There is no end to the horror stories about letting your children use the internet. Keeping kids safe online has become a constant source of worry for parents, with many deciding that the risks are too great and as a result, many are unnecessarily restricting access. This can be a bad move for all concerned. While the internet should not be taken lightly, it is also a vast resource that can benefit your children in a number of ways, and by being overly protective, we can unintentionally make their present and future less successful, less adaptive and even less fun. Here are some great ways to use the very best of the internet to give your kids a positive experience and a solid foundation upon which to build their confidence online.
Homework can be cool
No matter how old your child is, they are very likely to be unhappy about the volume of homework that they have to complete. This is a constant source of irritation for kids, but there are ways to get them interested to the point where they might actually look forward to that next assignment. Obviously, a key element here is to be involved with their workload, so that you remain a part of their education. However, for those that fail to use the best tools that the internet provides, homework can be a tedious chore that ends up badly due to lack of interest. If your daughter is studying Greek myths, show her online articles about the kick-ass women of that time, and you might see a difference in enthusiasm. If your son is creating a presentation about space, then sit together and explore the NASA website, which might just ignite some eagerness for the subject.
Make a Channel
We’ve all seen those YouTube videos of kids unwrapping the latest toy trend, and have no doubt looked on in astonishment at the money they are able to earn doing something so simple. If your children have the confidence, there’s nothing to stop them creating their own YouTube channel, and with that comes some impressive advantages. Not only do they get to explore their interests (whether that’s a video about bugs in the garden or a discussion of the latest superhero film), they can also learn some basic branding tips that will come in handy in the future. Having a personal brand is becoming more and more important in the digital age, so it’s never too young to start. Teach them the importance of shareability and the best way to use a YouTube thumbnail editor, and you give them some key skills that they learn by using.
Learn a skill
There are a never-ending number of websites and videos that can teach your children everything from how to play an instrument to when to plant tomatoes, so whatever interest your child has expressed, there are tools available to help them explore their intentions. They could be learning a new language, planning their first gig or writing their first comic before you know it, using professional advice and experienced teachers. The sharing of knowledge is easier than ever, and your children will only ever benefit from the best the internet has to offer.
Stay safe and always be aware of what your children are doing online, but don’t forget the huge advantages that the online world has to offer. You might even find that your kids can teach you a few things.