Hi

Today, will share with you on warning signs of computer addition.In this present computer age, both adults and children are faced with “dangers”.  Besides   searching for information and doing online projects, they are also exposed to:

• Gaming
• Blogging
• Pornography
• Infringement of copyrights for downloading or movies/songs/others

Warning signs of computer addiction:

1. Do you often find yourself staying online longer than intended?
2. Do you often neglect school work or other social activities to spend more time online?
3. Do you often form new relationships with fellow online users?
4. Do your family members often complain to you about the amount of time you are spending online?
5. Has your academic performance suffer because of the Internet activities?
6. Do you become defensive or secretive when anyone ask you what you do online?
7. Do you often block out disturbing thoughts about your life with soothing thoughts of the Internet?
8. Do you often anticipate when you will go online again?
9. Do you often fear that life without the Internet would be boring, empty, colourless and joyless?
10. Do you often snap, yell or act annoyed if someone bothers you when you are online?
11. Do you often feel preoccupied with the Internet when offline or fantasize about being online? Depressed, moody and nervous when offline?
12. Do you often say “just a few more minutes” when online?
13. Do you often try to cut down the amount of time spent online and fail?
14. Do you often try to hide how long you have been online?
15. Do you often choose to spend more time online than going out with others?

If you answer to above questions is more than 8, then you or your children are definitely addicted to the computer. n

Consequences of Addiction 

• It will destroy the family relationship, especially with loved ones
• It makes one lose touch with reality, that is where to draw the boundary line between virtual world and reality.
• It brings unhappiness - a thrill that NEVER satisfies you enough
• It has negative consequences, that is you reap what you sow.  Example, by neglecting your studies, you would expect only poor results.
• This will definitely destroy your future, goals and plans.  It is a high price to pay.

 Practical strategies to prevent or counter computer addiction

• Keep the computer in a place accessible to all
• Agree to a time limit for computer use outside school/work hours
• Deploy quality time away from the computer - pursue common interests/hobbies and sports with friends and relatives

So Singapore parents, hope you find the above tips useful.  If you suspect your child or spouse is inclined to computer addiction, ACT NOW before it is too late.

Today, would like to share with Singapore parents on LISTEN techniques:

Lead by example

This refers to parents should say what they mean.  More often than not, children imitate their parents a lot.  If parents say one thing and do another, the child will be confused.  Then, how do you expect them to listen to you?? 

Instill right values

This refers to values like respect, mannerism and simple social ethics.  Again, children mirror how parents deal with other people.  By instilling the right values from young, children will be more willing to listen to you. 

Story-telling

All children love story telling.  Through story telling, parents can teach them moral values.  This is one good and fun way to get their attention to listen to you.  While they enjoy the story, parents can also get their message across. 

Talk in positive tone

Very often, parents will tell their children: “Don’t do this” or “You should not do that”.  How about using the positive tone like:  “It would be nice if you can . . . “ or “Mummy or daddy would happy if you can. . .”  Alternatively, using the questions to draw positive reply: “Wouldn’t it be great if you can . . .?” or “It would be fantastic if you can . . ., isn’t it right?”  

Exert authority

There will be times when the child simply refuses to listen or throw tantrum.  Then, that’s where parents can exert their authority.  However, do talk to him when he has quiet down,  If need be, explain the reason for your action. 

Note good behaviour

When your child does something good, do acknowledge and give praise.  Then, he will be encouraged to repeat the same behaviour.  Sometimes, action speaks louder – give him a pat or reward with gift if occasion merits it.