On the Other Side of the Screen. 5 Stories to Help Build Healthier Relationships with Gadgets

Modern children often start using a phone or tablet earlier than they learn to brush their teeth or tie their shoelaces. The bright interactive world on the screen captivates the child, and soon they lose interest in occupying themselves, exploring the world, and creating. How can we help children build harmonious relationships with gadgets without yelling and quarreling? Experienced child psychologist Elena Buryeva has devised five engaging stories that will help parents and children establish a better relationship with gadgets. Each story addresses everyday situations familiar to modern children: Masha is arguing with her mom because she turns off the cartoons, Vova doesn’t know what to do when he isn’t given a phone, Mark refuses to eat without a tablet, etc. Together with the characters in these stories, readers can understand the importance of limiting time spent in the virtual world and find a balance between the digital and real worlds. Additionally, the book contains ideas for joint leisure activities without using technology. Such activities will help not only to bring children and parents closer but also to visibly demonstrate to the child that life can be interesting even without gadgets. Modern children cannot be forbidden to use technology, but we can show them that it is just one facet of life, not life itself.