Improve Communication With Your Children By Using Social Media.

A study of nearly 500 families found that teenagers who interact with their parents online are more likely to be generous, kind, and helpful to others.

According to this new research from Brigham Young University, children who are positively connected to their parents on social media feel closer to them in real life.

The study also showed that families feel more connected, as social media provides them with opportunities to give positive feedback and show affection.

Keep in mind, however, that your children have their own opinions, likes, and dislikes. Even if their opinion may not align with yours, it does not mean they are wrong. Becoming an active friend on their social media, and allowing monitored freedom, can be a great way for you to be involved more in their life - children want to be close to their family. 

Below are some tips on how you can use social media to gain insight into your family, keep the lines of communication open, and balance freedom and safety:

Tip #1: Interact and Monitor – Take an active role and remember there's no need to comment on every post. Do not embarrass your children or get too personal. More frequent positive interactions will lead to more family closeness. Liking and sharing their posts will offer encouragement.

Tip #2: Open Communications – If you need to intervene, remember to stay calm and be direct with your concerns to ensure that you handle the situation correctly.

Tip #3: Have Fun – Make social media a great way for you and your children to communicate. Keep it social and fun and be respectful of their feelings. Letting your children know that you are there for them is an excellent step towards building a better relationship.

Social networking is relatively harmless for the most part. However, the study did reveal that overall social networking use, independent of parental use, was associated with certain negative outcomes for teenagers, such as higher rates of aggressiveness and internalizing behavior.  Therefore, it's important to stay involved with your children, keep up to date on social networking trends, and know where your children are.

Having a great mindset and enjoying more experiences with your children in new media will strengthen bonds that are already there.

Happy Holidays.

Warmest, Izzy. 

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Note: The study was published online July 11 in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking.