Families Matter Newsletter
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Pottawatomie County
OSU Extension Service
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July 2020
Volume 16, Issue 9
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Technology Use Isn’t Just a “Kid” Problem
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Everyone has been home for a long time and technology has played a vital role in daily life. Education, employment and connection to others have all shifted to screen time. It also increase our issue of being tied to a devise and lack of focus.
This constant need to check emails, Facebook, and other social media, leads to an increase in stress and tension throughout your day.
Unfortunately though, deciding to put down your phone is often ineffectual. Instead, make an intentional plan to unplug from your phone. The following is a list of 5 steps to help you do that:
Measure the time you are using your phone.
Many people underestimate the time they spend using their phones. Apps such as Moment and Checky, can help monitor phone usage. Keeping track of phone usage may help you be more mindful about the time you spend on your phone.
Schedule when you are going to check your messages.
Instead of constantly having your day interrupted by emails and notifications, set aside specific times of the day for these tasks. Tell family and co-workers when these scheduled times are so that they will know when to expect replies from you.
Remove distractions.
Set your phone to sleep or do not disturb mode an hour before bed until your first scheduled time to check your phone. You may also consider
periodically turning off your phone completely. Turn off push notifications so that your phone isn't beeping or buzzing throughout the day. This will lead to increased productivity and fewer interruptions.
Focus on other things.
The less time you spend on your phone, the more time you will have to do
other things. Focus on your work or things that bring you joy. After the initial adjustment, you won't miss it.
Enjoy the benefits.
As you spend less time on your phone, you may notice that you begin sleeping better, are less stressed, and are more focused and efficient throughout the day. The less time you spend looking down at your screen, the more time you will have to enjoy the world and people around you.
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Summertime Parenting Issues
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With summer in “full swing”, many families are finding some little annoying happenings each day that are keeping mom and dad busy!
Most summertime issues can be solved by having a schedule. Although not as structured as school days, summer days need a balance and routine to help keep kids from being bored, understand their boundaries, and stay out of trouble!
If you are experiencing “early risers” or “night owls”, then a routine or morning routines could be your answer. For the early bird in your family, let them have quiet time when they first get up. They can read books, color, or even watch TV; as long as they are not disturbing the rest of the family. For your “night owls” of the family, have a set time they must go to bed and get up in the morning.
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If your child misbehaves stay calm and give them clear instruction to stop misbehaving and tell them what you would like them to do instead. (ex: “Stop throwing. Play with the truck on the ground.”) Praise your child if they stop (ex: “Thank you for playing with the truck on the ground.”)
Have realistic expectations. All children misbehave at times and it is inevitable that you will have some discipline hassles. Trying to be the perfect parent can set you up for frustration and disappointment.
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Here are a few ideas for you to try for keeping harmony in your household this summer!
Review House Rules
At a time when your kids are not fighting, discuss what types of behavior you expect from them. Then reiterate those rules when a conflict arises.
Don’t Take the Easy Way Out
Don’t give in to a child who is throwing a fit for the sake of keeping the peace. Unless you were in the room when the conflict arose, you won’t know who started it. Listen to both sides.
Remove them from the Situation
Even if they are fighting, chances are they are enjoying each other’s company. Use that as your motivation. Make sure they know if they continue to fight they both will be separated from the activity and each other.
Sharing isn’t always the answer
If the kids are fighting over something that is of particular importance to one sibling, encourage sharing, but don’t require it. Discuss the benefits of sharing and why it is important, but let kids make their own decisions.
Don’t always rush in
As long as the situation is non-violent, sometimes it is better if you take a step back and let the kids work out the problem. This will help them learn to problem solve on their own.
Let them be angry
If a child is upset with a sibling, don’t discourage it. Acknowledge the frustration. By giving them an outlet, they will learn how to verbalize angry feelings instead of acting on them.
Source: How to stop sibling squabbles by A. Roc
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How to stop the Fun!
Sometimes the hardest part about summer is getting your children to leave the fun activities they are doing! Try a few of these hints for smoother summertime transitions.
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Give your children a time frame—we will be here for 1 hour or until 1:00. Use a timer to help children keep track of their time.
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Plan your activities to allow for quiet and active play. Children need lots of active play and summer provides a lot of opportunities.
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Choose the time of activities carefully! Summertime heat does not usually interfere with children’s drive for play, however, it does affect them physically and the supervising adult!
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Give warning times, such as, we need to start leaving in 10 minutes, then 5 minutes, etc.
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Underwater Viewer
To use, hold the bottle sideways and submerge the bottom section in water and look through the hole to see the wonders beneath. Remember to
be very careful near water
- the edges of ponds and streams can be very slippery.
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Icy Treasures!
Use a plastic bowl or container to create Icy
Treasurers. Fill a bowl or shallow container with
water. Add a few of your child’s small plastic toys – Legos, cars, dolls, etc. Put them in the container and freeze them! Once frozen, pop the ice block out and give your kids items to assist them with excavating their toys! Warm water, salt, taking it outside in the sun, etc.
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Contact the Extension Office at 273-7683 or sonya.mcdaniel@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments cooperating. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of
age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, disability or
status as a veteran, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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