answered that he wanted a laptop, so he can do his projects and research at home without waiting for me.
Do you think we should keep gadgets away from kids?
Yes! But it depends on the kids personality pa din. All of my 3 kids naman practice less screen time.
How do you limit the use of gadgets?
With Addy, since I was a single mom, it was hard. So talaga Disney sya; plus, I was a first time mom. When he was 2, I would notice that he kept on blinking his eye, so I stopped him from watching TV and using the iPad.
So with, Arriana, I decided na no gadget talaga until 2 years old. I was homeschooling Addy at that time, so I make sure to include Arriana with the activities. We have a messy house but it means quality time with them while learning. We have iPads at home and a nintendo switch, but even during weekends, they don’t clamor to use them.
They want to play outside instead. Addy on the other hand became interested with sports, particularly basketball. Since he was 3, he’s has been training (not formally thou). My husband taught him. Arriana naman was exposed to arts as early as 6 months.
When Amanda came it was easier! We dont turned on our TV na nga. And of course, we lead by example. We limit the use of cp when we are all together. It is a big factor talaga. Its easy to raise multiple kids when you have a good role model as they mirror eh. So now, the 2 girls copy Kuya Addy.
Mommy Donna Donor
Mommy Donna is the mommy of Kib (13YO). Follow her at www.donnaandkib.com and Facebook www.facebook.com/donnaandkib
Do your kids have personal tech devices?
Yes, he does.
Do you think we should keep gadgets away from kids?
Yes, because they tend to be disctracted and ignore things around them. It causes hearing problem (pag tinawag mo, hindi sasagot.. haha!).
How do you limit the use of gadgets?
He can only have gadget privileges when he is done with all his daily tasks.
Mommy Ciara Magallanes
Mommy Ciara is the mommy of Olivia (1YO). Follow her at www.mommydiaries.co , Facebook https://facebook.com/MommyDiariesPH and Instagram: https://instagram.com/ciaramagallanes
Do your kids have personal tech devices?
No. my kid doesn’t have one.
Do you think we should keep gadgets away from kids?
Studies show that excessive use of gadgets has negative effects on kids such as impaired learning development, delay in speech development, attention span is shorter, and less socialization to name a few. So we really limit the use of gadgets. Most of the days, no gadgets at all talaga. But in times of desperation haha or whenever I need some breather, I’d allow her some screen time but it is limited to 30 minutes a day only.
How do you limit the use of gadgets?
He can only have gadget privileges when he is done with all his daily tasks.
We are advocates of actual play. Kids learn through play. In fact, we conceptualized this what we like to call P.L.A.Y. formula for kids to reach their optimum potential. This stands for Pretend Play. Limitless. Adapt. Yipee.
All this are about letting kids explore the World. They are pint-sized scientists, and they love to experiment to learn how things work. Their potential is limitless!
Mealtime Confessions
In our household, one of the things that we are strict with is that we don’t allow gadgets during mealtimes. Zeeka can only use her iPad again after eating. And admittedly, getting her to focus on having a meal with us was hard at first.
We looked at what would make her or kids interested in eating a meal together with us or their parents and we noticed that kids who love eating and conversing had a FUN time with their parents. Everyone at the table was engaged in a conversation, because everyone was PRESENT (no thoughts drifting to finishing work stuff, etc.).
We also need to do our part as parents to make kids interested with things offline as much as they are interested with things online.
Today, I’m sharing a video that we (The Arboledas) shot during one of our dinners. It’s called Mealtime Confessions. We were inspired by the videos that featured real conversations over dinner (like the one of Chuckie and Ella): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ysMe-C1DwI
Hope you like it!
We invite you talk to your kids during mealtimes. You can also do your own version of #MealtimeConfessions.
What our children need more than the material things that we give is our love and attention. Let’s give them that 🙂
yes to making mealtime fun and relaxed. i also have a few plans to make our dinner fun by introducing games and challenges. hopefully, the boys cooperate.