Being a Parent in the Digital Age

The mission and vision of Hemlock Public School District are to Innovate – Collaborate – Educate, A Community of Learners! We, at Hemlock Public School District, are here to serve and support our parent partners in this journey as you raise your child from infancy to adulthood.

Board of Education President, Dr. Ellison said, “Children today are learning a whole new set of skills than previous generations. Hemlock is ready to provide them with what they need.”

We often hear from parents, "It's not like it was when I was a kid," and oh boy are they right! In so many ways, the world we lived in is very different from the one we grew up in just a short time ago. We, as parents, are raising digital natives, and we are the immigrants, finding ourselves at times in need of mentors and role models.

 Here are five + things to keep in mind, as you parent. 

  • Filter your Internet. Make sure you are in control of what content your child(ren) is accessing while surfing the world wide web.
  • Make time for real time. Limit the amount of screen time your child has in a day so that their day may include things like reading (even if it is on a screen), playing board games, doing a puzzle, or playing outside!
  • Let them sleep.  Let your child sleep without the disruption of a cell phone or personal device by their side, have them plug them in a common area or even a secure location.
  • Be a role model. As tough as it is to resist picking up your phone or device every 2 minutes, set an example for your child(ren) with a healthy, clearly defined boundaries for technology.
  • Technology is different, but humanity is not. The core of who we are has not changed despite the technology revolution.

 +     Teach delayed gratification.  In an instant world, it is essential for children to understand how to delay gratification and work toward bigger and better rewards.

Superintendent Killingbeck noted, “The most successful people of this next generation will have the tech skills of their peers and the good graces of their grandparents, they will be able to shake hands, look people in the eyes, and make real-life connections."