Hopefully you haven’t had to tighten your belt these past few months, but chances are you like most of us have felt the effects of this global economic event. What you may not have realized is that kids are becoming aware that that the economy is effecting them too. How so? Sure they may not be paying bills or aware of mortgage payments, but activities like going to the movies, vacations, even prom night have them feeling the pinch.
Rather than going out on the weekends or going to the mall, more and more kids are having friends over and going on-line through their computer or video games. Infact, the state of the economy has had little to no effect on video games sales, an industry - which is still growing – that is quickly garnering the recession proof moniker. Staying in, inviting friends over, and going online can be a great way to entertain the neighborhood kids on a shoestring budget, but remember that for every action there is a reaction.
When friends are over and on-line:
- Take an active interest in what they are doing but remember to respect their privacy. Set clear boundaries that your kids will understand, adhere to, and respect
- Talk to the other parents or guardians who host your kids about how they monitor the group
- We recommend that the computer be in a semi-public room like a family room or den and not a bedroom
- Use this time as an opportunity for the kids to teach you. Engage them and ask them questions, perhaps ask them to show you how to make a facebook account and ask them to be your friends
The mission of bNetS@vvy is to give YOU the tools and resources so you can teach your kids not so the kids can teach themselves.
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