As a parent, sometimes it’s hard to know how to handle technology in our own lives, let alone the lives of our children. We all understand the spectacular benefits of technology, but what are the costs? When is it all too much?

Research is being done on the addictive aspects of checking our electronics incessantly and obsessions with video games. According to a study on media influence, 8-18-year-olds spend over 50 hours per week using entertainment media!

And it’s not only our kids. How many times have you pulled out your cell phone during dinner to check that “critical” email? And how many of us have sat in a restaurant with a companion who has “checked out” to tend to his electronic device? How much time is spent capturing a moment digitally versus experiencing what is taking place?

Often, parents say that technology is taking over their family and/or children’s lives, but they don’t know when enough is enough, or what they can do to control it. Are you comfortable with the amount of time your child spends on electronics?

(Culled from www.huffingtonpost.com)

“FAMILIES THAT PLAY TOGETHER, STAY TOGETHER”

Most families have such busy schedules. Parents are navigating challenging businesses and careers and their children are engaged in a host of activities. Indeed most families find that there is little or no quality time spent as a family.

When you add the terrible daily global news and the erosion of global value systems, it becomes more imperative for families to come together to bond and communicate.

Did you play Scrabble, Ludo, Chess, Snakes and Ladders and Monopoly when you were growing up? What impact did it have on your family? Do your children play board games or are they permanently on their devices? I recall with nostalgia those wonderful times in my childhood; the humor, the laughter, the irritation when someone was winning (or you were losing), the intensity of the competition, the sharing of stories, the learning provided pivotal teaching opportunities.

Quality family time spent playing games gives family members an opportunity to communicate and to develop trusting, caring relationships which we all so badly need in our pressured world.

Board games improve attention, listening, and concentration skills.

Board games improve reasoning and analytical skills

Board games teach good sportsmanship

Players are taught to win sportingly and lose graciously

The Monopoly Board game provides practical lessons in personal financial management.