Kids, Gadgets, And Effective Time Out

Parents use their gadgets as a way to pacify their crying child. It’s no longer surprising to see a two-year old navigate mobile apps. Before they even learn how to write, they are already familiar with switching from one app to another. Though it may be amazing to see kids become so familiar with technology, excessive use of gadgets may cause developmental problems in them.

Image source: freemake.com

Gadget use of children is not altogether bad. Its excessiveness is what’s alarming for parents and doctors alike. Just like with any other toy, if you take it away from them, they may cry, throw a tantrum, or plead to you until you give it back. Some parents are accused of being lazy for not being strict enough to implement rules for the kid’s use of the gadget. In order to prevent tantrums and loud cries, parents offer their phones to the kid to keep him quiet. This may have an affect on how they deal with people in the future.

Parents should set an example when it comes to using gadgets. If you’re glued to your phone, your child might just become like you. Spend more time with them and let them know that there are other ways to play and have fun. If possible, refrain from using your phone when you’re together. Nothing beats human interaction.

Image source: babyns.com

Be sure to be the parent in every situation. Gadget use requires your permission. Set a time for their use, and be strict in following it. Teach them the importance of moderation. Start them young by teaching them how to control their urges to use the gadget as excessive could be harmful to them.

If excessive use continues, it might be time for a time out. Digital detox would allow them to explore various activities different from gadget use. Doing it with them may encourage them to keep at it to lessen their gadget use. Explain to them that what you’re doing is for their growth, and let them experience that it is your role, as the parent, to oversee their development.

Alpman Ilker here. I’m a general contractor in Denver, Colorado, but I prioritize my family more than my job and my hobbies. Follow this blog for similar posts.

Parks And Recreation: Colorado Parks The Family Will Enjoy

Colorado is home to millions of acres of parks (national, state, and other little-known ones) waiting to be explored. The good news is that adults aren’t the only ones who can enjoy them; they can also bring their kids to introduce to them the wonders of the outdoors.

Image source: nataliechampajennings.com

Some perfect getaways in the Centennial State where families can spend the day together are the following:

Palmer Park 

Located in the heart of suburban area of Colorado Springs is the 730-acre Palmer Park. And even with the busy backdrop, the elevation variation, vast expanse, and abundance of flora and fauna make the park’s visitors feel like they are in the wilderness. It is a great place for families to bond with one another because of the many facilities in the park, including a playground, pavilions for picnicking, sports fields, among others.

Scott Carpenter Park

This Colorado park is named after Boulder-native Scott Carpenter, a NASA astronaut. Installed in the park are space-themed equipment and a rocket-shaped jungle gym that children would enjoy. There is also an outdoor pool for those who want to cool down while basking in the view of the Flatiron Mountains.

Breckenridge Summer Fun Park

Families looking for an adventure should go to Breckenridge Summer Fun Park as there are plenty of amenities that the kids would surely love to ride, such as roller coasters, slides, human maze, zip line, and many others.

Image source: boulder-colorado-travel.com

Hello there, family man Alpman Ilker here. I work in the construction industry and I am a guy of many hobbies, but I’m a firm believer that family should come first, which is why I love spending time with my wife and two children. Learn more about fatherhood by visiting this LinkedIn page.

Family Night: Good Movies To Watch With The Family

Working as a contractor makes me too busy with work that I sometimes forget to give time to my children. We hold family nights to strengthen our bond. It also helps me keep my mind off work and just relax. Below are some of our family’s favorite movies to watch.

Image source: contentful.com

Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo is a classic Pixar movie. I enjoy it as much as the kids. It has a good story, and the movie is focused on a dad-child relationship so it’s kind of a good reminder for me as well.

The Harry Potter series

We once had a Harry Potter themed family night. We watched all 8 movies in the span of a month. It was fun because we looked forward for our next family night after each movie.

How to Train Your Dragon

If your kids love adventures, this one is a must to have in your collection. It has good humor and good moral story. The scenes are also great enough for adults to enjoy.

Image source: thenullset.files.wordpress.com

Up

Another Pixar classic – you won’t go wrong with Pixar movies. This movie makes me think of my retirement every time we watch it. My son Tom, loves this movie.

Alpman Ilker here. I’m a family man working as a contractor. I own a ’67 Ford Falcon which I plan to completely restore. Let’s talk about classic cars, add me on Facebook.

Dad matters: Why father-and-child relationships are important

Fatherhood does not stop in procreation. In fact, it is the start of a long journey full of challenges. Stereotypes about (young) fathers exist until today. People think they are immature, lacking compassion, or downright lazy. However, fathers play a very important role in the development of their children. Here’s why.
 

Image source: pinterest.com

Fathers are a figure of discipline and care. 

Children who have an excellent relationship with their fathers are less likely to rebel when they’re older. They know that their fathers are watching over them, and they dislike the thought of disappointing their parents. Children with involved fathers also have a higher sense of self-esteem and good academic achievement.  

Fathers influence relationships. 

 Ever heard of the term “daddy issues?” Women who did not have a great father figure while growing up sometimes end up looking for attention from someone who treated them like their father—abusive or disinterested. Men who grew up without fathers are most likely to be abusive or looking for multiple partners. However, those who experienced the love of their fathers value relationships more. Women will look for a partner with the same traits like their father, and men will treat their family with care and respect. 

Fathers bring encouragement to their children 

While having a mother is something that should not be overlooked, the involvement of the father encourages the child to do better. Dads encourage their kids through play, stories, and even just their mere presence. The fact that children know their dads are around gives them courage and faith that is immeasurable.   

Image source: fathers.com

Hi, I’m Alpman Ilker. I may have worn different hats in this lifetime, but my favorite is being a father to my kids, Sarah and Tom. Read more about fatherhood by visiting this blog.

Some Great Suggestions To Spice Up Family Night

It’s the little things that count.  This applies to almost everything but has particular importance in family nights.  The routine can be draining, so parents should try spicing it up a little.  Just a little change here and there can make a ton of difference. Listed below are a few suggestions:



Camp inside:  If this sounds crazy, then it’s worth it.  Most parents dread the camping experience because of the dirt and the outdoor setup.  There is an alternative: camping in the living room. Children are not particularly interested in where their camps are; it’s more of the experience that matters to them.  Parents can drag out sleeping bags or line a tent with fairy lights.  Doing this inside the home also has the added advantage of being near a toilet and having ready access to food.

Image Source: thechoppingblock.com

Listen and draw:  Try listening to audio books together with your family.  While the story is being dictated, children can draw individually about what they "see."  Not only will this get them to concentrate but makes them remember the story better.  Children who grow up with books are often reported to do better in school.



Cooking night:  If there is movie night, there can be a cooking night.  Children love to get their hands dirty, and this is a fun way for them to have fun while doing something productive.   Allocate tasks suitable for your children’s age.

Image Source: momtastic.com

Remember that these family nights shape your child’s future.  They may seem tiresome and stressful at the time, but they are often recalled with loving nostalgia later.



Alpman Ilker considers himself a family man.  As much as he can, he spends time with his wife and children.  For more information, follow him on Twitter.

Raising Kids In The Age Of Technology And Social Media

Technology for the most part has been remarkable in improving the quality of life of people. Gadgets and the internet can surely help children in many ways, too, as with long-distance communication, research, and apps that aid in education and learning.

But there are instances when technology can be problematic. There are all kinds of content online, and some of the more disconcerting issues brought about by the internet and social media include cyberbullying, sexual harassment, and pornography. Smartphones and tablets can also distract kids when they need to focus, like in studying.

Image source: akeynotespeaker.com

It is important to keep kids abreast with modern times and to help them learn how to use technology, but as with anything, parents need to provide guidance. Setting rules is one way to moderate. For example, using the tablet for games and social apps can be limited to certain hours, like in the evening after homework. It is up to the parent at what age they think social media is appropriate, but Facebook and Instagram require at least 13 years old.

Image source: blogz.kidzcentralstation.com

The parent also has to set an example by not being hooked to their devices either. Show the kids the importance of face-to-face interaction and the value in experiencing life outside of virtual reality.

I am Alpman Ilker. I work as a general contractor in Denver, but my family is the top of my priority. For more posts about family life lessons, like my Facebook page.

Hobbies That Should be Introduced to Children

Childhood is a very important stage in life. This is when children develop many qualities that will determine what kind of grown-ups they will be. Here are a few of the best hobbies children should be exposed to.

Martial Arts
Martial arts programs for children are all over the place. These are good places to start because they instill the essential qualities of discipline, self-confidence, and patience in children. Children who’ve gone through martial arts training are less likely to get affected by bullying, and have been known to be more emotionally stable.

Image source: allbestmma.com

Music
Music is amazing for children because it opens a whole new world for them. They learn the beauty of songs that they only sing or dance to. They develop a sense of rhythm (which is a very underrated quality). And learning how play an instrument is a skill they can bring with them the rest of their lives.

Image source: parenting-blog.net

Swimming
Learning how to swim has two very important purposes – the actual learning how to swim itself, which is a very practical life skill, and the conquering of fear. The first few lessons can be terrifying for children. But once they get their feet paddling and they can do the different strokes and breathe in between, children are gifted with courage they’ve never known before then.

Alpman Ilker is a true blue family man from Denver, CO. He loves all kinds of family activities with his wife, their two kids, and Doug, their golden retriever. Learn more about fun family activities by subscribing to this Twitter account.