6 Ways to Bond With Your Kids Over Tech Time

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In today’s tech-focused society, many parents are on a mission to find ways to draw their child away from too much “tech time” and get them to engage in other ways.

While there is certainly merit in spending time together without the distractions caused by our devices, there are also plenty of ways you can actually use technology to strengthen your bond with your child through your smartphones, tablets, and computers.

Not sure how tech time can help you grow closer? Try out some of these ideas.

Sure-Fire Ways to Bond with Your Child During Tech Time

1) Play video games together.

Many parents might balk at the idea of grabbing a controller or mobile device and joining their child for a video game session, but this can be a great way to score some quality time and bond with your son or daughter.

Get them to show you the ropes and explain how the game works, then enjoy a little friendly competition or collaboration – depending on the game! You might be surprised to see how much fun you have.

Right now, my son is really loving his Meta Quest 3 VR headset, and even though video games aren't really my favorite thing to do, you should see his face when he gets to show me his games or what he's been up to (or gets me in the headset so he can laugh at me playing). It's been much more of a bonding experience than I realized, because I am showing interest in what he loves (and can therefore carry on better conversations with him about it!).

Apps can also be a big hit, and a great opportunity to unwind together. Check out THIS LIST for fun tech time apps you can play together as a family.

2) Fitness Meets Tech: Move Together as a Family

Who says screen time has to mean sitting still? With the right tools, technology can help your family stay active and have fun together.

Apps and games like Just Dance or Beat Saber turn fitness into an exciting activity, encouraging everyone to move while laughing and bonding over the shared experience. Platforms like Ring Fit Adventure or family-friendly YouTube workouts add a sense of adventure and challenge, making exercise something your kids look forward to instead of dread.

My personal favorite fitness app is Les Mills Plus; they have some great workouts on the platform the entire family can get into! (Les Mills is what got me started in my journey as a fitness instructor during my high school years—love them!)

You can also use fitness trackers or step-counting apps to set family goals and celebrate milestones together. Turn an ordinary walk or bike ride into a tech-powered adventure with apps like Geocaching or Pokemon GO, where the whole family can explore while staying active. These activities show your kids that fitness can be fun, and you’ll be modeling a healthy lifestyle while strengthening your bond.

3) Make a movie

Using your smart phone’s video camera, work with your child to make a short movie! Take a documentary-style approach and record your family going through their normal routines, or go all-out and create a script, characters, and a story to tell! Once you’re done filming, have fun with an editing program on your computer to add in sound effects and fun visuals – then invite the whole family to watch!

Each year, I work to turn the family videos we've taken into a movie of family memories we all watch on New Year's Eve. The kids LOVE this tradition, and it would be a great project for you to try and get your kids working on this year!

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Best Video Editing Apps and Tools for Kids

4) Listen to an audiobook or podcast

I love sharing classic stories with my kids (and now that they are older, they discover new stories and share them with me!). Using audiobooks, we can visit new worlds without the risk of me falling asleep reading aloud. We discuss the themes of the stories, questions we have and our favorite characters. One bonus is my kids and I can listen while we do other things. We enjoy coloring or building Legos with a story playing in the background. Or we listen in the car.

Lately, we've been preferring podcasts over lengthy books. We can finish one in an afternoon of driving to and from sports. Or in the half-hour of family time before bed. You can find a list of kid-friendly podcasts HERE and HERE.

5) Find Youtube channels to enjoy together.

If it’s been a while since you’ve looked at YouTube, you might be surprised by the sheer amount of well-curated content you’ll find there. From cooking shows and DIY instructions to celebrity vlogs and kid-friendly programs, you can search for – and find – virtually anything you want to watch. Spend some time surfing YouTube with your little one and see if you can find a fun new channel to watch together.

Want to make sure your kids stay safe on YouTube? Check out THIS POST to learn how to set up parental controls.

6) Communicate often.

Communication is key to staying close and forging strong family bonds as your kids' tech time increases. If your child has a cell phone, don’t be afraid to text often. It’s an easy way to check in, make plans, offer encouragement, and get information. And when the kids are at a slumber party, off at summer camp, or visiting Grandma for a week? Use Facetime or another video chatting platform to stay closely connected.

One of my daughters finds it easiest to express her feelings by writing. We do have a notebook that we pass back and forth when she wanted to vent. Another fun, techie option is to use Discord or Messenger Kids. When upset, she can take a self-forced chill time in her room and message me as she processes her emotions.

Board games and family dinners are still great ways to connect and stay close as a family, but with the rise of technology, it’s important to find ways to embrace the tools at our disposal and use them to our advantage – not push them away. These are just a handful of ways you can make technology work in your favor and use it to grow closer with your children.

Tell me … what ways have you used “tech time” to bond with your kids? Leave a comment and let me know!

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• How I Stopped Micro-Managing My Kids' Tech Time
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