athomeparentingwithJoFrost2017 - 31

THE BIG INTERVIEW

TALK TECH
If you need to be away
from your children for long
periods, Jo advises setting
a regular date and

detaches us as a family, rather
than attaching us. The more
mindful we are, the less dependent
we will become on using these
devices as emotional crutches.'

time for video and
regular calls.

acceptance is important; many of them
care about their image and being popular
may count for more than being real.
'Social media can create a false sense
of someone's life and personality, leaving
those viewing it feeling inadequate.
'But the more time you spend trying to
be someone else, the harder it's going
to be to feel good about being yourself.
'This is why it is important for parents
to be savvy about social media so that the
content on these networks can be used
to enhance your teenager's development,
not hinder it instead.'

Q

Q

A

A

WHAT ROLE DO
YOU THINK SOCIAL
MEDIA PLAYS WITH
TEENAGERS SUFFERING
WITH ANXIETY AND
DEPRESSION ISSUES?

'Adolescence is an important period
of rapid development and social
media has become an integral part of a
teenager's life - but I do believe it lowers
self-esteem and increases anxiety.
'There is no question about it, children
are missing out on critical social skills by
being less attuned in reading social cues.
'Messages that are communicated
online may not be clear and can make
it harder to develop new friendships
and maintain them. It strips out a lot
of personal interaction that can make
things fun and also scary.
'For example, it is easier to keep your
guard up when you are texting, because
you can't actually see the effect your
words are having on someone else.
'It is also at a time when teenagers
are developing their identities. Peer

'I STILL BELIEVE IN
THE IMPORTANCE OF
CHILDREN LEARNING
RIGHT AND WRONG'

SHOULD KIDS
HELP OUT WITH
WORK AROUND
THE HOUSE AND OTHER
COMMON CHORES?

'Yes, I think it is important
to give your children a sense
of responsibility and to be a part of
contributing towards the family.
'It gives children a sense of pride in
completing their tasks at hand. It also
teaches them about a work ethic, and
coming together, and in order for this to
be effective we must be realistic of our
expectations when delegating chores.'

Q
A

DO YOU STILL
BELIEVE IN THE
'NAUGHTY STEP'?

'If you are asking if I believe in the
importance of children learning
the difference between right and wrong;
and instilling the importance of them
taking the responsibility for their actions;
and following through with a course
of action that teaches a child about the
consequences for their actions when they
have done wrong... then absolutely!
'Whether this is done via using the
"naughty step" or privilege removal is
inevitably a parent's individual choice.'

Q

IS IT IMPORTANT
FOR PARENTS
TO ACT LIKE THEY
ARE BEST FRIENDS WITH
THEIR CHILDREN?

A

'I think parents need to be parents
to their kids. As they grow up to
become young adults, then children can
appreciate a relationship that makes
them feel like they are best friends
with their parents. This enables >
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