Mom bloggers have dominated headlines and captured the attention of bargain shoppers, but dads, especially millennial dads, are crashing into the online parenting space.
Recent research indicates that more than half of dads say they are better fathers because of what they’ve learned through social media.
Dads are still faster than moms at adopting new tech, but perhaps those stats will flip in today’s fast-changing world.
Did you avoid posting a “mommy and me” photo of because your kitchen looked messy in the background? or deleted a vacation video because a travel-weary child was acting up?
If so, you’re in the majority.
But posting only Instagram-ready images may be declining as pictures of real-time, imperfect families appear in ads and brand messages.
Transparency can be refreshing. However, it’s good to remember that once something is posted, it’s out there forever.
Posted in tech
Instead of clicking on a screen, boost literacy: turn on an audiobook.
Some research has shown significant increases in both comprehension and recall after using audiobooks.
Listening to children’s stories is a favorite activity for families with smart speakers.
Research doesn’t connect smart speakers to good readers, but every student can benefit by polishing literacy skills before school begins.
Museum-going before school starts?
Although many museums showcase exciting use of technology and a variety of formats (my favorite new addition to the list: the Museum of the Bible in DC) new tech applications are triggering fresh challenges.
Museum excecs have always struggled with “unauthorized augmentations of exhibits, (ie unofficial tours,) but AR (augmented reality) has brought a new set of issues: Does a museum own the virtual space adjacent to exhibits and displays, or is that space free to everyone? A timely question for tech-loving tweens and teens to ponder.
Posted in tech
Trending right now:
Parents are taking themselves and their kids off the grid at resorts that offer phone-free vacations. When booking this type of getaway, the hotel can be the “bad guy,” not mom or dad.
Posted in tech
The problem vexing administrators as they think ahead to the new school year: to ban or not to ban student cell phones.
Although cell phones have proven valuable in school shootings, the digital distraction is having a negative impact on learning.
Students at all levels are confident of their ability to multitask. However, research has shown that rapid attention shifts actually hijack our thinking.
Plus, the anxiety that results from being disconnected to phones, laptops and other gadgets also distracts from learning.
“To ban or not to ban?” The question is real. The answer is not clear.
We know the importance of managing a child’s screen time, but what about regulating the “screenless time” with AI? (artificial intelligence)
One of my grandsons loves to talk to Alexa. But I wonder what our little guy would be doing if he wasn’t spending time with this virtual friend.
Does his screenless time keep him from climbing the big tree in his backyard or playing with his little brother or reading a book?
We’re on the front edge of a new era in parenting.
Posted in children's play, tech
