Technology Road Map

Enjoy the advantages, so they will experience boundaries and have positive explosure.

Zero & One

• Use the tools, but don't be used by them.
• Connect to other adults. Remember you’re not alone.

One & Two

• Take pictures. Just make sure you don’t miss a real moment to capture a digital one.
• Limit their screen time.
• Purchase the protection plan. It’s hard to get Play-Doh® out of the headset jack.

Three & Four

• Have some screen-free zones and screen-free times at home.
• Play online games together, and occasionally use technology for learning.
• Talk about technology as you use it, or they might assume, “Mom’s just playing a game.”

EMBRACE their physical needs.

Explore the possibilities, so they will understand core values and build online skills.

K & First

• Establish Internet boundaries. Say things like: “Never Google alone.”
• Use technology to share things you enjoy. Share things like old-school music videos.

Second & Third

• Make technology social. Play together and keep the computer in a public place.
• Establish rules for online sharing. Say things like: “Don’t post your home address.”
• Ask three questions about online games: What is the content? What is the commitment? What is the connection?

Fourth & Fifth

• Stay curious. Ask things like: “Have you seen anything online that surprised you?”
• Follow recommended age limits. Know guidelines for apps, networks, and games.
• Talk about four online dangers: Porn, violence, bullying, contact with strangers
• Let them be the technology expert.

ENGAGE their interests.

Collaborate a plan, so they will respect limits and strengthen social abilities.

Sixth

• Have clear limits and expectations for mobile devices.
• Share an iTunes account, and research their apps.
• Leverage technology for your relationship. They may say more in a text than in person.
• Script a response for when you find out something you weren’t expecting.

Seventh & Eighth

• Start social media accounts together. Now it’s legal.
• Follow them (online) respectfully. Say things like: “Am I commenting on your posts too often?”
• Know their passwords. Keep the digital doors unlocked.
• Reinforce basics. Say things like: “Mobile device content is public and can be permanent.”

AFFIRM their personal journey.

Expand their potential, so they will establish personal boundaries and leverage online opportunities.

Ninth

• Rediscover what platforms and apps they are using—weekly.
• Discuss digital content as part of a college application or resume. Say things like: “So, about that picture you posted . . .”

Tenth

• Encourage them to plug into online hobbies. Suggest things like starting a blog or YouTube channel.
• Consider sharing the bill.
• Have clear limits and expectations for technology and driving.

Eleventh

• Familiarize yourself with online education options.
• Never let a high schooler have a dating app.
• Share an online calendar.
• Leverage technology to connect to a bigger cause.

Twelfth

• Dialogue about the future. Say things like: “By the way, colleges and careers monitor what you do online.”

MOBILIZE their potential.