Page 206 - Resources and Support for the Online Educator

Chapter 7 • Household Guidelines

Keeping the Guidelines Positive

I could write an entire book based solely on scenarios. I mentioned a few here
to get your mind thinking about things you might encounter or may have
already encountered. After you’ve discussed the scenarios with your kids and
brainstormed ideas around how to handle specific situations, you should then
work on making a set of actual guidelines.

For the sake of your sanity and also to make these rules easier to follow, I
would suggest limiting the household rules to no more than 10, and if possible,
try to whittle it down to 4 to 6 rules. One way to do this is by grouping some
rules into a general rule or guideline. Having two rules that say “No screen
time after 9 p.m.” and “Limit binge watching to no more than 2 hours with
breaks” can be combined into a single rule that states, “Be aware of screen
time and its effect on my mental and physical health.”

Keeping the rule more general doesn’t take away from the discussion or
brainstorming of scenarios behind it. Also, giving it a more positive spin
rather than saying “Limit your screen time” makes it more impactful and
easier to adhere to. A child choosing to break that rule does so knowing that
it’s affecting their brain and decreasing physical movement because it’s stated
in the rule.

Some other good ones I’ve seen used include:

“Technology and online behavior are always out in the open.” (helps to
keep devices out of from behind closed doors and also opens up what they
are posting online)

“I’m respectful of others’ time and traditions.” (helps with empathy about
restrictions others may have and also not texting/calling at all hours of the
night)

“Be kind to others.” (helps with both online and real-life behaviors)

“Be positive with my words and actions” (keeps drama to a minimum as
well as potential bullying or shaming online)

86 Mobile Learning Mindset: The Parent’s Guide to Supporting Digital Age Learners

Mobile Learning Mindset: The Parent’s Guide to Supporting Digital-Age Learners 206