How to get the

Parents, you love your children. You would do absolutely everything you could to keep them safe in today's world. You make them wear a seatbelt, you ask them to try new foods or finish their vegetables, you encourage them to play outside, you even find yourself up late at night worrying about their growth or eating habits and searching Dr. Google.

So why is parenting on the internet so hard for us to approach with our children? We want to do everything we can to give them an amazing childhood! But the internet is so big and we are so small and it all moves too fast. 

Its easier than you think. Just like any new habit, it takes time. The key? Start small! Pick times like....

• Driving to and from school

• Cleaning up the plates after dinner

• Right before bedtime before prayers

• After you give them a hug and its just the two of you

• When you stop the movie for a halfway through snack and wait for the popcorn to pop in the microwave

• And so many other small moments....

Use those little moments to ask questions that gets you and your child in a conversation that builds up over time. This will give them the tools and power they need to overcome those powerful internet situations. We can't be with them all the time, but we can give them the power to protect themselves! Start with questions like:

• Have you ever seen a picture on someone's phone or the computer that made you feel icky? What did you do? (If they said no, you can follow this up with 'What could you do if you did?')

• What types of things should you never share online?

• What does 'being safe online' mean to you?

• Can you give me an example of someone you consider safe? (think grandparents, parents, trusted family friends)

• What makes technology fun? Is there times when technology is not so fun? Is there a time when you didn't feel safe using technology?

• Do you know what the difference is between a secret and a surprise? Hint: A surprise is something that will make someone happy and everyone will find out eventually, a secret can hurt and is 'never told'. A good rule of thumb: We don't keep secrets in this family. Only surprises!

You can use the above conversation starters to ask your child what they think about when they're using technology. Then you can build on those prompts with your own conversations. Include your experiences with technology, be open and honest with your child about how you love them, want to protect them, and you are both learning together. They need to feel safe with you and they need to understand that you aren't there to punish them, you're there to help empower them.

"I love you. I believe you. Lets figure this out together" - Chris, PYE

You are never in trouble! You are never alone!