How to help your kids overcome tech tantrums

[Compiled and published by New Sancai] For many families today, dealing with "technological temper" has become the new normal. Tech tantrums occur when a child becomes emotional or lashes out when asked to turn off an iPad or other electronic device. Unlike traditional tantrums, technology tantrums are not just a behavior of young children, but teenagers also have a hard time weaning themselves off their electronic devices.

According to research, children go through many transitions every day, such as stopping to play to get dressed, or brushing their teeth after a meal, that involve self-regulation skills. Transitioning from screen to non-screen activities may be more difficult for them because the technology has a strong pull and developers design digital activities to keep kids connected.

However, new research from the Australian project Young Children in a Digital Society has found three timely tips on how to keep the peace and make the transition to these technologies smoother.

1. Prepare your child. As adults, we get upset if someone suddenly turns off the show or movie we are watching. Children can also get annoyed and frustrated when their devices are suddenly stolen. So prepare them and let them know when screen time is over. For example, tell them that screen time is up when the game or movie they are watching ends. Let them know what their next activity is — going to the park or dinner — so the transition is smoother.

2. Do something inspired by the screen in real life. Parents in the Australian study found it helpful to switch from technology to non-digital technology, taking cues from their children's favorite shows. If they enjoy shows like Paw Patrol, then a visit to a local pet shelter or zoo might be a good fit. If the show has a catchy theme song, parents can use the music to entice children away from the screen and into more physical activities, such as dancing.

3. Give your child a choice. Research has found that while putting on a seat belt or getting ready for school are necessary things in a child's life, giving them options when it comes to technology can be helpful. For example, you could ask, "Would you like to watch two or four episodes of this show?" or "Do you want to start a game timer? Or do you want me to notify you when the time is up?" These strategies help children feel they are in control Time to use technology yourself.

(Compiled by: Wang Jimin)

(Editor: Jiang Qiming)

(Source of the article: First published by Xinsancai)