Those are just some of the many questions that parents of twins hear on a regular basis. While the interest in twins is understandable, the questions can get a tad tiresome (and sometimes downright irritating) at times.
If you’re a parent of twins or other multiples, you’ve heard them all. If you’re not a parent of twins, you may be curious.
Myths were made to be debunked, and I set out to do so. Head on over to Huffington Post and read my latest article The Top 5 Myths About Twins Debunked
Ask a preschooler and they may just check the answer on the nearest iPad.
How about your child’s latest book report?
Links to the final assignment may be viewed by all on YouTube, in the form of a short play or monologue.
Times have changed, and so has teaching. If you have a child in the public school system, it’s likely that he or she will be using at least one technological tool as part of the daily curriculum. Whether it’s a computer, iPad, smartphone or otherwise, the prevalence of these types of items in schools is growing incrementally.
A New World Order
In the last installment of my Parenting in the Digital Age series, I discussed the increasing role that technology is taking in classroom, both globally and domestically. As well, some of the important factors such as access, special needs and costs were revealed as important points for consideration when embarking on digital learning. As we move with rapid pace into this new teaching model, both educators and parents alike are continuing to sort out just what this new model is going to look like, and how it’s going to work.
It’s a strange new world out there folks, and we’re at the dawn of an exciting and often frightening new age.
Technology can make or break our kids if we don’t use the tools we are given wisely.
But what is considered a “wise” choice, when discussing the specific aspects of technology and learning? Many school boards that are tentatively venturing into the field are taking baby steps with the curriculum while the best course of action is determined. What is keeping the progress from accelerating at a more rapid pace is two-fold: the fact that there is fear and uncertainty about how a technology-based classroom will manifest itself is, perhaps, somewhat positive. Moving cautiously into this uncharted territory requires mindful pause – which is what is occurring in many instances.
For those school boards that have embraced technology in some capacity, preliminary reports are for the most part, positive. Even so, what remains to be determined is the standard by which educators will use this technology in years to come. Because we’re in the infancy stage of using technology in the classroom, there’s no precedent that can be followed in terms of best practices. While some may see this as a drawback, we can also consider it a positive challenge as we carve out the required curricula for learning.
How is Technology Being Used to Teach?
The term “Technology in the Classroom” is, by many accounts, a misnomer. This is because the idea of using technology to teach is not wholly limited to the physical classroom alone. As a matter of fact, the very nature of tech these days allows educators to provide kids with a “hands-on” learning experience, both in class, virtually and otherwise.
The installation is a unique and interactive environment with the intent of teaching children about technology in ways that entice them to learn. Using the latest innovations as the basis for the space, children have the opportunity to try out various games and gadgets that are technologically-based. Because of the interactive nature of most of the setups within the installation, TIFF DigiPlayspace is a prime destination for schools. While attending with my family recently, I personally saw a number of school groups exploring at the many stations. Seeing children engaging on such a level was heartening, to say the least. They were definitely primed to learn and were positively interacting with the tools at hand.
Here are some pictures of my kids at TIFF DigiPlaySpace.
Is a location such as this one atypical? Perhaps, however not likely for long. The point is that the technological tools provided here will be more commonplace as both parents and educators alike embrace the advances that are available to them. This seems to already be the case, as there were a variety of school groups visiting the TIFF DigiPlaySpace when I was there. Judging by the level of engagement and activity of the attending students, we’ve only just begun to tap into the possibilities that technology can provide to students.
The Convergence of Social Media and the Classroom
As we tentatively wade into the world of technological learning, the discussion wouldn’t be complete without mentioning social media. Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and related sites have become standard go-to locations for increasingly younger children. There may very well be an age limit on certain sites (e.g. Facebook’s terms of service demand that users be 13 years old or older), but that doesn’t seem to stop many kids from opening their own accounts – often with their parents’ blessing. As a result, parents and educators alike are faced with the reality that social media is quickly finding its way into the classroom, whether they like it or not.
A quick “Tweet” about what’s occurring in class is one thing; a Facebook or YouTube update with pictures and images is another. The topic of whether or not teachers should become “Facebook Friends” or be connected with their students via social media is one that continues to be of concern. In other words, social media has found its way into the classroom, despite some of our best intentions. The question now becomes: how are we going to handle it?
Scott Wild, founder of WildInspire and the innovative new educational awareness program, SocialMediaStudents has some interesting and timely ideas about how to handle technology in the classroom. Watch the YouTube video here where I interview Scott and he provides information and food for thought about some of the issues confronting parents in this age of texting and digital technology, as well as how social media in particular should be addressed in the classroom. Some interesting food for thought. Where do you stand on social media in the classroom?
To find Scott online, go to his website here: www.wildinspire.com and www.socialmediastudents.com
Twitter: @WildInspire
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SMStudents
VIDEO: Social Media in the Classroom
Coming up next in the series: Parenting in the Digital Age: Gaming and Entertainment
Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end of the dreaded “playdate,” you know the score: it involves at least two children, one of them your own, and an infinite amount of patience. It also includes, at the best of times, nerves of steel and – if you’re smart – ear plugs.
Playdates are part and parcel of being a parent. They are both a rite of passage as well as a badge of honour – that is, if you make it through the said date unscathed. They can definitely be trying and patience is truly a virtue when navigating the world of dress-up and make-believe. Done well, playdates will provide lasting memories as well as friendships for not only the children, but sometimes the parents of the little ones as well. Done poorly, well, let’s just say that legal action may be required.
That being said, there are some tried and true strategies for getting through these events relatively unscathed. As a matter of fact, done well, playdates may just be your little bit of relief in an otherwise hectic and crazy day. Why, you ask? Because having your child entertained by a similarly-aged playmate for a couple of hours isn’t that bad of an event, after all. I’ve written about playdate pressures before and talked about some of the challenges in coordinating these meetings. I’ve also discussed some of the more ridiculous end results that have occurred by over-zealous parents when it came to coordinating get-togethers for their children.
A few hours of fun and games for the kids shouldn’t become a major undertaking. It should, after all, be about fun and games for the kids and hopefully a bit of relief for you, as the parent. You can get through a playdate and survive – you really can! You just need to be prepared.
Without further ado, here are The Top 10 Tips For Surviving Playdates:
Know Thy Enemy – Implement a journalistic strategy and get to work: know the who, what, where, when and why of the playdate. Who is the playmate and who are the parents of this child? What are the kids going to do during their time together? Where will the playdate occur? Will it be at your house, or at the home of the playmate, or neither? When will the fun begin? Will the visit be for a few hours or all day (gulp)? Why this particular playmate? Are they your child’s new best friend? If so, go back to the who and get to know both the parents and the child so that you’re all comfortable with this new friendship
Case the Joint – As parents, we’re responsible for our children’s well-being whether they’re physically with us or not. To this end, we’d be remiss if we didn’t fully investigate the surroundings of our child’s visit to their friend’s home. Know where your child is going for the playdate, and if necessary, check it out yourself. Better that you’re comfortable sending your child away for a few hours than not. You’re well within your rights as a parent to want to know where your child is going so don’t be shy about checking out the scene before your child has the actual playdate.
Ground Rules – Whether you’re hosting or sending your kid off for a few hours of play, rules are rules. Make sure that these are known and agreed-upon with the other parent as well as your child. These include how long the playdate will be, where it will occur, will food be served and if so, are there any dietary/allergy-related items that need to be addressed, who is doing pickup and dropoff of the attending child, etc. Making sure that everyone’s on the same page before the playdate starts will assure that there are less troubles later.
Plan B – What if things don’t work out? What if little Aiden gets into a fight with little Lucas and no longer wants to be little Lucas’ friend? If this is the case, you have to be prepared to pick up your child or send home the “offending” child sooner than later. Make sure you have this contingency plan in place before you say goodbye to the visiting child’s parents at the start of the visit.
Food, Glorious Food – What are you going to serve the little ones? Are there allergies or dietary requirements to consider? How much is too much? Can the kids gorge out on chocolate and soft drinks for the duration of the visit? These are all questions that need to be considered and answered before the playdate starts. After all, you don’t want any surprises, e.g. your sweet little child coming home and promptly throwing up after a few hours of chowing down on goodies. Even worse, you don’t want to have to be the cause of an extreme allergic reaction by a visiting child due to lack of planning or discussion with the child’s parents in advance.
Three’s a Crowd – Remember: it’s a lot easier to maintain order if you have a smaller group of kids as part of a gathering. If you’re the host of a planned play date, don’t let the numbers exceed three children. Frankly, I like to have two children maximum, as three invites issues of one child being left out and four is verging on “party” status. Two is just fine, thank-you very much. Two children - one of them yours – are so much easier to control.
Being There – Hosting a playdate, or sending your child off to one doesn’t mean that you are completely exonerated of your parenting duties. While you might have the urge to completely check out while the kids are playing (either at your home or at the playmate’s home), remember that you are still a parent and accordingly, should be there for your child. Sometimes kids just want to know that you’re available, either in the next room, or via telephone or via text, email or otherwise. If the playdate is in your home, make yourself scarce yet available – yes, it sounds contradictory, but it can be done. Be downstairs while the kids are in the bedroom but let them know that you’re there and that they can come to you if need be. Similarly, if you’re sending your child off to a playdate, let them know that you will be available if they would like to call or text you, and that you can come and pick them up at a moment’s notice, if the child is uncomfortable. Children thrive on knowing that their parents are there for them. So be there, in one way or another.
Neutral Ground – Children are possessive, particularly so on their own turf. We’re talking toys, video games, computers and anything else that they’ve left their “scent” upon. When another child threatens to play with their stuff, they often become like protective mama bears with their items, and many an argument has resulted from a playdate where the visiting child had the “nerve” to touch Johnny’s favorite toy. Avoid this scenario all together by considering hosting the playdate on neutral ground. This could mean at an indoor playground, a movie theater (take the kids) or a playground. By doing this, you’ve eliminated a possible cause of tension between the kids and given them one less reason to fight – and ruin the playdate altogether.
Old-School Play – Technology is great – I’m the first to admit this fact. Even so, we’re losing some of our interactive skills because of its prevalence. This is particularly the case with kids: Television, video games, XBox consoles and the latest computer/online fad is enough to keep our kids glued to a screen or monitor, one way or another. Sure, it’s fun, but during a playdate, it’s best to downplay the digital aspect of play, at least for the short time that your child is interacting with another. Why you may ask? Well, we all know how mesmerized our children can become within a few short moments of starting a digitally-based game. It’s all fine and dandy sometimes, but at the end of the day, we’re trying to facilitate solid friendships as well as social interaction when agreeing to a playdate. For these reasons alone, it’s best to put a limit on the tech-based games and perhaps have the kids interact in a more conventional way.
Mind Your Ps and Qs – Kids need to be reminded that regardless of the situation, it’s always a good idea to be on their best behaviour. Minding one’s manners is good etiquette and it’s never too early to teach children this fact. This is particularly the case when visiting a friend’s home, as well as being a courteous host when having someone to our home. Make sure that your kids are primed to remember to say “please,” “thank-you” and to mind their manners when attending a playdate.
So there it is – some basic rules for getting through the myriad of playdates that are likely part and parcel of your child’s life. Follow the above tips and you and your child will be ready to go!
What additional tips do you have for navigating the world of playdates? Please share in the comments below.
Mother’s Day is around the corner and many of us are excited about the possibility of perhaps honouring our own mothers as well as being honoured by those who love us. As moms, we do so much for our families, often with the thought that much of our actions go unnoticed or unappreciated. Mother’s Day is one of those times where we can receive thanks and love from our families and friends.
It’s also a day to reflect on past Mother’s Days and what they meant to us. Some of them are likely more memorable than others. And that’s what I and the moms at 30Second Mom would like to hear about.
What was your most memorable Mother’s Day moment?
Record a video and tell us about what touched you the most on a previous Mother’s Day. Upload it to the 30Second Mom site and you may win a prize, as well as the opportunity to share a very special and touching moment in your life.
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If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you’ll know that parenting, money and finances are subjects that are always top-of-mind. Let’s face it – raising children is expensive. Being the mother of 5,000 children, it’s a particular challenge Times have changed and the financial expectations on families are greater than ever. Being a parent [...]
Can there really be “too much of a good thing?” Apparently there can be, according to the educators in South Korea. A recent Wall Street Journal article shed light on the country’s decision to cut back on the amount of in-class digital technology exposure that the students would receive. Originally, the South Koreans had proposed [...]
Have you heard of “Past-Life Regression?” That’s when your child who has passed all of the appropriate milestones for his or her age suddenly reverts back to child-like behaviour that leaves you not only nonplussed but frustrated as well. Past life regression in children often presents itself when one of the following incidents occurs: A [...]
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In this first installment of my blog series “Parenting in the Digital Age,” I investigate the medium through which we choose to communicate. Whether it’s with our kids, our family or our friends, we make a conscious choice in how we get our message across. Why do we choose the specific media that we use, [...]
