Safe Search Kids - Education, Parenting, Internet Safety for All

Some kids are naturally active. They play outside, do sports, and even exercise with you. Then, there are the kids that absolutely despise physical activity. They prefer hobbies that don’t involve exercise, like art, writing, and acting.

But whether your children fall into the first group, the second, or somewhere in between, it’s important to support them in having a healthy, active lifestyle.

Gamifying their fitness routine can encourage physical activity in your kids, whether they love to exercise or hate it. Here’s why.

Why Gamifying Fitness Works for Kids

Gamification is the practice of turning an activity or task into a game or something resembling one. When you add gamelike elements to a sometimes daunting task like exercise, it becomes much more fun and desirable. It’s also easier to complete, which keeps your kids motivated and uplifted.

You can show your children that physical activity doesn’t have to be boring or, worse, so physically and mentally taxing that they never want to do it again. Instead, they can make exercise an enjoyable activity that keeps them fit and challenged.

A Significant Drawback to Gamification

As beneficial as gamifying fitness can be for your kids, there’s a significant drawback to consider. Gamifying fitness can include fun games like obstacle courses, nature walks, and tag. But for this article, we’re talking about gamifying fitness with technology. And that, unfortunately, means more screen time.

Whether your kids are playing a fitness game on their Xbox, following along with a fun workout on their smartphones, or doing some interactive games on their smartwatches, they’re staring at a screen to do it.

Increased screen time for kids can result in a shorter attention span, irritability, neck/shoulder pain, and behavioral issues. It also leads to longer exposure to harmful blue light.

Blue light glasses and filters can help ease the negative effects on your kids’ eyes when they’re engaging with screens. However, it’s best to limit your kids’ screen time. Gamified fitness routines may mean more screens, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put a time limit on how long they participate.

Four Tips for Gamifying the Fitness Experience for Your Kids

Aside from paying attention to screen time, do the following to ensure the gamified fitness experience for your kids is the healthiest and most enjoyable it can be.

Talk Exercise and Fitness Goals With Your Children

It’s incredibly important to talk about exercise and fitness goals with your children. Part of the reason they aren’t excited about physical activities is they don’t have a positive outlook on fitness or any goals to strive for.

Sit down with your kids and discuss getting them to be more physically active. Talk about why fitness is important to their holistic health. See what they say about exercise and listen to why they are or aren’t excited about it.

You may find out they’re struggling with fitness because physical activity is difficult for them in their current state. Or, it just hasn’t been a fun thing for them to do. That’s when you can bring up gamifying fitness.

Once they’re on board with creating a more consistent fitness routine, set some goals. Have your kids write down what they want to achieve as they add more exercise to their lives.

It’s also important to find out your kids’ level of interest in gaming.

Find Out Your Kids’ Level of Interest in Gaming

Gamifying fitness will work a lot better for your kids if they have an actual interest in gaming.

Find out how into gaming your kids are by asking things like:

• Which consoles are they fond of?
• What kind of video and computer games do they play?
• Why do they play them?

Note their answers to these and other questions that give you an idea of their gaming interests.  Really digging into your kids’ gaming interests will give you a blueprint for how to best personalize the gamified fitness experience for them.

Explore Wearables

We’ll get into games and consoles that are good for gamifying fitness for your kids in the next section. But don’t forget to tap into the power of wearables. Wearables are electronic devices that people wear comfortably on their bodies.

Some of the most common wearable devices are:

• Fitness trackers;
• Biosensors;
• Smart health watches;
• Blood pressure monitors;
• ECG monitors.

Wearables can positively impact anyone’s fitness journey, children included, as they make it easy to proactively monitor one’s health. You can also watch fitness videos and participate in games that encourage physical activity from these devices.

The Fitbit Ace 3, Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2, Apple Watch SE, and these other watches and trackers are some of the best on the market right now for kids. Many of the trackers and watches made specifically for kids already include gamified fitness features on them.

Do more research on the wearable tech options out there for kids. If you can take your kids to a physical store that sells them so they can try them out before making a purchase, even better.

Choose the Best Games and Consoles

To truly use technology to gamify fitness for kids, you must make good game and console choices. In other words, choose games and consoles that encourage physical activity.

Here are some console choices to get you started:

• Nintendo Switch;
• Xbox Kinect/Xbox One;
• Nintendo Wii Sports;
• Quell fitness gaming console;
• VR headset and accessories.

Depending on the gaming consoles you have, put these games on your list:

• Wii Fit Plus;
• BOXVR;
• Dance Party;
• Ring Fit Adventure;
• Pokemon Go;
• Zumba Fitness: World Party.

There are many more games and consoles to choose from. Explore them with your children and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Conclusion

Getting your kids to be more physically active can be tough at times. But with the help of gamification, you can spark their interest and keep them motivated to consistently pursue a more active lifestyle.

About the Author
Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in education, mental health, family lifestyle and online safety. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. You can follow her on Twitter.

The advent of handheld tech devices, such as smartphones, has made technology integral to human life. The increased adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT), on the other hand, has enabled digital devices to interconnect and communicate over the internet.  These tech developments have had a huge impact on modern parenting.

Keeping your children safe is a lot easier now thanks to technology.

1.  Enhanced security and safety

• Location tracking apps tell you where your child is, any time of the day.

• Smart home security cameras allow you to keep an eye on your home even when you’re away at work.

• Secure cloud storage to keep you data safe.  Backing up and syncing your digital possessions also ensures precious pictures of your family are never lost.

• Motion sensors can tell you when something is amiss in the house, e.g. if your child slips and falls.

• Ambient sensing technology enables you to track the ambiance (pressure, temperature, air quality, etc.) in your home to ensure that your kids are safe.

• Geofencing allows you to create virtual geographic boundaries for your child, so you get alerted whenever the child crosses any of those boundaries.

• Automated alarm systems can alert the relevant authorities in case of a break-in or a fire.

• Digital video baby monitors give you a secure private connection with your baby even when you’re at work.

 2.  Better access to parenting tips and support

If you have any questions about parenting, you can always trust the internet to provide the answers. You can get answers from blogs, YouTube videos, or research articles written by parenting experts. There also exists parenting forums on the internet where you can get peer support from other parents around the world.

Here’s something you’ll like: there are online tools for verifying parenting information you get either offline or on the internet. You can learn more about double-checking the suitability of medications prescribed for your kids by a doctor. This way you ensure that your kids get the medications they need, whenever they need them, and with the accuracy that medical care demands.

3.  Keeping families connected

Busy parents on the move have to work and kids have to go to school. This makes face-to-face interactions in the family unit scarce and far between. Video calling technology is knitting the family unit back together by enabling parents and their kids to “meet” virtually during the day. Not even geographical boundaries can stand in the way of family unity now. Technology has also made it possible for kids to learn from home and parents to work from home. It’s now possible to be a stay-at-home mom or dad and still earn a decent income through freelancing jobs.

4. Fitness Tech

From smart exercise equipment, virtual reality and wellness apps, fitness has gone high tech to provide all the tools your family needs to stay healthy.  Just as learning apps engage kids to learn while having fun, interactive games also incorporate fitness to keep kids on their feet and active instead of sitting in front of a stationary screen for hours.  For the utmost digital experience for your kids, you can consider an Apple Watch or a fitness tracker to enrich their fitness journey.

5. Capturing, storing, accessing, and sharing memories

Smartphones come with advanced cameras, photo editing features, and photo-sharing apps that allow you to document your kid’s life for free. What’s more, cloud storage makes it possible to store and preserve videos/photos eternally. You can access memories stored on the cloud on any device, at any time, and from anywhere on the planet. You don’t need to worry that your phone might get lost with all your valuable memories in it.

6.  Quality family time

Modern gaming apps and consoles allow you to co-play video games with your kid without necessarily being in the same room. You can even play with him/her when stuck in traffic. Video games give you a chance to bond with your kid as you teach him/her good sportsmanship, gaming etiquette, and other life lessons.

Technology has also birthed video streaming services and affordable home theater equipment. You now don’t have to depend on theaters for movies; you can snuggle up with your kid in your home theater as you stream your favorite family movie.

Managing Technology for Desirable Parenting

Excessive use of tech devices can be unhealthy. Children who spend too much time watching TV or playing video games are at risk of developing behavioral and learning difficulties. Unregulated screen time can also lead to obesity due to insufficient physical exercise.

Thankfully, technology gives parents all the tools they need to monitor and regulate their kids’ screen time. You can, for example:

• Schedule screen time using a device management app. You can limit your kid’s screen time for a healthier routine (pediatricians recommend at most an hour daily for kids between 2-5 years). Once the scheduled time elapses, the device locks itself automatically.

• Monitoring device activities using a phone monitoring app. On top of limiting a kid’s screen time, it is also possible to monitor what the kid does on the internet. You get notified when the child downloads an app or joins a platform he/she shouldn’t join. That keeps the child safe from data spies, cyberbullies, and other harmful aspects of technology.

• Installing educational apps. These apps are fun and engaging. They give the kid something constructive to do as opposed to wasting time on undesirable apps.

• Multiple device control technology allows multiple caregivers to monitor what a child does on his/her device. With more eyes on the ball, there’s almost no chance of anything going wrong.

Final word

We’re living in a technology-saturated era; your child will interact with technology one way or the other with or without your approval. Taking a proactive role in the child’s tech life allows you to take charge and strike the right balance of screen time. Remember to encourage the child to exercise and socialize. Over to you, mums and dads!

In today’s high-tech world, kids must have access to computers and other electronic devices in the classroom to have a solid foundation in learning fundamentals. While technology has the potential to benefit students’ educational experiences greatly, teachers may need help to introduce new technologies to their younger children.

Introducing new learning tools to young pupils requires careful planning and execution on the part of educators. This ensures that it’s utilized responsibly and efficiently.

Assemble and Make Arrangements

Be Familiar with the Course Objectives

Teachers need to know what they want to accomplish with their pupils’ newfound access to technology before they introduce it to them. It is vital to choose resources that complement the curriculum and contribute to the learning objectives. Teachers should consider their pupils’ ages and skill levels while deciding on technical resources.

Make a Strategy for Your Technological Needs

Successfully introducing technology to young pupils requires educators to develop an implementation strategy. The learning objectives, the resources, and the method of incorporating them into the curriculum should all be outlined before proceeding.

Teachers must also consider the hardware, software, and other infrastructure components to make their technology strategy a reality.

Preparing Educators and Learners

Successfully incorporating technology into the classroom relies heavily on training both instructors and students. Teachers need instruction in the appropriate use of technology and its incorporation into lesson plans.

Educators also need instruction in the proper use of classroom management software and the proper use of other technological resources. Making sure that teachers and students have access to continuing assistance and training for classroom technology is essential.

Provide a Safe Zone for Technology Implementation

Use Just a Selected Few Technologies at First

It’s important to introduce new technologies gradually, especially to younger pupils, so they don’t get confused by the plethora of options. Teachers should first offer a few technological resources until they see how kids respond. This method will aid pupils in overcoming any initial anxiety they may have about utilizing new technologies.

Establish Objective Standards

To avoid inappropriate use of technology and to guarantee that it is utilized responsibly, it is crucial to establish clear expectations and rules for its usage. Rules for tech usage, such as when it is okay to use it, how to use it responsibly, and how to deal with technological challenges, should be established by educators. Students should be made aware of and held to these standards consistently.

Monitor Usage

Teachers should keep an eye on their pupils’ digital activities to ensure they follow classroom standards. Keeping tabs on how people use technology may point out any issues and provide valuable suggestions for improvement. Effective classroom management software may let teachers keep tabs on students’ digital activities and provide instantaneous critiques.

Encourage Student Engagement in the Classroom

Use Technology to Enhance Learning

Technological tools may greatly facilitate children’s learning, and they can be actively engaged. Teachers should take advantage of technological resources that encourage pupils to study through various methods and approaches.

For instance, with the use of interactive whiteboards, teachers may design exciting classes that include media and student participation.

Foster Cooperation and Conversation

Students’ ability to work together and share knowledge via digital means has the potential to improve both their academic performance and their social development. Collaborative learning is encouraged in the classroom via the use of technological resources like online discussion forums and group projects.

By sharing quality materials, students in different classrooms may benefit from and contribute to one another’s education.

Allow Room for Imagination

Students can use technology to learn how to articulate their ideas and work through problems innovatively. Tools like digital storytelling and multimedia presentations may help teachers foster students’ imaginations and spark new ways of thinking in the classroom. Students may develop their critical reasoning and communication skills while exercising their creativity with these tools.

Conclusion

Planning and executing the introduction of anything new to young pupils is a delicate balancing act. Teachers may effectively integrate technology into the classroom if they first identify learning objectives, develop a technology strategy, and encourage student engagement.

Effective use of technology in the classroom can significantly improve instruction and better prepare students for life in the information age.

Finals week is one of the most stressful times for college students. As a parent, watching your child navigate the pressures of studying for multiple exams, completing assignments, and managing their time is hard. However, you can support your college student during this crucial time in many ways.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips from Dennis Bonnen on supporting your college student during finals week. By following these tips, you can help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety your student may be feeling and provide them with the support they need to thrive during this challenging time.

Encourage Self-Care

Encouraging self-care is one of the ways to support your college student during finals week. Finals week is considered a busy time for students. It is a time when students neglect their physical and mental health to study more. However, taking care of oneself is crucial during this time. Encourage your student to take breaks, get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise. The result of self-care includes reducing stress and anxiety and increasing overall well-being.

Offer Emotional Support

Finals week can be a time of heightened emotions for students. They may feel anxious, stressed, overwhelmed, or even depressed. As a parent, offering emotional support during this time is essential. Listen to your student’s concerns and offer words of encouragement. Say encouraging words, including “You believe in them” and “You’re proud of their hard work.” You can also send care packages or small gifts to show your support and boost their spirits.

Help with Time Management

Managing time is crucial during finals week. Your student may have multiple exams, papers, and projects due simultaneously, together with studying for the final exams. As a result, prioritizing and managing their time is effectively challenging. Offer to help your student create a study schedule or to-do list to help them stay organized and focused. You can also help them break assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks.

Provide Distraction-free Environment

Studying in a noisy or distracting environment can make it difficult for students to focus and retain information. Provide a distraction-free environment for learning. With the proliferation of technology and social media, finding a quiet and focused space to study can be challenging. If your student lives at home, ensure a quiet area to do their review. If they live in a dorm or apartment, suggest they check in the library or find a quiet coffee shop nearby.

Offer to Proofread Paper

Writing papers can be a time-consuming and challenging task for students. Offer to proofread your student’s papers for grammar and spelling errors. You can also offer suggestions for improvement and provide feedback on the content of their papers.

Encourage Proper Sleep

Sleep is especially important for students who are still growing and relying on their brain power to learn. Unfortunately, it’s common for students to sacrifice sleep in favor of late-night studying during finals week.  Optimising sleep is not only vital for overall well-being throughout academic life, a quality sleep routine should be prioritized during peak times of stress as well.

Provide Health Snacks and Meals

Eating healthy can help students feel more energized and focused during finals week. Provide your student with healthy snacks and meals to help them stay nourished and focused. You can also offer to cook them a meal or bring them food from their favorite restaurant.

Celebrate When it’s Over

When finals week is over, it’s important to celebrate your student’s hard work and accomplishments. Plan a special dinner or outing to celebrate their success. Remind them that you appreciate their hard work.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, supporting your college student during finals week can be a challenging but rewarding experience. You can support your student during this critical time by encouraging self-care, offering emotional support, helping with time management, providing a distraction-free environment, offering to proofread papers, providing healthy snacks and meals, and celebrating their success.

By following these tips from Dennis Bonnen, you can help your student succeed academically and emotionally during finals week and beyond.