Helping Teens with Computer Addictions

Computers are simply a way of life and all around us. There is no way of getting around the fact that there are computers. The problem arises when you suddenly realize your teen has a computer addiction.

What are the signs to look for to determine if your teen has a computer addiction?

Signs of teens with computer addictions include (but aren’t limited to) — excessive computer use, eating and drinking at the computer, sneaking time on the computer, wanting the computer moved to their bedroom for complete privacy, skipping family time to be on the computer, engaging in fewer social activities with friends to spend more time on the computer and isolating themselves socially from others to be on the computer.

There are several things to do as an active parent to help your teen with a computer addiction. Implementing these steps will help to get your teen over the computer addiction to live a more normal life.

First thing to do is to remove the computer from the bedroom. Put the computer in an area that is accessible by everyone in the home. Teens will have a difficult time hiding the amount of time and what they’re doing on the PC if it’s in a public place in the home.

Disconnect the keyboard and mouse from the computer when it’s not to be in use. Put these in a place that the teen doesn’t have access to. Require the teen to ask for the equipment to be able to use the computer. This will keep them from sneaking computer time when you and the rest of the family is asleep.

Talk to the teen about moderation in all things in life. Explain your concern. If the problem is extremely severe, get the teen counseling. Don’t blame anyone. Just move forward to solve the problem.

Reading Aloud with Young Children

Reading aloud with young children is a method to be an active parent and help your children succeed later in school. You should begin reading aloud to your infant. Show them the pictures. You’ll be amazed at how easily captivated they are by brightly colored picture books.

As your child gets older, point to the words while reading them out loud. This enables your child to associate the sound of the word with the written word. Shorter and simpler words will begin to remain in long term memory. Your child will have an easier time at reading as they get older by actively sitting down with them and reading.

When your child reaches grade school or higher, have them read the homework assignments out to you. This will enable you to know what material is being covered. Kids that read out loud will retain the material because they’re minds aren’t distracted. Your child will already be in the habit of reading aloud together from the earlier years. This is a great way to be actively involved in homework and to help your child succeed academically.

Stop and think about it. Your child is already used to reading aloud together. When they read their homework out to you, two things happen. They aren’t distracted. Second, you also learn the material to help with homework questions, vocabulary assignments and reviewing for class tests.

Reading aloud is one of the earliest forms of active parenting that can enable you to help your child before school starts and then again once they’re in school. It’s never too late to start the practice of reading aloud to your child.