By Edrine Wasswa Mugerwa
Growing up in Ugandan society, our parents relied heavily on traditional values, norms, stories, and songs to ensure we were raised properly. However, in the present day, many parents practice online parenting. Some parents are committed to passing down these traditional values to their children, but the children sometimes see this as old fashioned. On the other hand, some parents embrace the digital age, though they are sometimes labelled as careless. How then can one find a balance between tradition and technology in raising their children?
Traditional parenting
Traditional parenting has been around for a very long time and is believed to help raise responsible and respectful children. This is because it promotes strong family bonds through respect for family and traditions, teaches children resilience by helping them handle problems, and provides a value based upbringing.
Even with its strengths, traditional parenting can sometimes feel too strict for children today. Too many rules may limit children’s ability to express themselves, and they might find it hard to openly share their feelings. Additionally, some traditional ideas may seem outdated and not fit well in today’s fast-changing world.
Digital parenting
Digital parenting helps keep children safe online by setting clear rules and teaching good habits. It gives kids access to useful information that supports learning and creativity. Parents can communicate better with their children about their online experiences. It also helps children develop important skills like critical thinking and digital literacy. Overall, digital parenting guides children to use technology responsibly and wisely.
Common areas of concern in digital parenting include managing excessive screen time, which can affect children’s health, sleep, and social skills. Online safety is a major worry, as children may face cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or contact with strangers. Also, digital addiction and social isolation can result from too much time spent on devices, reducing face-to-face interactions. Parents also struggle with balancing privacy and monitoring, as too much control can harm trust. Lastly, social media pressure can impact children’s self-esteem and mental health, causing anxiety.
When to use which
Traditional parenting works best when children need clear rules and a structured environment to feel safe and understand what is expected. It helps children learn how to be strong and handle tough situations. This style is also good for families who want to pass on important cultural or religious values. By using traditional parenting, parents can protect these values and teach their children to respect them.
Digital parenting is ideal when you want to encourage your child’s creativity and help them develop new skills using technology. It also supports their emotional well-being by paying attention to their mental health and feelings. This parenting style is flexible, making it good for families with different ideas and ways of living. It helps children learn to use technology in a healthy and balanced way.
How to balance the two
Encourage your child to share their thoughts openly while setting clear rules to guide their behaviour. When disciplining, explain the reasons kindly and show understanding of their feelings. Keep family traditions alive to strengthen bonds, such as celebrating Christmas together by preparing a traditional dish, and sharing meals as a family. This helps build trust, respect, and a sense of belonging.
Teach your children important traditional morals and values like love, care, and respect for others. Utilize technology to help them learn about their culture. Remind them to be responsible and respectful when talking to people, both in real life and online. This way, they grow up with strong values and good digital habits.
Set clear limits on fun screen time like TV, games, and social media to avoid too much use. Encourage activities that make your child think and create, such as puzzles or board games.
In conclusion the best advice for new parents is to find what works for your child and fits your family’s values. Every child is different and needs love, attention, guidance, and a safe place to grow. You might use a traditional way, a digital way, or a mix of both, but remember there is no perfect method because parenting is a learning journey. Your style will change as your child grows. No matter what, good parenting always comes down to love and understanding.
The writer is a social worker and counselling psychologist
