Tips on How to Talk to Your Kids About Online Interactions

Tips on How to Talk to Your Kids About Online Interactions

By Monica Schultz

Stay calm and check your emotions at the door. It’s best to approach your child with a calm demeanor and maintain it throughout the interaction. Overreaction on your part will impact them; they may react with a guarded response, or shut down completely.

Body language is important. Position yourself in a comfortable , friendly position with your child, rather than a confrontive or antagonistic stance. Uncross your arms and relax your facial muscles. Ask them if it’s a good time to talk. Ask for their attention: “Can we turn this game/television off for a minute? Sit side-by-side instead of standing over them.

Recognize that this will be a series of ongoing conversations. Once is not enough. If their attention wanders, ask “Can we talk about this again sometime?”