Proactively create a "real" space for children
Instead of choosing the solution of banning the use of electronic devices, many families in Hanoi have proactively sought ways to "fill" their children's summer with real-life experiences.
Typically, the family of Mr. Nguyen Giang Nam (46 years old, Cau Giay ward, Hanoi) chose to stimulate their children's passion for sports. This helps children both train their health and consciously balance their time using phones, tablets... at a moderate level.
My child just finished 3rd grade and is on summer vacation. On average, I take him swimming 3 times a week and almost every afternoon I take him to the park to play rollerblading. Thanks to that, the children also limit the use of electronic devices and have more time to train their health," Mr. Nam shared.
Not only parents, many grandparents in Hanoi also become companions in "kicking" off phones for their grandchildren.
Helping her children take care of their grandchildren during the summer vacation, Ms. Nguyen Thi Tham (Cau Giay ward, Hanoi) chose to interact directly and spend time with her grandchildren immersing themselves in nature.
Instead of letting the children play on their own or hug phones, I often play enough games to interact with them all day. In the cool afternoon, the two grandmothers and grandchildren take each other down to the park to change the atmosphere, helping the children immerse themselves in nature after many hours of being around the house. Since taking the time to be friends with my grandchildren, I feel happier because both are more connected, the children also automatically forget their phones," Ms. Tham confided.
Connecting first, managing later
Analyzing from a professional perspective, psychologist Mai Ngoc Quyen - NHC Vietnam Center for Human Development and Psychology - said that summer vacations completely change the structure of children's lives. Children have more free time but fewer meaningful activities to fill that time.
Children's brains are designed to seek novelty, joy and immediate rewards. Meanwhile, phones, electronic games or social networks continuously provide attractive stimuli with just one touch of the screen. If in real life children lack connection, movement, experience and even companions, electronic devices will quickly become an easy source of emotional satisfaction," expert Mai Ngoc Quyen explained.
Experts emphasize that parents should ensure the principle of "Connect first, manage later". The most effective solution is not to ban but to create more attractive living experiences than screens.
Parents should spend quality time with their children. At the same time, parents also need to encourage children to participate in sports, art or experiential activities; increase time to meet friends and social interaction. In particular, assigning children appropriate tasks is also a way to attract and help children feel valuable," expert Mai Ngoc Quyen suggested.
In the age of technology development, family orientation is the shield to help children not be dependent on electronic devices. Taking children away from virtual screens to step into real space is a way to protect their health, psychology and bring children a true summer.
