I'm also going to add some homeschool family perspective, as a father with several children. Hopefully this is helpful for other parents or soon-to-be parents.
Although there are basics, there truly is not a one-size fits all, even in a single family. From the start, our 2nd had a drastically different personality than our 1st, for example. Doesn't mean that you parent differently necessarily, but it's always a good idea to allow for an open perspective, especially when talking with other parents. Not only are people touchy about how they parent, there are simply many variables when it comes to being intentional about your family. It's okay to have different ways of doing it.
That said, as a traditionally-minded homeschooled household, I'll share what's worked for us.
We have only introduced technology in a limited, time-based, supervised capacity. The focus is on using it as an educational or research tool. Our children are not even aware social media or Youtube really exists. So, for example, we have done small tech projects to understand how things work (Arduino weather station, etc) or also, they're allowed to look online at pictures of dog breeds to their heart's content.
Having a background in linguistics and tech, with LLMs, I'm far more hesitant. Like with social media, I do wonder if we really understand yet how it might affect young minds. Of course, there are also the more Orwellian and political/ethical dynamics involved too.
Instead, we've focused heavily on reading and critical thinking skills, as well as them having a chance to have real conversations with adults. They regularly check out 50 books at a time from the library. Our children will likely graduate college at 16yo. They love learning and can have engaging conversations on difficult topics...with people of every age.
You might hear it in my voice, but it's hard not to be proud of this, especially in this day and age.
Anyway, two other tech questions simply to provoke thought...
- When did you first enroll your children in facial recognition profiling and tracking?
- When did you introduce firearms education to them?
- Make time for your partner.
Both to continue nurturing your relationship, give each other alone time, and keep communication open (and on a relaxed tone). I cannot stress this enough.
- Set routines early.
Even before our kids slept through the night, we started routines. You don't have to go crazy. Bath-time at Xpm, reading by Xpm, sleep by Xpm. Does wonders as they age.
- Sounds silly, but understand every kid is different.
You'd be surprised how much their personalities seem formed even as tiny babies. What works for one kid might not work for another, even though you figure out strategies. (Ex. reverse psychology really does work at 7y for some reason).
- No one gives you a blueprint. Don't beat yourself up.
Accept now that your actions will have unintended consequences. My wife and I are very intentional about our parenting because of bad upbringings. When you screw up, acknowledged where it was and what you can do in the future, but give yourself some leeway. It's not like they give us rule-books for this stuff.
- Find a support ASAP.
Most parents I know have almost no support, and it shows. If your parents or grandparents or other family are there, speak up when you need help. Someone doing your dishes or giving you a night off is big. But cars will break down, you'll wonder how you're going to juggle everything. Find people you can trust.
- Read early and read often.
Self-explanatory. Our kids are insane readers because we read to them constantly from the beginning. Whenever they wanted.
I'm also going to add some homeschool family perspective, as a father with several children. Hopefully this is helpful for other parents or soon-to-be parents.
Although there are basics, there truly is not a one-size fits all, even in a single family. From the start, our 2nd had a drastically different personality than our 1st, for example. Doesn't mean that you parent differently necessarily, but it's always a good idea to allow for an open perspective, especially when talking with other parents. Not only are people touchy about how they parent, there are simply many variables when it comes to being intentional about your family. It's okay to have different ways of doing it.
That said, as a traditionally-minded homeschooled household, I'll share what's worked for us.
We have only introduced technology in a limited, time-based, supervised capacity. The focus is on using it as an educational or research tool. Our children are not even aware social media or Youtube really exists. So, for example, we have done small tech projects to understand how things work (Arduino weather station, etc) or also, they're allowed to look online at pictures of dog breeds to their heart's content.
Having a background in linguistics and tech, with LLMs, I'm far more hesitant. Like with social media, I do wonder if we really understand yet how it might affect young minds. Of course, there are also the more Orwellian and political/ethical dynamics involved too.
Instead, we've focused heavily on reading and critical thinking skills, as well as them having a chance to have real conversations with adults. They regularly check out 50 books at a time from the library. Our children will likely graduate college at 16yo. They love learning and can have engaging conversations on difficult topics...with people of every age.
You might hear it in my voice, but it's hard not to be proud of this, especially in this day and age.
Anyway, two other tech questions simply to provoke thought...
- When did you first enroll your children in facial recognition profiling and tracking?
- When did you introduce firearms education to them?
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